“I just got ENGAGED! Now what should I be doing? And When?”

I hear couples say all the time, “I don’t know what to do!” Trust me, I completely understand the planning process can be a bit overwhelming. But don’t worry! I’ve got a Wedding Planning Checklist for you that’s broken down into segments over 12 months (there’s also a printable version down below!) What else would you want to add to this wedding planning checklist?

12 Month Wedding Planning Timeline Checklist

11-12 MONTHS TO GO

• Take at least a one week break.
• Start picturing how you want your wedding to be
• Make a wedding email
• Make a budget. Figure out if you’re paying for it yourselves or if you’re going to have help.
• Find out what is important to you and make it a priority.
• Plan for 2-3 possible dates
• Look at venues and start scheduling viewing appointments for them
• Book your favorite venue
• Start making a guest list
• If there are any must have vendors, book them asap
• Look at, and get, wedding insurance

9-10 MONTHS TO GO

• Throw yourself an engagement party
• Book yourself a photographer and have an engagement session
• Book your vendors (videographer, hair and makeup, DJ/Band, Florist, etc)
• Pick what kinds of food you may want and start scheduling some tastings
• Shop for your dress/suit (as well as plan ideas for what your wedding party will wear)
• Buy your wedding bands
• Reserve Hotel Room blocks
• Send Save the Dates
• Create a Wedding Registry (Also consider setting up your wedding website now, too!)
• Order Your Invitations

7-8 MONTHS TO GO

• Complete your guest list
• Reserve any needed rentals (tables, chairs, etc.)
• Book your caterer, dessert baker, officiant, and musicians (if you haven’t already)
• Make reservations for your decor
• Order the bridal party outfits
• Groom choose and reserve his outfit

5-6 MONTHS TO GO

• Mail out your wedding invitations
• Have your dress/suit altered to fit perfectly
• Start planning your honeymoon
• Have a Bridal Shower
• Plan for and Reserve your Day Of Transportation

3-4 MONTHS TO GO

• Plan and Order all gifts for parents, attendants, and spouse
• Have your Hair and Makeup trial run
• Schedule Hair and Nail appointments for before the wedding
• Hire, or designate, a Day of Coordinator if you haven’t yet

1-2 MONTHS TO GO

• Get your marriage license
• Have a final dress fitting and bustle training
• Have a final fitting for the groom
• Go over final decor plans
• Finalize all honeymoon plans
• Create your emergency kit
• Confirm RSVP list and send out all final counts to vendors

2-4 WEEKS TO GO

• Have a final walkthrough to plan reception layout
• Go over the time line with your photographer and send finished version out to vendors
• Create family photo grouping list
• Haircuts
• Pack all decor, details, needed documents, plans, gifts, payments/tips, take home bag, and the emergency kit for the wedding
• Finalize song list and send over to your MC/DJ
• Have your Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties and live it up!
• Confirm your Day Of Transportation
• Figure out order of standing, processional, and recessional
• Write all checks/tips and assign who will hand them out

THE FINAL WEEK

• Take the week off work
• Steam all the Dresses
• Pick up any final items
• Nail appointment
• Pick up suits
• Confirm vendor details and the timeline
• Confirm all delegations with your family and bridal party
• Write out your vows
• Have your rings cleaned (wedding bands and engagement ring)
• Have the rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner
• Arrange for rental returns/pickup
• Finally, take a breath, and RELAX!!!

Download the 12 Month Wedding Planning Timeline Here