The Planning Timeline

The timeline for planning a wedding varies on so many different factors (destination weddings, out of town guests, smaller weddings etc). This is a very general guide to when you should complete your planning tasks. I will be breaking up the timeline into many posts to explain why you need to get these things done in this time frame. For now, this is the general timeline you should go by. These dates are the latest you should get things done, if you want to do them earlier, by all means do so. If you are really far behind, don't worry, I've had to book a few vendors within the same month as the wedding, it will be okay, I promise. The *'d items are the very important tasks; make sure you can get these done. Have fun planning!

9-12 months before wedding
□ Plan budget*
□ Make rough guest list*
□ Set wedding date*
□ Book ceremony & reception location*
□ Select bridal gown*
□ Select members of wedding party

6-8 months before wedding
□ Plan hotel accomodations for out-of-town guests*
□ Finalize guest list & send Save-the-date cards*
□ Book photographer and videographer*
□ Create your wedding registry
□ Order wedding cake
□ Book ceremony officiant
□ Select bridesmaids’ dresses
□ Book florist
□ Book DJ and ceremony musicians
□ Book wedding day transportation

3-5 months before wedding
□ Order wedding invitations*
□ Plan honeymoon
□ Select and order wedding favors
□ Order groom’s & groomsmen’s attire
□ Select wedding bands*
□ Book hair and makeup*
□ Finalize menu for reception

1-2 months before wedding
□ Get marriage license**
□ Send out invitations**
□ Purchase gifts for wedding party & parents
□ Make the seating chart*
□ Confirm all hotel accommodations
□ Finalize honeymoon plans*
□ Plan rehearsal & dinner
□ Have your final dress fittings*
□ Arrange Hair and Makeup trials

1-2 wks before wedding
□ Confirm wedding day transportation*
□ Confirm guest count with caterer*
□ Confirm time and location with Officiant, Florist, Cake, Photographer, DJ, and Videographer*
□ Pack for the honeymoon