Staying organized, staying sane

Throughout the wedding planning process, you will discuss and ultimately decide on many details with your partner, vendors, friends and family members. Keep track of the information in a notebook or binder. Use or create tabs to organize it by sections so you can easily find what you need when you need it. Make it a size that’s easy to transport, as it will likely not leave your side until after the wedding.

Following is a standard checklist to start with — you may want to add your own special details to the list.

Six months or more prior

n Announce your engagement to family and friends.

n Create a budget.

n Set a wedding date or season.

n Select the wedding party.

n Choose invitations.

n Select gowns and tuxedos.

n Register a name for your wedding website.

n Visit ceremony, rehearsal dinner and reception sites.

n Interview caterers, photographers, videographers, florists, performing artists and musicians.

n Order passports and check immunization if leaving the country.

Three to six months prior

n Contact photographer, caterer, cake baker, florist, musicians, performing artists and transporters.

n Schedule fittings for you and attendants.

n Finalize rentals and site for ceremony, reception and rehearsal dinner.

n Select wedding rings.

n Finalize music selection.

n Start selecting flowers.

n Finalize honeymoon and transportation plans (commercial or private). Get it in writing so no one is confused and late.

Two to three months prior

n Register for wedding gifts at the stores of your choice.

n Send invitations.

n Complete guest list.

n Reserve block of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests.

n Update your website with directions and hotel information.

n Set hair, nail and makeup appointments for wedding day and bridal portrait.

n Arrange care for pets if necessary.

n Get marriage license and get forms for name change if necessary.

One week prior

n Complete ceremony and reception seating.

n Pack for honeymoon.

n Provide “special request” photo and music lists for photographer, videographer and ceremony and reception musicians.

n Remind attendants to pick up their formal wear.

n Finalize guest list and give to caterer or reception management.

n Assign transportation of gifts, guest book, personal belongings and return of groom’s tuxedo.

n Arrange for post office to hold mail.

n Make spa appointment for wedding party for massage, manicures and pedicures.

Wedding Day Eve

n Distribute wedding day schedule to wedding party.

n Attend wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.

n Nap, rest easy because all is well.