Your Complete Wedding Planning Timeline: A Month-by-Month Guide
Planning your dream wedding doesn't have to be overwhelming. Here's your roadmap to a stress-free planning experience, breaking down essential tasks from a year out to your big day.
12+ Months Before: The Foundation
Start your journey with early research and groundwork. This is your dreaming phase - browse magazines, Pinterest, and start gathering inspiration. This would be a good time to start looking for and even booking your things that can only do one event per day, such as photographer, coordinator, venue etc.
Have key conversations with family and stakeholders
Set your budget
Decide on hiring a wedding planner
Research and tour venues
Start collecting design inspiration
Lock in your date and venue
Begin booking priority vendors
Choose your wedding party
Finalize guest list
10 Months: The Fun Begins
Start wedding dress/attire shopping
Book hotel blocks
Arrange transportation details
9 Months: Getting Organized
Choose save-the-dates
Plan entertainment
Book rentals
Schedule engagement photos
8 Months: Digital & Details
Create wedding website
Send save-the-dates
Set up gift registry
Start honeymoon planning
Secure wedding insurance
7-6 Months: The Middle Ground
Shop for wedding party attire
Finalize all vendor contracts
Book rehearsal dinner venue
Attend premarital counseling
Shop for wedding bands
Complete invitation suite
5-4 Months: Fine-Tuning
Order formal invitations
Plan your menu
Create music wishlist
Book ceremony officiant
Start wedding beauty routine
Send shower invites
3 Months: Getting Real
Attend wedding shower
Purchase thank-you gifts
Schedule hair/makeup trial
Send formal invitations
2 Months: Personal Touches
Enjoy bachelor/bachelorette parties
Start writing vows
Plan favors and welcome bags
1 Month: Final Stretch
Get marriage license
Final attire alterations
Make seating chart
Confirm wedding party attire
2 Weeks Before
Confirm RSVPs
Meet with coordinator
Finalize shot list with photographer
Confirm vendor details
Book final beauty appointments
The Week Of
Give final headcount
Steam wedding attire
Pack overnight bag
Clean rings
Practice vows
Write partner's day-of note
The Day Before
Organize vendor payments and tips
Hand off marriage certificate
Give gifts to wedding party
Rehearse ceremony
Enjoy rehearsal dinner
Pro Tips:
Use a digital planning tool or spreadsheet to track progress
Delegate tasks when possible
Build in buffer time for unexpected changes
Keep all vendor contracts in one place
Don't leave any major decisions for the last month
Remember, this timeline is flexible - adjust it based on your engagement length and specific needs. The key is staying organized and tackling tasks in a logical order to avoid last-minute stress.
Happy planning! 💍
