Once you are engaged, the planning process begins. The wedding planner checklist is a detailed picture of the wedding day and reception. This checklist is the perfect tool to help ensure that your wedding day will go as you have planned. The most important details to secure right away are the location for the ceremony, the location of the reception, the photographer, musicians or DJ, the caterer and the florist. Schedule these vendors at least nine to twelve months prior to your wedding date. Your budget for the wedding should also be set at this time.

The wedding planner checklist is categorized by a timeline. The timeline is based on the date of your engagement to the day of your wedding. At the top of the checklist will be items that need to be addressed within 9 to 12 months from the time of your engagement. Then, the time frames are as follows: 6 to 9 months before, 4 to 6 months before, 2 to 4 months before, six to eight weeks before, four to six weeks before, two weeks before, one week before, the day before, and the day of your wedding.

What other items should the checklist include? There are some items that will naturally be included on every bride's checklist. Then, there are some items that make the checklist personal. Be sure to include anything and everything that is important to you, your groom and your family members. That way, nothing will be missed and your wedding day will be a memorable day (in the good sense!).

Some sample items to include on your wedding planner checklist:

1) Names of the loved ones in your wedding party

2) Announce your engagement

3) Guest list

4) Wedding gown

5) Tuxedos for the groom and wedding party

6) Maid of honor and bridesmaids' dresses

7) Flower girl(s) and ring bearer

8) Wedding favors

9) Accommodations for out of town guests

10) Wedding rings

11) Invitations

12) Photographer and location(s) for wedding photos

13) Wedding cake

14) Flower arrangements, bouquets, centerpieces

15) Music selections for the wedding and reception

16) Limousine, horse drawn carriage, or the like

17) Decorations (there will be subheadings under this section)

18) Menu for the reception

19) Programs for the wedding ceremony

20) Jewelry for the bride and wedding party

21) Create a bridal registry (for not only the wedding, but the bridal showers prior to the wedding day)

22) Appointments for hair, makeup and fingernails for wedding party and mothers of the bride and groom

23) Honeymoon plans

Your wedding planner checklist will be much more detailed and include several minute details under each of these headings. However, along with all of the fun items to include on your checklist, there are a few others to remember. Contact your local newspaper about printing your engagement and wedding photograph. Submit a change of address card to the post office so your mail will be delivered in a timely manner. If your state requires it, get your blood tests and then secure your marriage license.

Your wedding planner checklist can be tailored to meet all of your wishes for your wedding day. Keep this checklist safe by storing it in your wedding planner book. This way, all of your important information is in one location and at your fingertips at a moment's notice. A wedding planner checklist will ensure your day goes as planned, so make sure to look at it often and check off the completed tasks as you go. On your wedding day, relax and enjoy the day!