Summarize:

right away. Have a talk with your partner about who you’d both like to have by your sides on the big day. Once you know who you’d like to be in your party, contact them as soon as you can (preferably at least 9 months in advance) to start working out the details.  Depending on how large and elaborate your wedding is, your party may include just 1 or 2 people (e.g., a maid of honor and a best man) or several (such as bridesmaids, groomsmen, a ring bearer, and a flower girl). The larger your wedding party, the more schedules you will have to coordinate. You will also need to discuss whether or not you can help cover costs such as travel and clothing expenses for your party members. Don’t feel the need to have a wedding party at all, if you’d prefer to keep things really simple! Go through the list of guests that you and your future spouse put together, and decide if there is anyone else you would like to add to (or cut from) the list. Make sure you have up-to-date contact information for everyone on the list.  As you continue the planning process, you can use this list to keep track of information such as which guests still need invitations and who has already RSVP’d. Try to have your final guest list written up by at least 9 months before your wedding date. Save the date cards aren’t an absolute must, but they’re a helpful way to give family and friends a heads up and give them time to clear their schedules. It will also give anyone who can’t attend a chance to let you know well ahead of the wedding.  If you’re having a destination wedding or planning your wedding at a time when it might be hard for many people to attend (such as during a major holiday), try to send out save-the-dates 9 months to a year in advance. Do a search online for fun and creative save-the-date ideas, like custom magnets or buttons. If you have a wedding website, you can put the address on your save-the-dates. Once the wedding is about 2 months away, send out invitations to all the people on your guest list. Make sure you include the place, date, and time of the ceremony and reception, as well as the names of the people you are inviting.  If you don’t have a big budget for wedding invitations, you can save money and add a personal touch by making your own. Your invitations should also include RSVP cards and additional important information, such as dress code and menu options (if applicable). As you receive RSVPs, keep track of them on your guest list.
Reach out to people you’d like in your wedding party Finalize your guest list. Send out save-the-date cards 6 to 8 months in advance. Follow up with formal invitations 8 weeks before the wedding.