With a whopping 68 percent of engaged couples planning their own weddings, it's safe to say you might need some help getting ready for the big day. To ensure your day is picture-perfect, give yourself and your partner enough time to plan. Now if you're like 74 percent of couples, you may discuss eloping – a tempting option when you're in the thick of all things wedding – according to Wedding Paper Divas. For really pragmatic couples, eloping may make sense -- $25,000 spent on a home down payment vs. on one wedding day is a legitimate argument. But if you're ready to plan, you'll need the full length of the average engagement – 13 to 18 months, give or take. If you're not particular about a venue, reception where a caterer, band, etc. could be booked or other wedding details, then you may be able to plan in much less time. At the one-year mark, start considering your budget and the all-important date. You'll want to ensure the venue, caterers and reception site will be available – and within your price range -- before booking anything else, particularly if you're planning to get hitched during the most popular months, June and September.  Determine approximately how many guests you'll invite and if your chosen venue can accommodate your number. Start looking at vendors – officiants, photographers and videographers book up quickly. Begin looking at potential honeymoon locations if you'll be having one, and if it's located in a really exotic place, then you may need to look into vaccinations.
At the 10-month mark, firm up all of these arrangements as best you can, and begin asking your desired wedding party members to participate. Take engagement photos at this point, too, and begin shopping for your dress. It may seem early, but it could take several months to order the dress, not to mention several fittings before the big day. At the 8-month mark, book a block of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests. Start tasting cakes and decide on a design and flavor. Send your save-the-date notifications six months before the wedding to those on your guest list (which should be firmed up by now), and purchase wedding bands. Book your honeymoon, and arrange the wedding party's attire. When the wedding is three to four months away, book the rehearsal dinner and confirm all plans thus far. Mail the invitations eight weeks beforehand, have all printing (programs, namecards, etc.) done. Confirm transportation to/from the ceremony, reception, hotel, airport, etc. At six weeks, apply for the marriage license and get the bachelor/bachelorette parties done – the night before is NOT a good time. Finish up fittings, review music choices and finalize seating two weeks before. Get your personal hygiene – waxing, facials, etc. – taken care of a week before the ceremony. Need more help? RealSimple.com has a handy checklist.