Send out engagement announcements, get engagement photographs if desired.

Envision your wedding (formal hotel or informal beach gathering). Pick preferences for your wedding date and time.

Determine your budget and division of expenses.

Determine size of your guest list.

Book your reception site as soon as you find one you love. Don't assume a location will still be available 2 or 3 months later if you want to look at numerous locations. If you choose an outdoor site, look into tent and lighting rentals.

Visit the clergy and review synagogue or church requirements.

Finalize your wedding date and time after checking with your important guests, your preferred location, and officiant.

Book your caterer.

Reserve tables, chairs, china, and any other rental equipment you may need (unless your caterer is handling it for you).

Book your photographer.

Book your videographer.

Plan ceremony and reception music, and begin looking into bands and DJ's.

Determine where you will be staying while here and reserve your rooms.

Check into hotels and inns and book blocks of rooms for your guests.

Start looking for a baker to make your wedding cake. You may want to ask your caterer for recommendations.

Twelve to Six Months Prior

Choose your attendants.

Choose your color theme.

Choose your attendant's dresses.

Compile names and addresses for your guest list.

Select your florist.

Book your DJ or band.

Make transportation arrangements for you and your family.

Finalize arrangements for the church and ceremony.

Six to Four Months Prior

Send out save-the date cards to your guests. Include information about the Island, accommodations, and ferry schedules. Be sure to advise guests that rooms book quickly in the summer months and they should not put off finding a place to stay until the last minute.

Make plans and reservations for wedding rehearsal and dinner.

Order invitations and party favors.

Decide on the groomsmen's/bridegroom's attire.

Plan your honeymoon; visit travel agencies, make reservations. If you will be spending your honeymoon in Ocean City, look into any special activities you may desire which require advance booking.

Make all deposits and get all contracts signed.

Put together ideas for your bridal registry.

Three Months Prior

Choose gifts for attendants, parents, helpers.

Buy wedding rings.

Order the wedding cake.

Buy cake knife, toasting glasses, and guest book.

Begin to shop for your trousseau.

Complete your bridal registry.

Two Months Before Wedding

Address invitations/announcements and mail.

Order liquor, wine, and/or champagne, if not included in catering contract.

Apply for your marriage license.

One Month Prior

Finalize details of every aspect of your wedding.

Confirm honeymoon reservations.

Have final fittings for you and your attendant's dresses.

Ask friend or relative to take charge of guest book at the reception.

Pick up wedding rings.

Contact guests who have not responded.

Purchase gift for fiancé (not mandatory).

Two Weeks Prior

Complete your trousseau.

Pack for honeymoon.

Pick up your marriage license.

Prepare wedding announcement to send to newspaper.

One Week Before Wedding

Pick up gown, attendant's dresses and accessories.

Confirm details with all participants and inform them of any changes.

Make sure you have all wedding attire, rings and marriage license.

Give final guest count to reception facility or caterer.

Get a massage.

Two or Three Days Before Wedding

Have rehearsal and dinner unless it will be on the Island.

Get manicure and pedicure and confirm wedding day appointments.

Day Before Wedding

Pull together: wedding gown, veil, shoes, last minute emergency kit (aspirin, make-up, safety-pins, etc).

Drop off favors, guest book and pen at the reception site.

Have rehearsal and dinner if it is on the Island.

Relax and get a good night's sleep.

Wedding Day

Have hair and make-up done.

Confirm with people you expect to give toasts at the reception.

Begin dressing two hours before ceremony is to begin.