Wedding Planning Timeline: Month-by-Month Breakdown

12 Months Before

• Set wedding date & budget

• Draft guest list (rough numbers)

• Hire wedding planner (you!)

• Book ceremony & reception venues

• Choose theme & color palette

10–11 Months Before

• Book major vendors: caterer, photographer, videographer, entertainment/DJ/band

• Research florists, décor teams, cake designers

• Shop for bridal gown (start fittings early if custom)

• Reserve accommodations for out-of-town guests

• Launch wedding website/save-the-dates

8–9 Months Before

• Finalize bridal party selection (bridesmaids, groomsmen)

• Begin bridesmaids’ and groomsmen’s attire shopping

• Book engagement photoshoot

• Plan for officiant (church, celebrant, or registrar)

• Confirm décor concepts with stylist/florist

• Start honeymoon planning (destination, passports, bookings)

6–7 Months Before

• Order wedding dress & accessories

• Choose cake design & book baker

• Plan entertainment details (playlist, first dance song)

• Decide transportation needs (for couple & guests)

• Send “Save the Date” cards

• Secure rental items (chairs, tents, tables, cutlery)

5 Months Before

• Menu tasting & finalize catering choices

• Book makeup artist & hairstylist

• Arrange lighting, staging, & sound systems

• Select wedding rings

• Draft ceremony program with officiant

4 Months Before

• Confirm attire for bridal party & parents

• Finalize décor details (flowers, centerpieces, stage backdrop)

• Schedule hair/makeup trials

• Book honeymoon flights/hotels

• Arrange wedding favors/gifts

3 Months Before

• Send out formal invitations

• Plan bridal shower & bachelor/bachelorette parties

• Finalize vows (if personal)

• Confirm photography shot list with photographer

• Begin premarital counseling (if required by faith/tradition)

2 Months Before

• Confirm ceremony readings, songs, and order of events

• Book transport for guests if needed

• Create seating chart & floor plan draft

• Purchase accessories (veil, shoes, jewelry)

• Begin dance lessons (optional)

1 Month Before

• Pick up wedding rings

• Final dress fitting & suit fitting

• Confirm RSVPs & finalize guest list

• Share final program with vendors

• Print programs, menus, signage

• Break in wedding shoes (avoid discomfort on the day!)

2 Weeks Before

• Confirm timelines with vendors & bridal party

• Arrange for marriage license/official paperwork

• Pack for honeymoon

• Reconfirm honeymoon bookings

• Do a beauty/spa treatment

1 Week Before

• Rehearsal & rehearsal dinner

• Delegate day-of tasks (to planner, bridal party, or trusted family)

• Prepare payment envelopes for vendors

• Pack wedding day emergency kit (safety pins, tissues, painkillers, makeup)

Day Before

• Rest & relax!

• Have nails done

• Deliver décor items to venue if required

• Early night of sleep