If you’re planning a summer or fall wedding, you may be feeling the pinch to get quite a bit accomplished right now.

Maybe you got a late start or maybe you’re ahead of schedule.  Either way, here’s what Real Simple suggests you should be crossing off your “To-Do” list two to three months from your big day:

Three Months Before:

• Finalize the menu and flowers.  You’ll want to wait until now to see what will be available, since food and flowers are affected by season.
• Order favors, if desired.  Some safe bets: monogrammed cookies or a treat that represents your city or region. If you’re planning to have welcome baskets for out-of-town guests, plan those now too.  If you’ve got the time and the talent, check out Pinterest for amazingly creative wedding favor ideas.
• Make a list of the people giving toasts.  Which loved ones would you like to have speak at the reception? Ask them now.
• Finalize the readings.  Determine what you would like to have read at the ceremony—and whom you wish to do the readings.
• Purchase your undergarments.
• Schedule your second fitting.
• Finalize the order of the ceremony and the reception.
• Print menu cards, if you like, as well as programs.  No need to go to a printer, if that’s not in your budget: You can easily create these on your computer.
• Purchase the rings.  This will give you time for resizing and engraving.
• Send your event schedule to the vendors.  Giving them a first draft now allows ample time for tweaks and feedback.

Two Months Before:

• Touch base again with all the vendors.  Make sure any questions you or they had on your first draft have been answered.
• Meet with the photographer.  Discuss specific shots, and walk through the locations to note spots that appeal to you.
• Review the play-list with the band or deejay.  Have your wish list prepared.
• Send out the invitations.  The rule of thumb: Mail invitations six to eight weeks before the ceremony, setting the RSVP cutoff at three weeks after the postmark date.
• Submit a newspaper wedding announcement.  If you’re planning to include a photograph, check the publication’s website: Some have strict rules about how the photo should look.
• Enjoy a bachelor/bachelorette party.

We can’t complete the above check list for you, but we’re here as a resource for all your Bridal Gown & wedding attire cleaning needs before and after the wedding.  And, If you’ve gotten an invitation to attend a wedding this year, our guide on What to Wear to a Wedding will help you determine proper attire even if the invitation doesn’t specify.

Good Luck!

– S.O.