The Ultimate Wedding Planning Timeline: What to Do Month-by-Month
Congratulations on your engagement! 💍 Whether you’ve been dreaming about your wedding day since childhood or you have no idea where to start, this timeline will guide you through the planning process step-by-step. With so many moving parts, having a month-by-month breakdown helps you stay organized, reduce stress, and actually enjoy being engaged.
Ready to get started? Let’s dive in.
12+ Months Before the Wedding: Set the Foundation
This is the vision phase. It’s all about laying the groundwork.
- 📝 Set your overall wedding budget
- 💑 Create your guest list
- 📍 Book your wedding venue
- 📅 Choose your wedding date
- ✨ Decide on your theme, vibe, or color palette
- 💬 Hire a wedding planner (or start using a planner tool/checklist)
✅ Pro Tip: Locking in your venue early gives you the most options and sets the tone for everything else.
9–11 Months Before: Secure Your Dream Team
With your vision in place, it’s time to book major vendors.
- 📸 Hire your photographer and/or videographer
- 🎶 Book your DJ or band
- 🍽️ Choose a caterer (if not included with the venue)
- 👗 Start wedding dress shopping
- 💌 Send save-the-dates
- 🌸 Book your florist
- ✍️ Begin designing wedding website
✅ Pro Tip: Popular photographers and venues book fast—don’t wait on these decisions!
6–8 Months Before: Details Start Coming Together
You’re halfway there, and it’s time to start finalizing the big details.
- 🎂 Book your cake designer
- 📜 Finalize your ceremony details (officiant, vows)
- 🎁 Start your registry
- 🪑 Reserve rentals (if needed: chairs, tables, linens)
- 💌 Order invitations
- 👯 Choose your bridal party attire
- ✈️ Book honeymoon travel
4–5 Months Before: Lock in the Look
Things are getting real—and exciting!
- 💇♀️ Schedule hair and makeup trials
- 💍 Buy wedding bands
- 🚐 Book transportation for you and guests
- 🍽️ Plan your menu tasting
- 💄 Choose accessories and shoes
- 📋 Confirm timeline with vendors
2–3 Months Before: Final Prep Mode
You’re almost there—time to polish the details.
- 💌 Send out wedding invitations
- 📋 Create your day-of timeline
- 🧁 Plan the dessert table or extras (favors, signature drinks)
- 📸 Create your photo shot list for photographer
- 📞 Touch base with all vendors
- 🧘 Schedule a spa day or some self-care time
1 Month Before: Almost Wedding Time!
Let’s tie up the loose ends.
- 📊 Finalize guest count
- 🪑 Create seating chart
- 📦 Prepare welcome bags or favors
- 💼 Pack for your honeymoon
- 💬 Confirm arrival times with all vendors
- 🧺 Put together your wedding day emergency kit
✅ Pro Tip: Have a “point person” for the day-of (not you!)—this could be your planner, a friend, or a family member.
1 Week Before: Final Touches & Time to Breathe
It’s happening! Time to relax and enjoy the moment.
- 👗 Pick up your wedding dress
- 💅 Schedule mani/pedi
- 💤 Get plenty of rest
- 🥂 Write a love letter to your partner
- 🎉 Confirm the rehearsal dinner
- 🧘♀️ Take a breath—you did it!
✅
Free Wedding Planning Checklist!
Feeling overwhelmed? I’ve created a Free Wedding Planning Checklist that breaks all of this down in one easy-to-follow printable. Keep it with you to stay on track from “yes” to “I do.”
👉 Download your free checklist here-https://www.timelesstieseventco.com/free-files
💬 Final Thoughts
Planning a wedding is a journey, and every bride deserves to feel supported and excited along the way. Stick to the timeline, give yourself grace, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. You’ve got this!
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