Wedding Planning Timeline: What to Do Each Month Before Your Big Day

Wedding planning can be stressful. It’s the reason our company exists. To help you during the planning process, we’re sharing this 18-month guide.

Here is our suggested timeline for any couple. If your wedding is less than 18 months away, then restructure to fit all of the tasks into your timeframe. The items can be moved around, but make sure to complete all of them.

18 Months:

  • Discuss budget and priorities with your significant other. Make sure to include any family who is contributing too.
  • Create your guest list
  • Narrow down the date range or season that you’d like to host your event
  • Hire a wedding planner

17 Months:

  • Scope out venues online. Inquire about pricing, what’s included, and how many hours the rental includes.
  • Book site visits to see the venues in-person. We recommended booking 3-5 to view.
  • Decide on your event/wedding style, theme, and colors
  • Create a Pinterest board

16 Months:

  • Book your venue to secure your wedding date.
  • Research your main vendors

15 Months:

  • Book photographer and videographer
  • Ask wedding party
  • Create wedding website and registry

14 Months:

  • Shop for you wedding dress and veil
  • Book accommodations for guests. Hotel blocks are very helpful.
  • Gather guest addresses.

13 Months:

  • Chat with your photographer and book the date for your engagement photos. Discuss the vision and find the perfect backdrop.
  • Book entertainment

12 Months:

  • Book florist and officiant
  • Decide on bridesmaid dresses and groomsmen styles

11 Months:

  • Plan ceremony details
  • Book hair and makeup
  • Schedule pre-marital counseling

10 Months:

  • Book guest transportation
  • Reserve rentals (tents, chairs, linens, etc.)
  • Order bridesmaid dresses

9 Months:

  • Book cake tasting
  • Plan and book honeymoon. Make sure your passport is renewed.
  • Confirm all vendors are booked

8 Months:

  • Order groom’s attire
  • Order rings

7 Months:

  • Book a hair and makeup trial. We recommend using this with your engagement photos to get a feel for how the wedding day will look. Keep notes
  • Plan Ceremony, Music and Reception Playlist
  • Finalize Menu and Cake Tasting

6 Months:

  • Send Save the Dates. If you’re having a destination wedding, you can send them earlier.
  • Book rehearsal dinner venue
  • Schedule dress fitting

5 Months:

  • Design and order Invitations
  • Confirm officiant script and ceremony structure
  • Purchase wedding favors or welcome gifts

4 Months:

  • Mail invitations
  • Final dress fittings. Purchase final accessories – shoes, jewlery, undergarments.
  • Create the timeline – include vendor arrivals and departures

3 Months:

  • Schedule final vendor meetings
  • Book a final walkthrough with your planner
  • Create signage (menus, welcome signs, rehearsal dinner signs, bar signs, etc.)
  • Select music (first dance,

2 Months:

  • Confirm RSVPs and meal counts. Make sure to take account for any allergies. Don’t forget to include vendors.
  • Prepare vows and readings
  • Schedule final beauty appointments (nails, hair, spray tan, facial, etc.)

1 Month:

  • Create seating chart.
  • Final meeting with planning team
  • Pack wedding day essentials + emergency kits
  • Final payments and tips
  • Apply for marriage license (check with your county and state)

We hope you enjoy checking each item off your list so you can enjoy your wedding day. If you need full planning assistance, contact our team here.