You thought you had all the time in the world, but suddenly your big day is just a handful of months (or weeks!) away. Or, maybe you're a super-planner and love to know where you stand each step of the way. Whatever your wedding planning style, our Summer Wedding Checklist will help you schedule each task ahead of time.

With a little planning, you can be as cool as a cucumber on your big day. If you've already you've fallen behind, don't worry. Spotting the gaps in your summer wedding checklist will help you immediately identify where you need to play catch-up. With WeddingDNA's help, you discover short cuts to the to the traditional methods. You may have a pleasant surprise when you realize that using a Do-It-Yourself approach for tasks (such as creating your own gorgeous wedding stationery or reception centerpieces) has another benefit: saving you money!

12-18 Months Before the Wedding

• 1. Decide on a wedding budget; assign a spending limit for each item. Be realistic, expecting to hire a photographer for $100 is unreasonable (unless it's your uncle.).
• 2. Narrow down your date to 2-3 options (be sure they work with your family)
• 3. Choose your reception venue; some book years ahead, you may need those alternate dates.
• 4. Place an engagement announcement in your local paper (parents love this.).
• 5. Purchase few bridal magazines and begin thinking about your wedding gown.
• 6. Devise a system for tracking all the plans: a big binder works well.

8-10 Months Before the Wedding

• 1. Choose style of your wedding, this will dictate all your choices from this point on. Is it casual? formal? Do you want to use a theme? You can take this choice and use it in everything from your save the date cards to your reception decorations.
• 2. Design and send a "save the date" card.
• 3. Choose your bridal party: not just maid of honor and the best man, but also your attendants and who will walk you down the aisle.
• Tip: Don't forget your ring bearer and flower girl.
• 4. Choose your officiator: pastor, rabbi, friend?
• Tip: Did you know that if you have a special friend or family member who would like to act in this capacity, they can be certified online?
• 5. Create your guest list. Be sure to ask your parents and your new in-laws for their input.
• Tip: Be firm on your numbers, they may want to invite the entire town.
• 6. Start shopping for bridesmaids's dresses.
• Tip: Stores like JC Penny or Chadwick's have lovely dress options.
• 7. Set up your bridal shower and wedding gift registry.
• 8. Interview and hire your wedding "vendors."
• Tip: If you have a friend or family member who is well versed in one of these skills, don't be afraid to ask. Here are the most common wedding professionals.
• Photographers/videographers: Ask to see their portfolio, if you like them; be sure to have them put their fees and terms in a contract for your reference.
• Music choice: Will it be string quartet, live band or disc jockey? Interview and hire your preference.
• Tip: Guests love to dance to songs they recognize; many will prefer a disc jockey
• Food & Beverages: Many venues require using their caterer. If not, it's time to contact your catering choices. Will the caterer also supply your cake? If not, contact a baker.
• Tip: Be sure to ask if they have a liquor license and if they will take care of any rentals necessary.
• Florist: You'll get the most from your florist by being clear about what you want: bouquet, boutonnieres, table arrangements etc.
• Tip: Remember to take advantage of seasonal summer flowers .

5-6 Months Before the Wedding

• 1. Decide on your wedding stationery: chose between having them professionally created or designing your own You may discover the second option saves budget and gives you a little more wiggle room in terms of creativity and lead-time
• 2. If your caterer or the venue doesn't take care of rentals (tables, linens and silverware), now is the time to arrange for rentals. Tip: Remember you'll need to ask one of your friends or family members to be there when they return to pick the rentals up; you'll be on your honeymoon!
• 3. Find accommodations for out-of-town guests.
• Tip: Be sure to ask for a "block discount" price if you choose a hotel for your guests.
• 4. Decide on your wedding cake.
• Tip: Invite your maid of honor and mother(s) for a taste test to help you choose the perfect cake.
• 5. Pick your honeymoon destination, make your reservations and purchase your tickets
• Tip: If your honeymoon includes traveling abroad: you'll need to apply for a passport, this can take a minimum of 6 months to process. Imagine having tickets to Tahiti and no passport.

3-5 Months Before the Wedding

• 1. Send out your wedding invitations and RSVP cards.
• 2. Buy your wedding bands; have them sized if necessary.
• 3. Choose your wedding accessories, shoes and jewelry.
• Tip: Don't forget the something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.
• 4. Arrange for the groom and ushers' tuxedo rentals.
• 5. Order wedding favors, or hold a "favor making party" and have your wedding party and parents get in on the fun.
• 6. Book wedding transportation: will it be an classic car, limo, horse drawn carriage?

Two Months Before the Wedding

• 1. Make reservations for the wedding rehearsal dinner; consider sending an invitation to your special guests.
• Tip: It can be fun to have a slideshow presentation at the dinner; did you know WeddingDNA also carries these?
• 2. Although traditionally the groom's parents cover the costs, decide ahead of time to save you all from an uncomfortable moment.
• 3. Choose your wedding music with your band or DJ. It helps to have your first dance song chosen, and a short-list of your favorite dance tunes. This is a good time to arrange any ceremony music.
• 4. Confirm that your wedding gown and your bridesmaids'; gowns have arrived. Schedule fittings for alterations. Buy your shoes (dye if necessary).
• 5. Check in with all your vendors to be sure everything is on schedule and the your items have been ordered.
• 6. Working with your caterer, choose your menu and drink options. It's a nice touch to create a menu to have on the tables.
• Tip: Remember to take advantage of summer's fresh fruit and vegetable bounty in making your choices.
• 7. Order your wedding programs or, better yet, design them yourself.
• 8. Order return address labels (don't forget to use your new name, if it changed.) You'll be using these for your thank-you notes. Design or order your gift thank you notes, you can get them to match your invitation.
• 9. Choose your wedding hairstyle: princess curls, long and glamorous, a stylish "up-do?" Most stylists will schedule a practice session, if not ask for one.
• 10. Track your guest list: Remember this final list will dictate your costs for food and beverage, your caterer will need an exact number.
• Tip: Create a guest list with a "yes" and "no" column, just circle them as they arrive.

3-4 Weeks Before the Wedding

• 1. Apply for your marriage license and arrange to have any blood tests done (see the laws in your county). You will receive a certificate to be signed at the ceremony.
• 2. Make wedding rehearsal plans with the officiator, bridal party and parents
• 3. If you'll be having a bridal shower, now is the time for your family or friends to put that together
• Tip: Encourage them to use your WeddingDNA account to put the shower invitation together!
• 4. Arrange to have your mail held during your honeymoon. If necessary, file a change of address form if you'll be relocating.
• 5. Choose and purchase your bridesmaids' gifts. Your groom should choose gifts for the best man and ushers.
• 6. Beauty Time: Book a manicurist, make-up artist and confirm your hair stylist.
• Tip: If you are wearing open toe shoes or going somewhere warm for your honeymoon, don't forget the pedicure.
• 7. Wedding gown: Have your final wedding gown fitting.

1-2 Weeks Before the Wedding

• 1. Call the caterer with your final menu and headcount. Note: The food and beverage costs are averaged on a "per person" basis. If you have 250 guests and your menu choices are $50 per person, your costs will be significant; this may affect your menu choices.
• 2. Call your vendors and the reception hall to finalize plans and to confirm arrival times.
• Tip: Your final guest count will help you plan for the number of tables and chairs.
• 3. Finalize your seating plan. Make seating cards if you wish.
• Tip: Don't forget about the bridal party table.
• 4. Confirm arrival times with your attendants.
• 5. Decide when you'll be taking your group photographs.
• Tip: Some couples choose to do it before the ceremony so they don't keep their reception guests waiting. Whatever your choice, communicate it to the entire bridal party and the photographer.
• 6. Pick up your wedding attire.
• 7. If you'll be changing your name, this is a good timeframe to contact all of your credit cards, banks and other key relationships with your name and/or address change.

7-10 Days Before the Wedding (let the countdown begin!)

• 1. Confirm accommodations for out-of-town guests.
• 2. Try on your wedding gown one final time to be sure the fit is perfect. Be sure to have it professionally cleaned (if necessary) and pressed. Do the same with your bridesmaids.
• Tip: Don't forget your undergarments.
• 3. Wedding Attire & Accessories: get them all ready to go so you're not frantically looking for your earrings on the wedding day.
• Tip: Buy extra hosiery, just in case.
• 4. Rehearse your ceremony. Be sure to include any guests who will be speaking and/or reading verse or poetry. Remember to include your officiator, he or she is the VIP at the rehearsal.
• 5. Attend your rehearsal dinner and enjoy yourself!
• 6. Pack for your honeymoon. Double-check all your reservations.
• Tip: Be sure to include passports, camera and sunscreen.
• 7. If you, or your groom, are having bachelor/ette parties, this is the time to get the plans rolling.
• 8. Choose a wedding planning deputy to track all the vendors and activities on the wedding day; you'll be too excited or nervous to handle the details.
• Tip: Arrange to have your wedding gifts transported after the reception to your home.
• 9. Relax: Visit a spa and have a massage, encourage your maid of honor (or mom) to join you.
• Tip: Grooms often enjoy this pampering too.
• 10. Make sure your photographer has a clear list of the photos you'll want: preparation, ceremony, reception etc.
• 11. Make menu cards for your reception.

The Big Day!

• 1. Have your hair, nails and/or make-up done at least three hours before the ceremony.
• 2. Allow your wedding deputy manage the vendors. Be sure they have a final payment for each of your vendors.
• Tip: Decide if you'll be offering gratuity.
• 3. Eat. Many brides get so excited on their big day, they forget breakfast. You don't want to end up one of those funny videos that show the Bride fainting at the altar.
• 4. Try to have a quiet moment with your parents: this is an emotional day for them and they'll want to relish their role in "giving you away."
• 5. Give the rings to the best man or ring bearer.
• 6. Breathe.

You've worked hard to design the wedding of your dreams Remember to relax and trust your planning. If you've followed these steps, chances are you'll avoid letting the stress turn you into "Bridezilla." Your wedding may have a few hiccups, but in the end it will be the magical day of your dreams. Remember to enjoy your groom and cherish this special moment between the two of you, it's the beginning of a long life together!