Start early and take it step by step. Breaking your to-dos into time-based categories makes planning manageable. Below is a comprehensive checklist, organized by timeline. Key terms like wedding budget and rehearsal dinner are linked to expert guides on top wedding sites for more detail.
12–18 Months Before the Wedding
- Set your wedding budget and decide who pays. Sit down with all contributors (parents and partners) to determine how much you can afford. Using a wedding budgeting tool can help you allocate costs by category and stay on track.
- Make your guest list. Draft an initial list of all family and friends, then trim it to fit your budget and venue.
- Hire a wedding planner (if desired). If your budget allows, now is the time to bring on a professional. A planner can manage logistics and guide you from venue selection to vendor coordination.
- Choose your style and venue. Decide on the wedding’s formality and overall theme. With your vision in mind, visit and book the ceremony and reception venues that fit your guest count and budget.
- Book your photographer and/or videographer. Good photo/video teams often get booked early—reserve yours now to capture the big day.
- Plan your guest accommodations. Think about hotel room blocks or lodging for out-of-town guests. Setting this up now (and launching a wedding website with hotel info) makes travel easy later.
9–12 Months Before the Wedding
- Order your wedding dress. Begin shopping for your dream gown. Once you buy it, plan your wedding dress fittings (the first fitting usually occurs a few months after ordering).
- Book the caterer, band/DJ, and other key vendors. These popular vendors (caterers, musicians, florists, etc.) often fill up a year in advance.
- Create your wedding registry and website. Start the registry and build a site to share details. Include information about the venue, accommodations, and RSVP details.
- Plan save-the-date timeline. If you’re having a destination wedding or invite many out-of-towners, prepare to send save-the-date notices soon.
6–9 Months Before the Wedding
- Order invitations and stationery. Decide on your invitation design and place the order.
- Send out save-the-date cards. Mail or email save-the-dates about 6–8 months before the wedding. This gives guests plenty of notice to book travel or time off (especially for destination or holiday weddings).
- Book the florist and other details. Reserve your florist and discuss floral ideas. It’s also a good time to hire your officiant and finalize any permit paperwork.
- Register for gifts. Continue building your registry if needed, and finalize any other details (wedding insurance, guest transportation, etc.).
3–6 Months Before the Wedding
- Attend dress fittings. Schedule your first wedding dress fitting about 2–3 months after ordering your gown, then plan follow-up fittings (typically one month and two weeks before the wedding). Also choose your shoes and accessories at this stage.
- Purchase wedding rings. Shop for and order your bands so they can be sized and engraved.
- Plan the ceremony. Finalize readings, vows, and music. Give your musicians or DJ the list of songs you want for the processional, recessional, and cocktail hour — they can suggest popular ceremony music options if you’re unsure.
- Confirm vendors and details. Revisit contracts with your venue, caterer, and other vendors. Set cake tastings, plan the menu, and arrange rentals (linens, chairs, photo booth, etc.).
1–3 Months Before the Wedding
- Mail invitations. Send out invitations about 6–8 weeks before the wedding. Include RSVP instructions.
- Apply for your marriage license. Check local requirements and deadlines.
- Finalize the rehearsal dinner. Decide on the guest list and location for the rehearsal dinner. Plan a relaxed evening of good food and personal touches – it should complement the wedding day, not compete with it. Invite the wedding party and close family, and think about speeches, attire, and any games or entertainment.
- Create a timeline and seating chart. Plot out the ceremony and reception schedules. Draft a seating plan for the reception and print place cards or escort cards.
- Make final payments. Ensure each vendor has been paid or scheduled for final payment.
Final Week and Wedding Day
- Hold the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. Run through the ceremony logistics with your officiant, wedding party, and family. Celebrate at the rehearsal dinner, thanking everyone for their roles in the big day.
- Pack for the honeymoon. If you’re leaving soon, have your bags ready. Don’t forget passports or travel documents.
- Pick up attire and press garments. Collect your dress, suit, shoes, and any rented items. Ensure everything fits and is steamed.
- Relax and sleep. Take care of yourself: get plenty of rest and hydration. The more relaxed you are, the more you’ll enjoy the day.
Each of these steps is crucial for a smooth wedding. Following this timeline (and exploring the linked resources) will help ensure you don’t miss any important details.
