You’ve got the ring – time to show it off. It’s time to schedule your engagement photos. Depending on the photographer and the package that you’ve chosen, this can be done locally, or on location at the beach, in the mountains, or at some other out-of-town destination.

Be sure to order and mail out save-the-date cards during this time, to ensure that your guests have an opportunity to put you on their calendar before something else comes up. This is especially important if you will be marrying on or near a holiday, or if your wedding takes place on a Friday or Sunday (or more rarely, during the week).

Arrive in luxury. Whether a limousine, sedan, classic, or carriage, you must travel in style on your wedding day.

Decide whether it will be just the two of you or the entire wedding party. How will your new dress fit in the vehicle? If you marry in cool weather, consider a cover up for a convertible or carriage. Ask the transportation company to provide photos (and video, if available) so that you can see what everything will actually look like. Determine how long you will require transportation and how it fits into your budget.

Have a destination (or several) in mind. Visit a travel agent or do the legwork yourself. This is traditionally groom’s territory, but the bride could plan a surprise trip, or you could plan together. Decide on things such as length of stay, accommodations, and activities you want to participate in. Make sure to consider time of year and popularity of a given destination. You probably would prefer to avoid locales that experience a monsoon season (there are no guarantees) and you may want to get “off the beaten path” a little if you are looking for a time of quiet intimacy together. After all, once the wedding is over, it’s going to be just the two of you.

A DJ, classical band, mariachis, violinists, or vocalists can set the mood for the evening. Determine what atmosphere you would like at your event and choose the entertainer to deliver the ambiance. Don’t forget that you may need their services at both the ceremony and the reception. Make a song list beforehand to go over with the musician. Let them know what you expect and ask to check out some of their work. Don’t just think musical entertainment, either – if you have the budget, you could hire dancers or a comedian. Hula dancers would be a unique touch to a tropical-themed wedding. A magician or clown would be a fun touch if your reception is a more relaxed affair.

Having someone coordinate the serving of the food, the toasts, and the cake-cutting can be invaluable on your wedding day. Not to mention having someone let the guests know when it’s time to get out on the dance floor. Your event will run much smoother and any stress that you might have about the timing will be alleviated. Some band leaders or DJs are capable of doubling as MCs, but don’t simply take their word for it. Meet with them and be certain that their personality is right and that they thoroughly understand your expectations for the event. If possible, see if you can peek in on another gig where they’ll be serving as MC, and check out their performance first-hand.

Now that your guest list has been honed, order your invitations and thank-you cards. Send save-the-date-cards at this time. This is especially important if your wedding is during the holidays or vacationing season.

Choose a wedding officiant in accordance with your spiritual beliefs and personality. It is an added bonus if he is an eloquent speaker. Check to see if she has any pre-marital counseling requirements. Now is the time to inquire about personalizing the vows, as well.

Attend pre-marital counseling together. This can be extremely advantageous, as a professional is trained to recognize areas that may cause conflicts in the future. Counseling is often a requirement by many officiants in order for them to perform your marriage ceremony.

This is the time to choose your wedding bands. Many jewelers will recommend ordering three months before your wedding date. Some jewelers will need more time than that, while others may only require a month’s advance notice.

If what’s left on your to-do list at this point appears too overwhelming, then making your own favors may be out of the question. However, if you feel up to getting in touch with your inner Martha Stewart, save yourself some last-minute late nights by starting now. Who knew little glassine bags of cookies could be so much fun, yet so much work?

Even if you’ve forgone the wedding planner in favor of more personal control, chances are you’ve had help from more than one quarter. What better way to honor them than by giving them credit in your event program? This is also a great way for your great aunt to find out who that bridesmaid to your left is. Many of your family members will be better able to connect with the new in-laws if they can get an idea of who everyone else is. After all, this is not just the marriage of a bride and a groom, but the joining of two families.