To do before ‘I do’

Even the most simple weddings take a bit of planning, but how long it takes is up to you and your partner. A long engagement can last more than three years, or a quick hitch can happen within months. Or this afternoon—this is Nevada. Every wedding is different, so you may not need to check off every item on the list, but we at least want to give you a head start. Don’t forget to consult our list of websites and apps on page 17 that can help you in the process. Happy planning!

20 to 12 months before

Share news of your engagement with close friends and family. If you can’t tell them in person, phone calls or video chats are more personal than blasting it social networking sites. After the news has been shared with all of the vital people, then you can Tweet about it.

Sit down with your partner and discuss options for what kind of wedding you each envision and start to establish a budget.

Start paying off credit cards or extra expenses. Even if your wedding isn’t breaking the bank, it’s helpful to start your life with your spouse without a ton of debt.

Get a gym membership or hire a personal trainer if you have weight loss goals before your big day.

12 to nine months

Establish your wedding party and set up a budget with them about clothing, flowers and other accessories.

Pick and reserve your venue. Most venues require a deposit but offer a payment schedule.

Book the band, DJ or other live entertainment.

Nine to six months

Find wedding dress, tuxedo/suit and outfits for members of the wedding party. Alterations can take several months to complete so plan early.

Get engagement photographs taken.

Mail save-the-date cards.

Hire wedding photographer. Hunting for the perfect photographer can take a while, and during the summer wedding season, schedules fill up fast.

Set up the gift registry.

Six to three months

Get a passport. Passports often take a couple of months to be processed, especially during high travel times.

Establish plans for honeymoon, including booking plane tickets and hotel rooms. Depending on the destination, you may also need to be vaccinated before traveling, so check with your doctor.

Put in for time off from work for your honeymoon.

Three to one month

If planning a drastic hair change, do it now to ensure no hair disasters on the big day.

Visit a salon and discuss options for hair style and makeup. If styling it yourself, purchase necessary appliances and products. Experiment to make sure you don’t have an allergic reaction to any new product.

Host parties, including a bridal shower, bachelorette and bachelor parties.

Get a final fitting of dress or suit and accompanying accessories.

Week of

Confirm honeymoon plans. Check plane tickets, flight schedules, and the current weather in your destination.

Pack for honeymoon.

Book a spa appointment.

If wearing high heels or a new pair of dress shoes, walk around in them to get comfortable.

Day before

Have rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.

Go to a spa and get, at the very least, a manicure and pedicure. Bring your wedding party or your spouse-to-be along, or go alone for some quiet time.

Set aside tip money for vendors.

Wedding day

Get prettied up.

Relax, take a deep breath, and remember what the purpose of it all is—to start building a life with the person you love.

Get married!