10 to 12 months before

Announce your engagement.

Set a date for the wedding.

Create a budget based on the style, scale, setting and degree of formality of the wedding you want.

Select a color scheme.

Choose a qualified wedding planner. Click here for wedding planners

Select attendants, best man and ushers.

Begin shopping for your gown, headpiece and accessories. Click here for bridal apparel & accessories

Have engagement pictures taken. Click here for photographers

Select and reserve your...

Ceremony site. Click here for ceremony sites
Reception site. Click here for reception sites
Clergy. Click here for officiants
Caterer. Click here for caterers
Photographer. Click here for photographers
Videographer. Click here for videographers
Musician(s). Click here for music & entertainment
Florist. Click here for florists
Store(s) for bridal registry. Click here for gifts & registries

6 to 10 months before

Decide on the number of guests. Start compiling a list with names and addresses and ask both sets of parents to do the same.

Select and order bridesmaids’ gowns. Click here for bridal apparel & accessories

Select and order groomsmen’s attire. Click here for tuxedos

Coordinate mothers’ dresses. Click here for bridal apparel & accessories

Coordinate fathers’ attire. Click here for tuxedos

Send engagement notices to your local newspapers.

Select music for ceremony and reception.

Send your out-of-town guests information packets that include “save the date” cards with hotel, car rental, listings of local attractions and other visitor information.

Order your invitations, matchbooks, napkins, programs, etc. Click here for invitations & stationery

Reserve rental items for ceremony and reception. Click here for party supplies & rentals

4 to 6 months before

Purchase your wedding rings. Order engraving. Click here for rings & jewelry

Finalize honeymoon plans. Click here for travel planners

Arrange wedding-night accommodations for the two of you. Click here for accommodations

Order your wedding cake. Click here for cakes

Reserve transportation to the ceremony, reception and after the reception for you and wedding party. Click here for limousines

Start addressing envelopes.

2 to 4 months before

If you plan on having a wedding shower, discuss dates and themes with maid of honor and best man.

Plan bridesmaids’ party. Click here for bridal showers & parties

Make name and address changes on charge cards, driver’s license, etc.

Buy gifts for attendants, parents and fiancé. Click here for gifts & registries

Purchase wedding shoes; begin breaking them in. Click here for bridal apparel & accessories

Ask relatives and friends to help at wedding and reception.

Select ceremony readings and write personal vows.

Consult with florist, photographer, DJ, band, etc. to confirm contracts and be sure communication is clear and requests are understood.

Make appointments for hair, manicure and make-up. Click here for beauty & health

6 to 8 weeks before

Confirm hotel reservations for out-of-town guests and your own wedding night. Click here for accommodations

Mail the invitations. Include a map and travel and accommodation information.

Begin planning for the wedding rehearsal and choose a rehearsal dinner site. Click here for restaurants

Confirm honeymoon travel plans.

Set up new bank account.

Pick up the rings and check the engravings.

Have the final fittings for your gown and the attendants’ dresses.

Arrange to have the gowns and bridesmaids' dresses pressed.

Get your marriage license. Click here for information about Alaska marriage licenses

3 to 6 weeks before

Plan seating arrangements at the ceremony and reception.

Let DJ/live band know of special songs you would like played.

Arrange for gown, bouquet and/or cake preservation.

Do a trial run at the hair stylist; include your hairpiece.

Write thank-you notes as you receive gifts. Click here for invitations & stationery

2 weeks before

Arrange health and life insurance policies or make changes to existing policies to specify new beneficiaries, etc.

Submit change of address to the post office.

Prepare payment envelopes for fees and gratuities: clergy, soloist, hotel staff, etc.

Put someone in charge of transporting gifts to the proper location at the end of the event.

Give photographer and videographer list of “must-have” shots.

1 week before

Submit final guest count to the caterer and confirm all details.

Review details and timetables with all vendors. Provide them a contact name, arrival time and where to set up.

Write and mail a note to both sets of parents, thanking them for their love and support.

Put together everything you’ll need for the wedding day, including jewelry, an extra pair of pantyhose, aspirin, antacid, bobby pins, safety pins, mints, sewing kit and your undergarments.

Pick up tickets and travelers checks for honeymoon.

Begin packing for the honeymoon.

Advise the head usher of any unique seating arrangements.

1 day ahead

Get a manicure. Click here for beauty & health

Pack things to take to the wedding site.

Give envelopes with fees and gratuities to assigned person for distribution.

Give marriage license to maid of honor or best man and remind this person to bring it to the ceremony.

Rehearse the wedding and attend the rehearsal dinner.

Give attendants their gifts at the rehearsal dinner.

Day of the wedding

Make sure you eat a good breakfast.

Consider a massage to help you relax. Click here for massage therapy

Allow plenty of time for dressing, makeup and hair styling.

Give maid of honor and best man the appropriate wedding band.

Gather all of your pre-packed belongings and head for the altar. Get there on time.

Relax and enjoy your day!

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Need a "how to" for saying "I Do"? Pick up a copy of Alaska Bride & Groom magazine, on newsstands now. Alaska Bride & Groom is your complete Alaska wedding guide.