Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down month by month makes it manageable and even enjoyable. This comprehensive timeline will guide you through every step, from the moment you say "yes" to walking down the aisle.
12 Months Before: The Foundation
The first month after your engagement is all about setting the foundation for everything that follows.
Set Your Budget
Before you fall in love with venues and vendors, determine what you can realistically spend. Consider contributions from family, your own savings, and what you're comfortable financing. A clear budget prevents heartache later when you realize your dream venue costs twice what you planned.
Choose Your Date
Pick 2-3 potential dates that work for you. Consider:
- Season and weather
- Conflicts with major holidays or events
- Availability of key family members
- Peak vs. off-peak wedding season pricing
Start Your Guest List
Create a preliminary guest list to determine your wedding size. This affects every other decision—venue capacity, catering costs, and invitation budget all depend on your headcount.
Research and Book Your Venue
Popular venues book 12-18 months in advance. Start touring venues immediately once you have your date range and guest count. Your venue often determines your caterer, so this is a crucial early decision.
10-11 Months Before: Building Your Team
Hire Your Photographer and Videographer
After your venue, photography is typically the next most in-demand service. Great photographers book quickly, especially for peak season dates.
Book Your Officiant
Whether you want a religious ceremony, civil service, or friend-officiated wedding, secure your officiant early.
Start Dress Shopping
Wedding dresses typically take 4-6 months to arrive, plus time for alterations. Start shopping now to avoid rush fees.
Choose Your Wedding Party
Ask your bridesmaids, groomsmen, and any other attendants to be part of your day.
8-9 Months Before: Details Take Shape
Book Remaining Vendors
- Florist
- DJ or band
- Caterer (if not included with venue)
- Hair and makeup artists
- Transportation
Send Save-the-Dates
Give guests time to plan, especially if you're having a destination wedding or expecting out-of-town guests.
Create Your Wedding Website
Share important details like accommodations, registry information, and your love story with guests.
Start Planning Your Honeymoon
Popular destinations and resorts book up quickly, especially for peak travel seasons.
6-7 Months Before: Refinement
Order Your Dress
If you haven't already, place your order now to ensure timely delivery.
Book Accommodations
Reserve room blocks for out-of-town guests at nearby hotels.
Plan Your Ceremony
Work with your officiant on readings, vows, and ceremony structure.
Schedule Engagement Photos
These photos can be used for save-the-dates, your wedding website, and displayed at your reception.
4-5 Months Before: The Details
Send Invitations
Mail invitations 6-8 weeks before the wedding, earlier for destination weddings.
Finalize Menu and Cake
Schedule tastings and confirm your selections.
Plan Reception Details
- Table assignments
- Music playlist and first dance song
- Centerpieces and décor
- Photo booth or entertainment
Purchase Wedding Bands
Allow time for sizing and any customization.
2-3 Months Before: Final Stretch
Dress Fittings Begin
Schedule your first fitting and bring your shoes, undergarments, and accessories.
Confirm All Vendors
Create a detailed timeline and share it with everyone involved.
Apply for Marriage License
Check your local requirements—some licenses expire, so don't get it too early.
Write Your Vows
If you're writing personal vows, start drafting now.
1 Month Before: Final Details
Final Dress Fitting
Everything should fit perfectly now.
Confirm Final Guest Count
Provide your caterer with the final headcount.
Create Seating Chart
Use your confirmed RSVPs to arrange tables.
Prepare Payments
Gather final payments and tips for vendors.
Break in Your Shoes
Wear them around the house to avoid blisters on your wedding day.
2 Weeks Before: Almost There
Confirm Timeline with Vendors
Send final schedules and contact information to everyone.
Pack for Honeymoon
Get this done early so you're not stressed the night before.
Finalize Seating Chart
Make any last-minute adjustments.
Wedding Rehearsal Planning
Confirm time and location with your wedding party.
1 Week Before: Relax and Celebrate
Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner
Practice the ceremony and enjoy time with your wedding party.
Delegate Tasks
Assign day-of responsibilities to trusted friends or family.
Prepare Emergency Kit
Include: safety pins, stain remover, pain relievers, tissues, breath mints, and phone charger.
Rest and Hydrate
You've done the work—now take care of yourself!
Wedding Day
Morning
- Eat a good breakfast
- Hair and makeup
- Get dressed with your bridal party
- Take pre-ceremony photos
Ceremony
- Exchange vows
- First kiss as a married couple
- Recessional
Reception
- Grand entrance
- First dance
- Dinner and toasts
- Cake cutting
- Bouquet/garter toss
- Last dance
After
- Enjoy your first night as a married couple
- Honeymoon begins!
Tips for Staying Organized
Use a Planning Tool: OurVows helps you track tasks, manage your budget, and coordinate with vendors all in one place.
Delegate: You don't have to do everything yourself. Lean on your wedding party, family, and day-of coordinator.
Build in Buffer Time: Things take longer than expected. Add extra time to your timeline.
Take Breaks: Wedding planning is a marathon, not a sprint. Step away when you need to.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I have less than 12 months to plan? Many beautiful weddings are planned in 6 months or less. Prioritize the most important elements and be flexible with dates and vendors.
Should I hire a wedding planner? A planner can save time and reduce stress, especially for complex weddings. Even a day-of coordinator helps ensure everything runs smoothly.
How do I handle family opinions? Listen respectfully, but remember: this is your wedding. You and your partner make the final decisions.
What's the most common mistake couples make? Underestimating their budget and not building in a 10-15% contingency fund for unexpected costs.
Start your planning journey with OurVows and turn this checklist into action. We'll help you stay organized every step of the way.