Mastering Your Planning: The Ultimate Wedding Timeline
Hey babes! Planning a wedding can be a whirlwind, but with the right timeline, you’ll glide through it like a pro! Whether you’re super organized or a bit more laid-back, knowing the key steps to take is crucial for every couple. Let’s break it down month by month to make sure you hit all the milestones and have everything in place for your dream day. Follow our step-by-step wedding timeline for a smooth, stress-free planning process!
Just Got Engaged? Here’s What to Do First:
Decide On Your Wedding Vision and Aesthetic
This will steer the rest of your planning process, so it’s important to have a clear vision of your wedding. What’s your vibe? Glamorous, rustic, boho? Lock it in!
Confirm Your Budget
No matter where the funds are coming from, it’s essential to know your budget threshold. This will avoid any anxiety about expenses down the line.
✨Bonus Tip: If you can, apply for a wedding travel credit card to keep all expenses in one place while racking up miles or points for your honeymoon!
10-12 Months Out:
Create and Finalize Your Guest List
Start drafting your guest list and finalize it. This helps you prep for sending out save-the-dates!
Finalize the Date and Choose a Venue
Start touring venues and book ASAP, as popular spots fill up quickly! Choosing your venue will guide key decisions like wedding date.
Book a Wedding Photographer
Secure your photographer now, especially if you want to include an engagement session.
Schedule Catering and Cake Tastings
Yum! This is one of the fun parts. Book those tastings and choose your caterer and cake designer.
Design and Print Save-the-Dates
If using a graphic designer, start this early to ensure timely delivery.
Book Hotel Rooms and Set Up a Hotel Block
Choose a convenient hotel and set up a block for your guests!
Hire a Planner or Coordinator
If you’re working with a planner, book them now to help you with the details along the way.
8-10 Months Out:
Collect Guest Contact Info
Gather addresses and contact details for sending out save-the-dates and invitations.
Book a Band or DJ
Secure your entertainment for the big day.
Book an Officiant
Ensure you have someone to make it official!
Purchase Wedding Rings
Buy your rings and get them sized.
Plan Pre-Wedding Events
Start planning your rehearsal dinner, welcome party, bachelor/bachelorette trips, and wedding showers.
Order Invitation Samples
Choose and order samples to finalize your invitations.
Book Hair and Makeup Trials
Schedule your trials to lock in your beauty team.
Create a Wedding Website
Decide if guests will RSVP online or by mail.
6-8 Months Out:
Choose Wedding Party Attire
Give your wedding party plenty of time to shop and tailor their outfits.
Finalize All Vendors and Sign Contracts
Make sure all your vendors are booked and contracts are signed.
Order Wedding Invitations
Finalize and place your invitation order.
Send Out Save-the-Dates
Mail those out around the 7-8 month mark.
Book Your Rehearsal Dinner Venue
Secure the space for your rehearsal dinner.
Create a Wedding Registry
Set up your registry and add it to your wedding website.
4-5 Months Out:
Handle Small Details
Focus on planning bachelor/bachelorette trips, booking honeymoon details, renewing passports, and making care arrangements for children or pets.
2-3 Months Out:
Schedule Outfit Fittings
Get all necessary outfits tailored.
Finalize Vendor Payments
Make any required pre-event payments.
Send Out Invitations
Mail them and start collecting RSVPs.
Meet with Your Officiant and DJ/Band
Discuss the ceremony flow and music schedule.
Choose Important Songs
Pick songs for key moments like the first dance and cake cutting.
Finalize Details for Other Events
Wrap up plans for the rehearsal dinner, morning-after brunch, etc.
Start Working on the Seating Chart
Begin planning the reception seating as RSVPs come in.
1 Month Out:
Obtain Your Marriage License
Visit the courthouse with your partner to get your license.
Create a Wedding Weekend Timeline
Work with your planner to finalize and distribute the timeline to vendors.
Design and Order Thank You Cards
Get those ready for post-wedding gratitude.
Plan Your Honeymoon Packing List
Start thinking about what you’ll need for your trip.
2 Weeks Out:
Coordinate with Your Photographer
Make a list of must-have shots.
Confirm Vendor Details
Double-check all vendor arrangements.
Confirm Final Guest Count
Update your vendors with the final numbers.
Create a Wedding Weekend Pack List
Include all outfits, hygiene products, and miscellaneous items you’ll need.
1 Week Out:
Pack for the Wedding
Get everything you need ready to go.
Remember, babes—wedding planning should be fun and filled with excitement! 💖 If things start to feel overwhelming, hit pause, take a deep breath, and remind yourself of the joy that lies ahead. By following this wedding timeline, you’ll stay on track and have plenty of downtime to soak up those special moments with your partner. Happy planning! 💍✨
And don’t forget to follow along with Wedding Content Co for more tips and inspo to make your wedding journey stress-free and fabulous! 🎉
