When you first get engaged the number of things that have to be done before the big day can seem overwhelming. A good wedding-planning timeline can give you great peace of mind. This wedding checklist starts at 12 months, but if you’re having a shorter engagement you still have plenty of time to get everything done — just reduce and delegate.
12 months
Start your research
Create your wedding pre-party and website
Decide on your budget
Choose and hire a wedding planner, if desired
Finalize the date
Think about guest list size
Secure and reserve ceremony and reception venue
If having a religious ceremony, discuss any pre-wedding requirements with a member of the clergy
Start shopping for The Dress!
9 months
Start compiling your guest list
Begin researching caterers, florists, photographers, videographers, musicians and other vendors
Choose your wedding party
8 months
Reserve reception band or DJ
Reserve caterer
Buy your wedding dress!
6 months
Reserve florist
Reserve photographer
Finalize guest list
Select invitations
Reserve blocks of hotel rooms
Send Save-the-Date cards
Begin researching honeymoon options
Book wedding officiant or clergy
4-5 months
Find and order accessories such as bridal shoes, veil and lingerie
Create your wedding gift registry
Find and order bridesmaids’ dresses
Order cake
If not using your regular stylist, choose a salon near the wedding site or a stylist who will travel
Reserve a room for the wedding night
Finalize and reserve wedding day transportation
Choose rehearsal dinner location
Order wedding favors
Purchase wedding rings
2-3 months
Write vows and select readings
Mail wedding invitations
Create wedding day timeline
Have dress fitting
Decide on hairstyle
Finalize menu with caterer
Discuss photo wish list with photographer
Mail rehearsal dinner invitations
Submit newspaper wedding announcement
Have a trial run for makeup
Have bridal shower
1 month
Get marriage license
Finalize and print programs
Ask a friend or relative to harass guests who haven’t RSVP’d
2 thoughts on “Wedding Planning Checklist and Timeline”
I NEEDED THIS. I’ve been trying to create my own timeline for my wedding next June, but it’s not that easy. Especially since I am the first of my girlfriends to walk down the aisle…it makes it difficult for me to find people to ask for advice. Question for you though: you mention that you shouldn’t create your registry until 4-5 months before the wedding, but what if you are having an engagement party? One of the very first things that I did when I got engaged in May was create my registry on MyRegistry.com. I am having an engagement party at the end of this month, and I wanted to have a registry for that…was that wrong?
I NEEDED THIS. I’ve been trying to create my own timeline for my wedding next June, but it’s not that easy. Especially since I am the first of my girlfriends to walk down the aisle…it makes it difficult for me to find people to ask for advice. Question for you though: you mention that you shouldn’t create your registry until 4-5 months before the wedding, but what if you are having an engagement party? One of the very first things that I did when I got engaged in May was create my registry on MyRegistry.com. I am having an engagement party at the end of this month, and I wanted to have a registry for that…was that wrong?
goodt info, thank you for it