The Easiest Wedding Planning Timeline
Whether your wedding is big, small or medium there is a lot that goes into it. Most couples take over a year to plan their wedding. You'll need ample time to book your venue and vendors and figure out your wedding style. The process can be daunting, but don't fret - we're here to help.
We've complied an easy 12-month timeline to review for your wedding, from choosing a date to booking your venue to finalizing your guest list.
So whether you're just starting to plan your wedding or you're in the final stretch, here is everything you'll need to know to make your big day a success.
9-12 Months before the wedding
- Confirm your estimated guest count and start compiling addresses.
- Secure your venue and put down your deposit.
- Visit bridal boutiques, order gown.
- Choose and notify your Wedding Party.
- Select Bridal Party attire.
- Select registry items.
- Reserve the date with a Photographer, execute a contract and send a deposit.
- Reserve the date with a Videographer, execute the contract and send the deposit.
- Set up a design meeting and reserve the date with a florist, execute the contract and send the deposit.
- Reserve the date with ceremony location, cocktail musicians, execute the contract and send the deposits.
- Reserve the date with reception band or DJ, execute the contract and send the deposit.
- Reserve the date with any specialty entertainment: After Party DJ, Cigar Roller, etc.
- Reserve lighting, linens, chairs, dance floor, furniture, table top, décor, etc.
- Reserve the date with the Officiant.
6-8 Months Before The Wedding
- Design and send out the Save the Dates.
- Discuss honeymoon plans and contact a Honeymoon Planner.
*Remember to reserve travel arrangements/ airplane tickets under Bride’s maiden name, not married name.
- Design the Invitation Suite, approve the proof and go to print.
*They are sent out 8-10 weeks before the wedding date.
- Confirm rehearsal date, time and dinner location.
- Secure the welcome party location, time and details, if applicable.
- Decide on attire for Groom and Groomsmen and have them purchase or reserve their outfits.
- Have Bridesmaids order and purchase their dresses.
- Reserve transportation for the wedding party and guests, if applicable.
- Set up and attend hair and makeup trial.
- Shop for and purchase wedding rings.
- Take engagement photos.
- Determine cake design, attend tasting and secure wedding cake.
- Look into a new living space for after the wedding.
3-5 Months Before The Wedding
- Send out invitations *8-10 weeks before the wedding date
- Confirm the number of services you need with the hair and makeup stylists
- Purchase shoes, veil, garter, jewelry, and accessories. Same with Bridal Party.
- Purchase shoes, veil, garter, jewelry, and accessories. Same with Bridal Party.
- Choose and purchase wedding favors if applicable.
- Start designing your day-of paper goods.
- Attend tasting/ banquet set up a meeting with catering manager to establish final menu.
- Begin dance lessons, if applicable.
- Meet with the officiant and discuss the ceremony.
- Select readers and readings for the ceremony if applicable.
- Confirm all formality song selections for the ceremony and reception.
- Select Bridesmaid and Groomsman gifts.
- Set up and attend Décor mock-up with your floral designer.
- Purchase wedding gift For Groom
1-2 Months Before The Wedding
- Obtain Marriage License. (valid for 90 days)
- Schedule final dress fitting.
- Buy guestbook and pen or something that acts as a guestbook
- Pick up wedding bands.
- Review deposit schedule and make final payments.
- Groom purchase your bride a gift.
3 Weeks Before The Wedding
- Finalize timeline.
- Write thank you speech for the wedding.
- Confirm final guest count.
- Schedule manicure, pedicure, massage or other spa treatments.
- Decide on seating for the wedding reception.
- Proof and go to print all day-of paper goods, including your escort cards and place cards.
1 Week Before The Wedding
- Pack for the wedding.
- Pack for your honeymoon.
- Manicure, Pedicure and Spa Services.
- RELAX as much as you can!
