Wedding Planning Timeline

Timeline for Planning Your Wedding

12 to 16 Months before Wedding

• Choose a wedding date: Give yourself enough time, and try not to rush. Visit possible locations for the reception and ceremony and then choose a date on their availability. If you have at least a year of leeway, you have a better chance for booking that perfect location on the date you desire most.
• Start a wedding file: This file or folder will contain all your wedding contracts, documents, and information related to the wedding. Being organized is the key to planning the wedding of your dreams.
• Decide the formality and style of the wedding: Discuss and select the type of wedding which best fits your budget, lifestyle, interests, expectations, and personalities.
  • Choose formal, semi-formal, or informal. This decision will also help you narrow down reception and ceremony venues.
• Consider placing an engagement announcement in the local newspaper.
• Decide on the budget for the wedding: This may seem boring, but it is very important. The last thing you want to start your marriage with is an enormous wedding debt.
• Hire a wedding planner: This is optional.
• Choose the location for the ceremony and reception: Make sure to book reservations as soon as you decide on the venues.
• Begin shopping for the wedding gown: Custom gowns often take up to a year to prepare, so begin this process as soon as you can. Make sure you get exactly what you want, since there are no refunds on wedding gowns and alterations cost additional money.

8 to 10 Months before Wedding

• Select the bridal party.
• Interview and hire the essential people who will make your wedding special.
  • Wedding officiant (Person who will marry you -- minister, rabbi, etc).
  • Caterer for the reception: Know all refund and cancellation policies before signing up, and make sure you are happy with the caterer.
  • Videographer and Photographer: If this is in your budget, hire a professional with wedding experience.
  • DJ or Band: Interview several options to make sure you get the best.
• Select the bridal party dresses: Be sure to order them all at the same time so the colors and dye turn out identical.
• Compile your guest list.
• Sign up for a wedding registry: Include items of all prices to ensure that all your guests can afford something in their budget.
• Engagement party (optional).

Choose the cake early.

5 to 7 Months before Wedding

• Finalize your guest list.
• Shop for wedding stationary.
• Arrange accommodations for hotels.
• Choose the wedding cake.
• Start honeymoon preparations: Early arrangements will ensure better prices.

4 Months before Wedding

• Book the florist.
• Shop for wedding rings: Make sure you do this with your fiancé.
• Visit your physician: Especially if your state requires a blood test to receive a wedding certificate.

3 Months before the Wedding

• Send out the wedding invitations.
• Choose tuxedos for the men.
• Make arrangements for rental items: This includes everything you will need for the ceremony and reception, such as arches, crystal, china, punch bowls, etc.
• Discuss the menu options and cost with the caterer.
• Arrange the transportation or limousine services.
• Order the wedding favors.
• Shop for the wedding party gifts.

2 Months before the Wedding

• Select the wedding music.
• Choose the location for the wedding rehearsal dinner.
• Make sure formal wear shop has received all measurements for the men.
• Schedule the alterations and final fitting for the wedding gown.
• Schedule the fittings for the flower girl and the bridesmaids.
• Make arrangements for the bridesmaid luncheon and any other parties to occur prior to the wedding.
• Order address labels for the new couple: This will add a personal touch to the thank you cards.
• Confirm your order with the florist.

1 Month before Wedding

• Design the wedding programs: You do not need to do this beforehand because things often change.
• Apply for the marriage license.
• Do the final wedding gown fitting.
• Select all the accessories for the wedding.
• Visit the hair stylist: Work with the stylist on selecting a style for the hair in the veil.
  • Visit the make-up artists on the same day.
• When hair and make-up are all perfect, have the formal bridal portrait taken.

2 Weeks before Wedding

• Call any guests who have not sent an RSVP.
• Give caterer a final number of guests.
• Pick up the marriage license.
• Give band and DJ a song list.
• Confirm the rehearsal plans.
• Finalize seating and floor plans.
• Confirm all floral and rental delivery times and dates.
• Confirm guest arrival time.
• Check the parking arrangements.

Enjoy the day.

1 Week Before Wedding

• Make any last minute seating changes.
• Confirm honeymoon arrangements.
• Confirm reservations for out of town guests.
• Pack for the honeymoon.
  • Organize all necessary travel documents.
• Confirm rehearsal plans and reservations for rehearsal dinner.
• Pick up the formal wear.

1 Day before Wedding

• Get manicure and pedicure.
• Give rings to best man.
• Try to get a good rest the night before the big day!

Wedding Day

• Get hair and make-up done.
• Get wedding day survival kit ready.
• Have somebody check on the reception venue.
• Dress for the big wedding.
• Take photos with family.
• Enjoy the day!

After Honeymoon

• Preserve wedding gown and flowers.
• Write thank you notes.

A Final Note on the Wedding Planning Timeline

Following the wedding planning timeline will make things easier as the big day approaches. If something goes wrong, try not to get stressed out. After all, you’ll probably be the only one who notices.