If you're in the midst of wedding planning, you know how stressful it can be. For brides-to-be who don't have the budget for a wedding planner, it's important for you to stay organized. Whether you use a computer program, handheld organization tool, good ole pen and paper...it doesn't matter how you organize yourself, it's just vital that you do.

Starting today and running through the week, I'm going to provide a brief checklist of some of the things you'll have to do for your big day. When it comes to weddings, the earlier you do things, the better.

Photo courtesy of iStockphoto, ted johns

YOU'RE ENGAGED! Congratulations! Okay, kiss your fiance, tell everyone your great news and then get to planning. You really don't have a second to lose.

9-12 months before, you should:

* Pick a date
* Decide on wedding day particulars: venue, style (formal vs. casual), time of day or evening, etc.
* Plan a budget
* Book your locations
* Choose attendants
* For certain religious denominations, you'll need to notify your pastor; some churches require pre-marriage courses before the officiant will marry you
* Start gown shopping
* Pull up a preliminary guest list

6-9 months beforehand, you need to:

* Pay any necessary deposits
* Order your wedding gown
* Choose dresses for your attendants
* Whittle down your guest list and finalize it
* Plan your honeymoon, including scheduling time off from work
* Order invitations and/or save the date cards

4-6 months before, you should:

* Schedule hair and makeup appointments
* Choose accessories such as shoes, purse, jewelry
* Schedule rehearsals
* Select menu for rehearsal dinner
* Decide on and book site for rehearsal dinner
* Arrange transportation for the wedding day. This includes you and your groom, family members, attendants, out-of-town guests, etc.

Wow, we still have several more months to go! Tune in next time for more planning...