Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into manageable monthly tasks transforms chaos into calm. Whether you're working with a professional wedding planner or tackling it yourself, this comprehensive checklist will be your roadmap to "I do."
We've helped hundreds of couples navigate the wedding planning journey, and we've distilled our expertise into this ultimate timeline. Bookmark this page — you'll come back to it often.
12 Months Before: Setting the Foundation
The first month after your engagement is all about big-picture decisions. These choices will shape everything that follows, so take your time and discuss openly with your partner.
Budget Planning
- Discuss overall wedding budget with your partner
- Determine who is contributing financially and how much
- Research average wedding costs in your area
- Create a spreadsheet to track all expenses
- Build in a 10-15% buffer for unexpected costs
Need help with budgeting? Our Wedding Budget Guide breaks down exactly where to spend and where to save.
Guest List
- Create your initial guest list with A-list and B-list
- Decide on the overall size of wedding you want
- Discuss plus-ones and children policies
- Start collecting addresses
Venue & Date
- Research and tour potential venues
- Consider season, day of week, and time of day
- Book your venue and secure the date
- Review and sign venue contract carefully
Choosing a venue is one of the most important decisions you'll make. Read our guide on How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Venue to ask the right questions.
Professional Help
- Decide if you want a wedding planner or coordinator
- Interview and book your planner if desired
- Consider day-of coordination at minimum
Pro Tip
Even if you're planning your wedding yourself, day-of coordination is worth every penny. You deserve to enjoy your wedding day, not manage vendor arrivals and timeline logistics.
10-11 Months Before: Booking Key Vendors
With your venue secured, it's time to book the vendors who tend to get snapped up quickly. In peak wedding season, popular photographers and caterers book 12+ months out.
Photography & Videography
- Research photographers whose style matches your vision
- Review full galleries, not just highlight reels
- Meet with top choices to check personal chemistry
- Book photographer and videographer
- Discuss engagement session if desired
Not sure what to ask? Our guide covers 25 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer.
Catering & Bar
- Schedule tastings with potential caterers
- Discuss menu options and dietary accommodations
- Decide on bar service (open, limited, cash)
- Book caterer and bar service
Entertainment
- Decide between band, DJ, or combination
- Research and book entertainment
- Discuss ceremony music needs
Attire
- Begin wedding dress shopping
- Order dress (allow 6-8 months for delivery)
- Start thinking about suits/tuxedos
8-9 Months Before: Designing the Details
Now the fun begins! This phase is about bringing your vision to life through the details that make your wedding uniquely yours.
Wedding Party
- Finalize your wedding party
- Ask bridesmaids and groomsmen officially
- Discuss attire expectations and budget
Ceremony
- Book officiant
- Begin discussing ceremony structure
- Research marriage license requirements in your state
Florals & Decor
- Research florists and review portfolios
- Book florist
- Discuss color palette and flower preferences
- Consider rentals needed (furniture, linens, lighting)
- Book rental company if needed
Additional Vendors
- Book hair and makeup artists
- Schedule trials for hair and makeup
- Book transportation if needed
- Research and book cake baker or dessert vendor
6-7 Months Before: Save-the-Dates & Travel
Stationery
- Design and order save-the-dates
- Send save-the-dates (especially for destination guests)
- Create wedding website
- Set up registry
Travel & Accommodations
- Research and book honeymoon
- Block hotel rooms for guests
- Plan welcome bags for out-of-town guests
Attire Updates
- Schedule first dress fitting
- Order suits/tuxedos
- Shop for accessories (shoes, jewelry, veil)
- Finalize bridesmaid dress orders
4-5 Months Before: Invitations & Rehearsal
Invitations
- Finalize guest list
- Design and order invitations
- Order extra envelopes for mistakes
- Purchase postage (get them weighed at post office)
Rehearsal Dinner
- Decide on rehearsal dinner style and size
- Book rehearsal dinner venue
- Create rehearsal dinner guest list
Vendor Details
- Finalize menu with caterer
- Schedule cake tasting
- Discuss detailed timeline with photographer
- Create song lists (must-plays and do-not-plays)
2-3 Months Before: Confirming Everything
Invitations
- Send invitations (8 weeks before wedding)
- Track RSVPs as they arrive
- Follow up with non-responders at 2-week mark
Legal & Logistics
- Apply for marriage license
- Arrange name change documents if applicable
- Purchase wedding bands
- Write vows if doing personal vows
Vendor Confirmations
- Confirm all vendor bookings in writing
- Review contracts and payment schedules
- Provide final details to each vendor
- Attend second dress fitting
Guest Experience
- Plan seating chart (draft version)
- Order wedding favors
- Prepare welcome bags
- Arrange guest transportation if needed
1 Month Before: Final Preparations
The final countdown! This month is about confirming every detail and preparing for the big day.
Final Fittings & Beauty
- Final dress fitting
- Final suit/tuxedo fitting
- Hair and makeup trial (if not done earlier)
- Plan beauty prep for wedding week
Final Vendor Meetings
- Final walkthrough with venue
- Final meeting with planner/coordinator
- Confirm arrival times with all vendors
- Provide final guest count to caterer
- Finalize seating chart
Prepare Payments & Tips
- Prepare final payments for vendors
- Organize cash tips in labeled envelopes
- Assign someone to handle day-of payments
Final Details
- Create detailed timeline for wedding day
- Confirm rehearsal dinner details
- Break in wedding shoes
- Prepare emergency kit
- Delegate tasks to wedding party
Wedding Week: The Home Stretch
You've done the work. Now it's time to enjoy the celebration of your love.
Week Before
- Confirm all vendors one final time
- Pick up wedding dress
- Give final numbers to caterer
- Prepare toasts if giving one
Day Before
- Attend rehearsal
- Enjoy rehearsal dinner
- Deliver welcome bags to hotel
- Get a good night's sleep!
Wedding Day
- Eat breakfast
- Let your coordinator handle the details
- Take moments to pause and absorb everything
- Marry the love of your life!
Remember
At the end of the day, you'll be married to your person. That's what matters. Everything else is just a beautiful bonus.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should you start planning a wedding?
Most couples benefit from 12-18 months of planning time. However, weddings can be planned in as little as 3-6 months if you're flexible with dates and vendors. Popular venues and photographers often book 12-18 months in advance, so starting early gives you the most options.
What should you book first when planning a wedding?
Book your venue first, as this determines your date, guest count, and overall budget. After securing the venue, prioritize your photographer, caterer, and any other vendors that book up quickly in your area.
How much does wedding planning cost?
The average U.S. wedding costs around $30,000-$35,000, but this varies significantly by location and choices. Professional wedding planners typically charge 10-20% of your total budget for full-service planning, or flat fees starting around $1,500-$3,000 for day-of coordination.
Can I plan a wedding in 6 months?
Yes! While 12 months is ideal, a 6-month timeline is absolutely doable. You'll need to be decisive, flexible, and potentially consider off-peak dates or days. Working with a wedding planner can be especially helpful for shorter timelines.
Need Help With Your Wedding Planning?
Our team at Something Blue would love to help make your wedding planning journey stress-free and enjoyable. From full-service planning to day-of coordination, we've got you covered.
Get in Touch
