Planning a wedding can feel like a whirlwind, but with a solid timeline, you’ve got this! Let’s break it down month by month—don’t worry, we’re keeping it light-hearted and manageable because, at the end of the day, this is about celebrating love (and maybe some cake testing)!
12 Months Out: The Big Decisions Begin! 🎉
Before we even step into the planning, I want you to take a minute to breathe it all in. Just for a second or a month, however long it takes you to fully grasp what just happened.
YOU JUST GOT ENGAGED!!
Now... To begin planning... There are a couple things you can do even this far out.
💸Set a budget
Determine how much you’re willing to spend and allocate funds to different categories like venue, photography, dress, and catering.
US AVERAGES:
Average venue: 11-14k
Catering (100 guests): 8.5-10k
Photography: 2.5-5k
✔️ Create a guests list
Draft a preliminary guest list to have an idea of numbers and budget implications.
Guests list can include just immediate family, extended family, friends, or everyone you know. Invite (or don't) whoever you'd like!
💒 Choose a venue
Book your ceremony and reception venues as soon as possible, as popular locations fill up fast.
Venues typically book 12-18 months in advanced. 📷Book Key Vendors
Secure the most important vendors, such as a photographer, videographer, and caterer.
Couples typically book their photographer and videographer 9-12 months in advanced.
📇Hire a Wedding Planner (if desired)
A planner ensures your day runs smoothly by handling logistics, coordinating vendors, and solving any last minute issues. They save you time, reduce stress, and help you stay within your budget, making the planning process enjoyable and allowing you to focus on your big day.
👗start dress shopping
Begin shopping for your wedding dress, keeping in mind that alterations may take several months.
Brides typically say yes to the dress 8-12 months in advanced.
💜Choose a theme/colors
Decide on your overall wedding aesthetic (e.g., boho, classic, rustic). If you can't decide on a theme, decide on your wedding colors.
9 Months Out: It’s Getting Real!
🎻BOOK YOUR ENTERTAINMENT
Hire your DJ, band, or musicians for the ceremony and reception. Consider looking into a live painter at this time as well.
💐HIRE FLORISTS AND DECORATORS
Work with florists and decorators to create your vision for the ceremony and reception decor.
👫FINALIZE YOUR WEDDING PARTY
Confirm your bridesmaids, groomsmen, and other key participants. Some couples make invitations to be a part of their wedding as a gift for the wedding party.
🏩RESERVE HOTELS FOR GUESTS
Arrange hotel rooms for out-of-town guests and negotiate group rates if necessary.
📷PLAN ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS
If you want engagement photos, this is a great time to schedule a session with your photographer. A lot of couples want their engagement photos for save the dates.
💄start hair and makeup trials
Book appointments to try out different styles to ensure you find exactly what look you want for your wedding day.
📬SEND SAVE THE DATES
Once your venue and date are finalized, send save-the-dates to your guest list.
6 Months Out: Welcome to the Twilight Zone
✅Finalize the Guest List
Narrow down your guest list and start collecting mailing addresses.
📮Choose invitations
Pick out and order wedding invitations, RSVP cards, and other stationery.
🚐BOOK TRANSPORTATION
Arrange transportation for yourself and your guests if needed (e.g., limo, shuttle services).
🤵🏾Select wedding party attire
Decide on your bridal party’s outfits and place orders.
🎁Register for giftS
Set up your wedding registry with items that you and your partner will love. Online registries makes it easier for long distance family members to purchase gifts.
🍲Plan the menu
Have a tasting with your caterer to finalize the menu.
🎂order your wedding cake
Meet with bakers to design and order your wedding cake.
✈️book honeymoon
Plan and book your honeymoon destination, flights, and accommodations.
3 Months Out: The Final Countdown Begins
📬Mail invitations
Send out your formal wedding invitations
👰🏿Schedule final dress fittings
Ensure your dress fits perfectly and make any final adjustments. Don't forget to have bridesmaid do a final dress fitting also.
💍Order wedding bands
Choose and order wedding rings for you and your partner.
🪩Finalize Ceremony and Reception Details
Confirm timelines, special readings, music, and any other details with your officiant, vendors, and wedding planner.
📖Arrange Marriage License
Research your state’s marriage license requirements and obtain it within the appropriate time frame.
🪑create seating chart
Start planning where your guests will sit at the reception based on RSVPs.
🗒️write vows (if personal)
Begin drafting and rehearsing your wedding vows.
💝buy wedding party gifts
Purchase thank-you gifts for your bridal party and parents.
🪞finalize beauty appointment
Schedule final hair, makeup, manicure, and spa treatments.
1 Month Out: The Final Stretch
🏠confirm vendor arrangements
Double-check with all vendors (caterers, photographers, DJs, etc.) to ensure everything is in place. Confirm arrival times, services, and payment details to avoid last-minute surprises.
👰🏿finalize timeline
Include key moments like the ceremony, speeches, and cake cutting. Most importantly don't forget to take moments during the day just for yourselves.
🏝️pack for honeymoon
If you’re heading out on your honeymoon right after the wedding, start packing now! Make sure all travel documents, passports, and accommodations are set.
🏥create an emergency kit
Prepare a small kit with essentials like safety pins, makeup touch-ups, tissues, and a sewing kit for any quick fixes needed on the day.
🍽️rehersal and rehersal dinner
Organize your wedding rehearsal and dinner. This is a good time to go over the ceremony with your wedding party and make sure everyone knows their roles.
💵 payments and tips
Finalize any remaining balances and prepare tip envelopes for vendors who went above and beyond..
🧖♀️relax and delegate
In the last few days, let go of any stress and delegate tasks to your wedding party or planner. Focus on enjoying the final lead-up to your big day!
Final Thoughts
Enjoy the process! Sure, there will be some stress, but remember that it’s all about you and your partner celebrating your love story. Follow this timeline, and you’ll have a clear path to your big day, without losing your mind in the process!
