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Nationally, Christmas is the most popular time to become engaged. And maybe, now a month into the new year, you have found yourself with a ring on your finger. But what now?

Anyone, married or single, knows that planning a wedding can be a terrifying prospect. From picking a floral arrangement to deciding who to invite, it can be hard to know where to start — and when.

Dora Manuel, wedding planner and owner of Viva Bella Weddings and Events, and Diana Stolar, wedding planner at Devoted to Details LLC, laid out an approach to plan a wedding in six months, although Manuel says she recommends taking at least nine months to make your plans.

Month One:

This is the busiest and most stressful month, said Stolar.

According to Manuel, this is when couples need to come up with an overall vision for the wedding. They need to establish how much they are willing to spend and where they want it to be.

"I think something — a mistake — that people make is not really asking themselves what kind of wedding they want before they start planning – 'what's our style?'" Manuel said. "You can go to a million different venues, but unless you have a vision, you're going to get really confused. You have to get a game plan."

Both Manuel and Stolar also recommended hiring a photographer as early as possible since they tend to book quickly.

"They'll want to look at what kind of style of photography they like," Stolar said. "Maybe photojournalism – like, action shots or if they want it posed like more traditional photography."

If they plan to have a band or a DJ at the reception, that should be decided this month as well, said Stolar. Bands especially, she said, book extremely quickly and should be chosen right away.

Overall, the most important things to address during the first month, Stolar said, are where the wedding and reception will be, how many people will be invited, how much it will cost, and who will photograph it. And of course, the groom needs to start planning the honeymoon.

Month Two:

Time to pick out dresses and flowers. Stolar and Manuel said that the bridesmaid dresses should be the first to be picked out. That way, the bride can take a swatch to the florist so she can match the flower arrangements to the dresses. In addition, Stolar said that the dresses can take several weeks to arrive and time should be reserved to make alterations.

Manuel added that brides shouldn't hesitate to shop around for ideas, but she also said that keeping a record of what you like can be very helpful when it comes time to make a final decision.

"It's important to, as you look around, take pictures of everything you like" Manuel said. "Again, sort of a game plan."

The bride also needs to pick out her own dress during this month, although choosing one as early as possible is the best approach, according to Stolar.

"A big thing for the bride is to order her bridal gown," Stolar said. "Depending on where you get it from, sometimes they have to order the dress for you and sometimes it can take up to six months to get your order."

The couple needs to set up transportation and rooming if guests are going to be coming in from out of town. Stolar recommended reserving a block in a hotel so guest can reserve rooms near each other.

Both Stolar and Manuel said that the bride and groom need to start thinking about wedding invitations. If they plan to have custom invitations made, they can take several weeks.

Month Three:

This is when final decisions need to be made with regards to floral arrangements. Although the bride may have already picked out what flowers she wants, Stolar pointed out that a lot can change as the wedding is being planned, so it is important to wait until the venue and other arrangements are finalized before making any definite decorating decisions.

The couple should also be looking at wedding cakes during this month. Although the cake itself usually only takes a few days to make, it can take longer to come up with a design that fits in with the rest of the decorations, said Manuel.

"It's hard for someone to design something new if they don't have a basic idea," Manuel said.

The bride should start setting up hair and makeup appointments. Stolar said that some brides like the hair stylist to come to their home or hotel to do their hair. In those cases, it is especially important to book early since they will fill up faster.

The groomsmen also need to get fitted for tuxedos during this month.

During this time, the couple may also want to go ring shopping together.

Month Four:

The invitations should be finished and sent out, as a rule, seven to eight weeks before the wedding. This, according to Stolar, gives guests a few weeks to RSVP and leaves enough time before the wedding for the vendors to prepare based on the number attending.

Although both Manuel and Stolar agreed that April is a fairly empty month as far as planning goes, Manuel said that this is when the bride and groom need to prepare what they want to do at the ceremony.

"Sit down with whoever's going to marry you and discuss the elements of the service," Manuel said. "What readings you want, what traditions you want to keep or eliminate, if a family member is going to do a reading...."

If the bridesmaid or bride's dress has arrived, this is when it should be fitted.

Month Five:

The last month of planning has arrived and everything should be getting finalized.

"Give your guests a finalized timeline of when they need to be there, how the day will flow," Manuel said. "You really need to have a mental plan on how things are going to go and share it with every person who has anything to do with the wedding. Let your groomsmen and bridesmaids know when they need to show."

Final payments and details need to be confirmed with all of the vendors.

If the couple plans to have programs or seating labels printed, they should be ordered and made this month.

Lastly, Stolar said that this is when a couple should get their marriage license. The license needs to be obtained no more than 60 days before the wedding or else it will not be valid.

Month Six:

This is it, just a few days until the wedding.

Manuel recommended that the bride get a manicure and a pedicure two days prior to the ceremony, and both said that she should talk to her hair stylist to make a final decision on how she wants to look.

On your

wedding day:

There will still be small details and problems, but don't let issues overwhelm one of the most memorable days of your life. Pledge your love, enjoy the best wishes of family and friends, and go happily into the new phase of your life.