12 Months Before
- Set your budget and determine who is contributing
- Create a guest list draft (this drives every other decision)
- Research and book your venue (the #1 thing that books up earliest)
- Hire a wedding planner or day-of coordinator if using one
- Choose your wedding party
9-10 Months Before
- Hire photographer and videographer
- Book caterer (or confirm with venue caterer)
- Book DJ, band, or music
- Start shopping for wedding attire
- Send save-the-dates
6-8 Months Before
- Order wedding dress / suits (alterations take 2-3 months)
- Book florist
- Book officiant
- Plan honeymoon and book travel
- Register for gifts
- Book hair and makeup artist
Build your day-of timeline.
Open Timeline Generator →3-4 Months Before
- Send invitations (mail 8 weeks before, RSVP deadline 3 weeks before)
- Finalize menu with caterer
- Order wedding cake
- Plan rehearsal dinner
- Book transportation
- Buy wedding bands
1-2 Months Before
- Finalize seating chart (after RSVPs are in)
- Confirm all vendor details, times, and contacts
- Get marriage license
- Final dress fitting
- Write vows
- Prepare vendor tip envelopes
Calculate vendor tips.
Open Tip Calculator →Final Week
- Confirm headcount with caterer and venue
- Rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
- Delegate day-of tasks to wedding party and coordinator
- Pack bags for honeymoon
- Prepare emergency kit (sewing kit, stain remover, pain reliever, tissues, snacks)
- Try to relax. You have planned everything. Trust the plan.
The most stressed couples are the ones who left everything until the last 2 months. The most relaxed couples are the ones who tackled the big decisions (venue, photographer, caterer) early and spread the smaller tasks over time. Front-load the planning.