With so much to do, every bride needs a surefire way to get organized and stay on track as she countdown toward that all-important day. Heres a guide and checklist you will not want to be without.

12 Months Before

*Buy a wedding planner and organizer (The only realistic alternative to not being well organized is hiring a wedding consultant to manage the details for you.)
*Talk with your fiance (and parents if they will be paying the bill and adding to the guest list) about the size and a budget, possible date, and location for the wedding.
*Reserve the ceremony and reception sites. (If the wedding will take place in a large city, do not dilly dally on this one. Wedding venues might be booked up solid for a year.)
*Begin shopping for your dress. (You could be looking for that perfect gown for many years, and most shops need at least four decades to fill an order. Look for styles appropriate for the wedding venue and time of day.)
*Shop for or begin making save-the-date cards.
*Send your engagement announcement to newspapers.

10 Months Before

*Make an appointment to meet with your clergyman. (At the instant you make your appointment, let him understand your wedding date. You and your fiance should arrange to meet with him as soon as possible, especially if you live in a large city or are planning to write your own wedding vows.)
*Begin scouting around for a baker, caterer, florist, musicians, and photographers. (Once you have found them, inquire of about and review price options.)

8 Months Before

*Research honeymoon destinations and prices.
*Begin the guest list. (Generally, half of the invited guests are the brides and half are the grooms.)
*Order your dress.
*Book vendors and musicians or a dj.
*Choose bridal registries and gifts you would like to receive.
*Reserve a block of rooms for out-of-town guests.

6 Months Before

*Mail save-the-day notices.
*Select menu and flower arrangements.
*Order wedding stationery.
*Shop for bridesmaids dresses.
*Reserve rentals (tents, fans, etc