“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
