There is a general timetable for planning ahead allowing enough time for things to flow smoothly when planning any wedding. After you get engaged and the excitement of this subsides you need to start thinking, planning and keeping track of all you have done and still need to do. Wedding ceremony's and wedding receptions require a great amount of attention to detail.
Here are some general guidelines:
Approximately 9- 12 months ahead of the day...
Determine the style of wedding, general idea of size which should include a preliminary guest list, book with the church, reception hall, caterer and photographer. You'll have to deal with this sooner as opposed to later, the budget and who will be responsible for paying for what. The brides gown and bridesmaid's dresses should be taken care of as early as possible so now would be a good time.
About 4-8 months ahead of the day....
Showers will be held now so you will want to register your choices because people will be asking. Any items you may be thinking about 'renting' for the ceremony or reception ie: tent, chairs, glasses, Limousine etc you will need to book to make sure you have everything you need. Review the guest list because you'll need to order invitations about now too. This is when the men's attire needs to be shopped for, and the mother of the bride and groom should be shopping now too to get that special outfit for a special day. Discuss decorations with a florist and/or person doing balloons, or any unique decor you may have in mind. Order your wedding cake now too.
Down to 2-3 months ahead of the day now...
Make sure groomsmen and grooms tuxedos are ordered and they are measured. Plan out the rehearsal and get some details for the dinner that typically follows. Order the wedding favors and decorations. Cake knives, ring bearer pillow, flower girl basket, unity candles, and toasting goblets included. This is especially important for items you are planning to have that may need engraving. Personalized gifts for the wedding party will take time to get so order ahead. Start getting those invitations ready and mail out any going out of town. Reserve a site for out of town guests to book, hotels will typically block off rooms for a period knowing these booking may come in. You may want to book with your hairdresser now to avoid any problems because no bride wants a bad hair day on their wedding day.
One MONTH TO GO!!
Have your final fitting for your dress, and your attendants too. Get those invitations out at least 4 weeks before and make sure you get thank you notes out to those who have send gifts early or shower gifts. You should have the gifts for your attendants now; engraved wedding favors for them would have needed to be ordered months before. Make sure you have your wedding license; some States require this be done no more than one month ahead of time. Finalize transportation for everyone, out of town guests will have to be a consideration as well.
Days before... well you should have everything under control now just need to pick up everyone's attire for the day and to be safe try it on before the wedding so problems can be somehow fixed before the wedding ceremony. Enjoy your rehearsal and the dinner that follows. The attendants should have everything ready for their part in the event. Pack for your honeymoon if you are taking off right after the wedding. Get a good nights sleep so you will have a rested look, and enjoy being papered with hair and makeup because you will be the center of attention this day. It's here now!