The Complete Wedding Planning Timeline
The Complete Wedding Planning Timeline: From "Yes!" to "I Do!"
Planning a wedding involves hundreds of details, but breaking it down into a timeline makes it manageable. Here's a comprehensive overview of when to tackle each major aspect of wedding planning. Download the COMPETE WEDDING PLANNING TIMELINE here and make a copy.
12-24 Months Out
* Research and tour potential ceremony venues
* Research and tour potential reception venues
* Research and book photographer (top photographers book 18+ months out)
* Create master budget spreadsheet
* Determine overall budget and who's contributing
* Start Pinterest/inspiration boards for overall vision
* Research wedding planners/coordinators
* Create preliminary guest list
* Choose wedding date
* Choose season/time of year
* Begin venue tours
* Research local wedding vendors and read reviews
* Consider hiring a wedding planner
* Start wedding folder/binder for organizing all documents
* Choose wedding motto/theme
* Plan engagement party
* Establish detailed budget breakdown by category
* Finalize guest list first draft
* Choose final venue(s)
* Book ceremony venue
* Book reception venue
* Choose caterer
* Book caterer
* Insure engagement ring
* Book ceremony musicians
* Research marriage license requirements
* Book hotel room blocks
* Create wedding-specific email address
* Begin dress research and save inspiration
* Schedule catering tastings
* Schedule engagement photos
* Create vendor research spreadsheet
* Research wedding insurance options
11 Months Out
* Finalize design vision/theme
* Book DJ
* Book band (if having both DJ and band)
* Book videographer
* Book florist
* Finalize contracts with caterers/bartenders
* Interview and select day-of coordinator
* Create guest address spreadsheet
* Begin collecting guest addresses
* Finalize hotel room blocks
* Create vendor contact spreadsheet
* Start wedding website draft
* Review rental needs (chairs, tables, linens, etc.)
* Research wedding dress shops and designers
10 Months Out
* Begin dress shopping
* Schedule engagement photo session
* Create and launch wedding website
* Research invitation designers
* Book transportation companies
* Begin discussing ceremony structure
* Start honeymoon research
* Check passport expiration dates
* Research wedding party gift ideas
* Create wedding registry wish list
9 Months Out
* Purchase wedding dress
* Schedule first dress fitting and alterations
* Design and order save-the-dates
* Research and contact potential officiants
* Meet with lawyers about prenup if desired
* Create DIY decor plan and timeline
* Begin dance lessons if desired
* Schedule groom's suit appointments
* Send out save-the-dates
* Book room for wedding night
* Start ceremony music playlist
* Research lighting specialists
* Begin compiling guest addresses
* Start wedding beauty regimen
8 Months Out
* Create and finalize wedding registries
* Begin shopping for wedding party attire
* Research bridesmaids dresses
* Book honeymoon flights and hotels
* Order bridesmaids dresses
* Research wedding bands
* Begin discussing ceremony readings
* Plan welcome bags for out-of-town guests
* Start hair and skincare routine
* Research wedding day breakfast/lunch options
* Book spa treatments for wedding party if desired
7 Months Out
* Book rehearsal dinner venue
* Hire ceremony musicians
* Order rental items (chairs, tables, linens)
* Officially ask wedding party members
* Schedule hair and makeup trials
* Begin planning morning-of timeline
* Research transportation logistics
* Order wedding party robes/getting ready outfits
* Start planning ceremony structure
* Research local marriage license requirements
6 Months Out
* Schedule regular date nights/time together
* Create detailed decor plan
* Book lighting technician if needed
* Begin premarital counseling if desired
* Start DIY projects
* Create list of needed items/supplies
* Choose ceremony readings
* Order invitations
* Plan ceremony layout
* Book wedding party hair/makeup
* Create family formal photo list
* Plan weekend activities for out-of-town guests
* Research wedding party gifts
5 Months Out
* Book guest transportation
* Book wedding party transportation
* Schedule dress fittings
* Shop for wedding undergarments
* Research marriage license requirements
* Purchase wedding party gifts
* Schedule floral mock-up
* Order wedding party accessories
* Plan ceremony processional order
* Create photo shot list
* Plan welcome dinner details
* Order ceremony programs
* Begin writing ceremony
4 Months Out
* Finalize menu selections
* Order guest favors
* Choose ceremony readings
* Create rain plan/crisis plan
* Schedule groomsmen suit fittings
* Order wedding cake
* Purchase wedding bands
* Create detailed day-of timeline
* Plan ceremony seating
* Begin playlist creation
* Order ring bearer/flower girl accessories
* Schedule final venue walkthrough
* Book wedding morning beauty appointments
3 Months Out
* Pay final vendor deposits
* Design escort cards
* Begin writing vows
* Create vendor tip envelopes
* Send invitations
* Track RSVPs
* Submit final guest count
* Gather photos for memorial table
* Schedule final catering tasting
* Plan morning-of getting ready
* Confirm all rental orders
* Create photo list with family groupings
* Purchase wedding emergency kit supplies
2 Months Out
* Set RSVP deadline (6 weeks before wedding)
* Send rehearsal dinner invites
* Attend final dress fitting
* Clean engagement ring
* Practice vows
* Write notes to each other
* Purchase last-minute items
* Create bathroom amenity baskets
* Finalize reception decor
* Create detailed setup instructions
* Confirm vendor arrival times
* Plan ceremony rehearsal
* Create emergency contact list
* Confirm honeymoon reservations
Month Of
* Create seating chart
* Design reception signage
* Have final venue meeting
* Break in wedding shoes
* Make final Amazon purchases
* Finalize ceremony with officiant
* Create vendor contact cards
* Finish reception timeline
* Confirm wedding party attire
* Create detail shot list
* Schedule wedding morning appointments
* Pick up marriage license
* Final dress fitting and pickup
Week Of
* Get manicure/pedicure
* Schedule relaxation time
* Pack for honeymoon
* Give music lists to DJ/band
* Confirm all vendors
* Order thank you cards
* Get cash for vendor tips
* Create wedding day emergency kit
* Print timelines and vendor contacts
* Prepare welcome bags
* Steam wedding attire
* Arrange wedding morning meals
* Final meetings with vendors
* Confirm photo shot list
Day Before
* Pack emergency kit and accessories
* Get good night's sleep
* Watch favorite movie to relax
* Prepare vendor payment envelopes
* Print final vow copies
* Charge all devices
* Drop off welcome bags
* Attend rehearsal and dinner
* Give wedding party their gifts
* Confirm morning-of timeline
* Set multiple alarms
* Pack reception decor for venue
* Prepare day-of emergency kit
Morning Of Wedding
* Eat a good breakfast
* Stay hydrated
* Take candid getting ready photos
* Give rings to best man/maid of honor
* Take a quiet moment alone
* Exchange notes with partner
* Give marriage license to officiant
* Take pre-ceremony photos
* Enjoy every moment!
