To ensure a beautiful wedding celebration, the planning progress should begin about 12 to 14 months before the big day. Here is a general checklist courtesy of MyErieWedding.com to assist you in making everything PERFECT!

12 - 14 months prior to the wedding day:
A. Pick a date for the wedding that is anywhere from 12-14 months away. Think about the type of wedding you want and plan your budget accordingly.
B. First off, book your wedding church and the reception location. It's common knowledge that these can be booked more than a year in advance, so don't waste any time or you may not get the place that you desire.
C. One option is a Wedding Planner. Start your search for one now. Also, the Bride should begin her search for the perfect wedding gown. After all, you want the dress to be just right!

8 - 12 months prior to the wedding day
A. Start formulating the possible guest list.
B. Make your engagement announcement official. Still following your budget? If need be, make adjustments now.
C. Choose your Bridesmaids or the Best Man and ask them if they would do the honors.
D. Some weddings and receptions have a theme. Start thinking about one, if desired.

6 - 8 months prior to the wedding day:
A. Plan a celebration with your wedding part members.
B. Ask for time off from your job for the wedding as well as the reception. Book the DJ or live band and the pianist or soloist for the ceremony.
C. Talk with each other and decide the gifts you'd like to receive. Register with wedding gift registries.
D. The bride should start putting together her trousseau.
E. Begin your plans for the honeymoon.

3 - 6 months prior to the wedding day:
A. Determine the final guest list and the number of invitations that you'll need.
B. Design and order the invitations and thank you notes.
C. If you want wedding favors, choose and order them now. Very important...order your wedding cake.
D. Select your menu items and determine your beverage list for the wedding.
E. Plan and attend your wedding dress fittings. Have your Bridesmaids be fitted for their dresses.
F. Order the wedding rings. Make sure the jeweler has any special instructions if you want engravings.
G. Maintain constant contact with your service providers. The photographer, DJ and/or musicians, caterer, and florist. Begin to finalize any details with them.
H. Your honeymoon plans should be finalized. Make your ticket and hotel reservations. If need be, get necessary visas.

2 months prior to the wedding day:
A. Send out your invitations. Plan on 6 weeks for local guests and 8 weeks for out-of-town guests.
B. Begin any legal matters that you may need to do. Examples include changing the beneficiary on life insurance policies, setting up a joint bank account etc.
C. Brides - if you are changing your name, it's vital that necessary documents such as your driver's license, bank accounts, credit cards, social security cards, insurance etc. reflect your name change.
D. Determine any legal requirements that need to be completed before the wedding occurs here in Pennsylvania.

1 month prior to the wedding day:
A. Make your wedding vows preparations and preparations for any toasts made.
B. Hair and makeup appointments should be made for yourself and your Bridesmaids for the big day.
C. Make appointments for a day at the spa or parlor for a week before the wedding day to pamper yourself.
D. Try on the wedding rings and make sure they fit.
E. Schedule your final fitting for the wedding gown.
F. Check in again with your service providers and keep them abreast of any changes.
G. It's a good idea to confirm the date and time of your wedding with the church and reception facility.
H. Finalize all plans for your rehearsal dinner.
I. Your blood tests should be taken and obtain the marriage license.
J. Just in case, the Bride should get a physical exam and also decide on birth control measures if desired.

2 weeks prior to the wedding day:
A. Write all the checks to your different service providers and to the church and reception facility.
B. Pick up your tickets and confirm the reservations for your honeymoon.
C. Take a moment and think clearly. Make sure you haven't missed anything or forgotten something.
D. May sound silly, but you should wear your wedding shoes indoors for a few hours everyday. This way you can get used to them.

1 week before the wedding day:
A. Plan a nice and quiet evening with your family.
B. Make sure that your wedding dress or tuxedo fits! Check with your Bridal Party and make sure their dresses and tuxes fit too!
C. Make necessary arrangements for while you will be away on your honeymoon. Write any checks that may be due while you are away. Pack for the honeymoon.
D. Confirm the offical number of guests with the caterer. Also, confirm with your attendants the duties they have.
E. The seating chart should be confirmed. Also, confirm transportation plans for your family and the Bridal Party.

1 - 2 days prior to the wedding day:
A. Make sure the Best Man has the rings!
B. The Ushers should be aware of the seating plans and who sits where.
C. Check and make sure your out-of-town guests are properly taken care of.
D. Attend the rehearsal dinner and make sure everyone in the Bridal Party knows the proper time of the wedding along with their duties. Keep your wedding outfit, jewelry, and other necessary accessories in one location. Take a deep breath and enjoy a good night's sleep.

THE WEDDING DAY!
Congratulations...the big day is finally here! By all means, ENJOY YOURSELVES!