As the big day approaches, you'll want to take stock and decide what needs to be done, and when. Here's a handy planning calendar to help you get through the many tasks ahead of you in a mannerly fashion.

8-12 Months Before Wedding

Set a date and time for your wedding.

Make arrangements with your clergyperson.

Decide the size, setting, and formality of your wedding, and set a budget.

Determine your guest list.

Reserve ceremony and reception locations.

Begin searching for photographers, music providers, caterers, and the like.

Choose the wedding dress and accompanying headpiece, and determine delivery dates.

Set the size of your wedding party, and make selections for your invited attendants. Make selections for bridesmaids' dresses.

Start shopping for wedding rings.

Finally, believe it or not, it's time to start planning for your honeymoon!

5-8 Months Before Wedding

If you receive any presents beforehand, get those thank-you notes out now, while you have breathing room.

Order invitations and any other stationary items, such as thank-you cards.

Register for gifts at selected stores. Consider stores with outlets nationwide or with an online registry.

Select the attire for the men in the wedding party.

Look into getting a marriage license.

3-5 Months Before Wedding

Set a final guest list.

Make preparations for all food, including finalizing needs from caterer and determining the style and size of your wedding cake.

2-3 Months Before Wedding

Make floral arrangements.

Finalize selection of musicians/DJ and playlists.

Book a wedding photographer; if so desired, have engagement portraits taken now.

Send out wedding invitations.

Make arrangements for the rehearsal dinner.

Help your guests make arrangements for their stay.

Decide upon a hairdresser and makeup artist.

Keep on top of honeymoon arrangements; these should be wrapped up soon.

1-2 Months Before Wedding

Order the wedding cake.

Order rental items such as chairs, tables, tents, etc.

Select attire for rehearsal dinner, any other parties, and honeymoon.

Arrange fittings for attendants; finalize their attire and accessories.

Make confirmations with your booked professionals: the caterer, photographer, musicians/DJ, florist, clergyman, etc.

Schedule the rehearsal dinner.

Buy wedding rings.

Purchase wedding-party gifts.

Schedule final fittings.

Acquire a guest book.

2-Weeks Before Wedding

Get your marriage license.

Organize all necessary accessories, such as the rings, the garter, pillows, etc.

Establish a final guest count.

Open a joint bank account; make any necessary arrangements if the bride is changing her name.

Set a time for all final fittings.

1-2 Weeks Before Wedding

Send out wedding announcements to newspapers.

Contact any invitees that have not yet responded.

Pick up wedding rings and check the engravings.

Set a time for any final alterations.

Inform all necessary parties of final guest count.

Arrange the seating at the reception.

Make confirmations for your honeymoon, including hotel and transportation arrangements.

Pack for your honeymoon.

The Week Before the Wedding

Have the rehearsal dinner and go over all arrangements with members of the wedding party.

Rehearse the ceremony.

Host bridesmaids' party and give gifts to attendants.

Prepare for wedding-day expenses; inform the best man of the appropriate payments of all hired professionals.

Confirm travel and hotel accommodations of all out-of-town attendees.

Make final preparations for honeymoon; confirm all reservations.

The Day of the Wedding

Take the time to have a relaxed morning.

Allow sufficient time for dressing, hair, and makeup.

Allow sufficient time for photographs.

Ensure that hired professionals are given sufficient set-up time.

Have a great day!