To do this you must start planning your wedding early, the earlier the better. An average wedding is planned at least 9 to 12 months in advance. Here then is a guide to the things you need to plan for your big day, and when.
 

Up To 12 Months Before The Wedding

•  Announce your engagement.
•  Set your date - decide if you want a civil or religious ceremony and book the church or other venue. See a minister or registrar to arrange the ceremony and any paperwork you may need well in advance.
•  Select your best man, chief bridesmaid, attendants and other key members of wedding party.
•  Plan your budget. This will allow you to establish who pays for what.
•  Draw up your guest list. Check with your place of ceremony, they may have limits on the number of guests attending the wedding, fire regulations for example. You can always invite a lot more to the reception.
•  Select your venue for the reception. In some cases you might have to book a year in advance.
•  Check they have a room for you to change out of wedding attire into your going away clothes.
•  Book your professionals i.e. Photographer (hopefully us!), Caterer, Entertainment, Cars, Florist, etc.
•  Think about your colour scheme for the wedding.

3 To 6 Months Before The Wedding

•  Confirm your booking with the caterer and select your menu and drinks for the wedding breakfast and/or buffet for the reception.
•  Select your colour scheme and order your wedding dress and bridesmaid’s dresses. Start wearing your wedding shoes around the house, as this will break them in and make them more comfortable on the day.
•  Decide on what the groom will wear and clothing for the best man and ushers, normally matching.
•  Confirm your colour scheme with florist and cake designer. Organise the flowers for the church and the reception as well as the bridal bouquet sprays and buttonholes.
•  Go shopping together and select your wedding rings.
•  Decide upon a Wedding List and place at a store of your choice. If you are setting up home this is the time to get all the essentials you need. If you already have those items, some couples prefer to ask for vouchers or cash to contribute towards larger items or towards the honeymoon.
•  Choose a honeymoon destination and book early. Apply for a new passport (in your married name ladies!), inform your doctor, bank, credit card, etc. of your change of name.
•  Order your invitations and stationery needs.
•  Decide upon and order your favours.
•  Help both mothers co-ordinate their outfits.

2 Months Before The Wedding

•  Send out your invitations and keep note of all replies.
•  Buy your going away clothes.
•  List gifts as they arrive and write "Thank You" notes.
•  Book a hotel room for your wedding night.
•  Buy gifts for bridesmaids, best man, ushers and anyone else you wish to thank.

1 Month Before The Wedding

•  Follow up on invitation replies.
•  Finalise the guest list and confirm the final numbers with the caterers.
•  Confirm all transport arrangements.
•  Visit your hairdresser with your head dress to try out some hairstyles and it’s worth paying a visit to a beautician for some advice on make up.
•  Time to arrange your stag/hen nights. Stag parties are arranged by the best man and hen parties are arranged by the chief bridesmaid, or if you have joint friend have one big party if you'd prefer.
•  If photographs are being taken before the ceremony, ask the photographer how much time he needs and schedule accordingly. This will vary according to what shots you want, how many you want, and naturally the British weather!
•  Confirm your photograph requirements with the photographer, including any extra ideas you have thought of, and make sure you send the completed photograph list to them so they have time to plan the photograph order for you.

The Week Before The Wedding

•  Have the final fittings for the Bride's dress, bridesmaid’s dresses, groom's and usher's clothing.
•  Practice your hair and makeup.
•  Get the packing done for the honeymoon. Buy Traveller's cheques and keep your tickets and passport in a safe place, so there's no panic at the last minute.
•  Prepare seating arrangements (if necessary).
•  Make sure your marriage licence is in order.
•  Have the wedding ceremony rehearsal.
•  Instruct your wedding party on what they do on the wedding day.
•  Give your best man the payment for the caterers, etc.
•  Confirm the caterer in writing the final head count.
•  Check final arrangements with florist to ensure flowers arrive on time.

The Wedding Day

•  Relax, enjoy yourself and above all remain calm.
•  Allow yourself 2-3 hours for dressing, hair and make-up.
•  The Ushers should seat the guests as they arrive.
•  Now smile, this should be the happiest day of your life.