Since wedding planning can be both stressful and time consuming, here is an easy 12-month guide to help manage your time and keep track of the details.

12 months before

		Decide on a date
		Arrange for your two sets of parents to get together if they haven't already met
		Announce engagement
		Plan an engagement party with friends and family
		Discuss and decide on size, formality and setting of the wedding
		Work on guest lists to get a rough head count
		Determine budget
		Visit The Inverness' ceremony and reception venues and reserve your favorite spaces
		Interview wedding planners if you plan to use one
		Purchase a wedding planner book
		Visit the officiant
		Arrange for time off work

6-9 months before

		Choose your wedding party
		Enroll in a bridal gift registry
		Shop for your gown
		Shop for the bridal attendants' dresses
		Choose a photographer and/or a videographer
		Choose a florist
		Book the musicians and/or DJ

4-6 months before

		Order the wedding invitations, envelopes, thank you cards, and any other wedding stationery you may need (response cards, maps, programs, etc.) Proofread them upon delivery.
		Order the wedding gown
		Finalize the guest list
		Reserve accommodations for out of town guests at The Inverness
		Confirm your guestroom at The Inverness for your wedding night
		Book transportation for out of town guests
		Discuss preliminary food and beverage details with your Inverness Catering Manager

2-4 months before

		Call the county clerk's office to find out about requirements for the marriage license
		Order the tuxedos for the groom and groomsmen
		Make your honeymoon reservations. Compile all necessary travel documents including passport and visas.
		Buy thank you notes for attendants
		Shop for wedding bands
		Pick your designer wedding cake from The Inverness
		Meet with party-rental companies, if necessary, for tables, chairs or other items
		Meet with your clergy member to discuss the details.
		Book a calligrapher, limos for the wedding party, and a portrait photographer. (Your wedding photographer may not do portraits.)
		Make an appointment for your first dress fitting.
		Schedule the rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner at The Inverness
		Shop for lingerie and honeymoon clothes

4-8 weeks before

		Mail invitations eight weeks ahead of the date (to ensure you're using the right postage, take one complete invitation to the post office to be weighed.)
		Do a hair and makeup run-through with headpiece
		Book your hairstylist and makeup artist
		Look over insurance papers with your fiancée (car, life, medical, home) you may need to make changes in the policies when you change your status from single to married
		Get name-change forms from the department of motor vehicles, Social Security office, credit-card issuers, etc., if you're taking your fiancée's name
		Send out thank you notes for gifts already received
		Make sure your guests have made their reservations for their accommodations at The Inverness (reservations must be made 45 days before their arrival date to get your group rate)
		Write your vows
		Pick up the rings
		Purchase gift for groom
		Purchase decorations, appoint or hire decorator

2-3 weeks before

		Determine seating arrangements for reception
		Confirm details with the photographer, florist and other wedding vendors
		Submit lists of must-take shots to the photographer and/or videographer
		Send an engagement photograph with a wedding announcement to newspapers
		Have your final dress fitting
		Confirm honeymoon reservations
		Write toasts for the rehearsal dinner and reception
		Purchase a guest book and pen
		Purchase cake tops

1 week before

		Host bridesmaids' party
		Pay final deposit to The Inverness
		Give final guest count to your Inverness Catering Manager
		Place fees in envelopes to be given to wedding vendors on the big day
		Appoint someone to bring the cake knife, toasting glasses or other heirlooms to the wedding site early
		Get a manicure, pedicure, facial, massage or other beauty treatments of your choice
		Pack for the honeymoon
		Give copies of ceremony readings to those doing them
		Pick up your dress a few days before the wedding

The Day Before

		Greet out of town guests
		Go to the gym, take a long walk, or do some other stress-reducing activity
		Schedule time for beauty - a manicure touch-up or a hairstyling appointment - before the rehearsal dinner
		Attend the wedding rehearsal and dinner following
		Go to bed early and try to get a good night's sleep

Day of the Wedding

		Eat breakfast - nerves don't mix with an empty stomach
		Splurge on a massage
		Enjoy!