A 12-month plan is comfortable; many couples do it in six to eight months by booking the venue and the in-demand vendors (photographer, caterer, music) first. Use the interactive checklist to tick tasks off on your phone.
12+ Months Before
- Agree on a total budget and who is contributing
- Draft a guest list and estimate the head count
- Pick a season and two or three possible dates
- Hire a planner, if you want one
- Tour and book the venue
- Start a shared spreadsheet or folder for contracts
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9–11 Months Before
- Book the photographer and videographer
- Book the caterer (if the venue does not provide one)
- Book the DJ or band
- Choose the wedding party
- Shop for the wedding gown or attire
- Set up a wedding website and registry
- Reserve hotel room blocks for guests
6–8 Months Before
- Send save-the-dates
- Book the florist
- Book hair and makeup, and schedule a trial
- Book the officiant
- Order bridesmaid dresses
- Plan the honeymoon and check passports
4–5 Months Before
- Order the cake after a tasting
- Book rentals (tent, tables, linens, lighting)
- Book transportation and guest shuttles
- Order invitations and stationery
- Plan the rehearsal dinner
- Buy wedding rings
2–3 Months Before
- Mail invitations (6–8 weeks before)
- Start dress or suit alterations
- Write a day-of timeline with your vendors
- Finalize the menu and bar
- Check marriage license rules with your county clerk
- Buy vendor tips and gifts
1 Month Before
- Get the marriage license (watch the waiting period and expiry date)
- Final dress fitting
- Give vendors the final head count
- Make the seating chart
- Confirm arrival times with every vendor
- Write vows or speeches
Final Week
- Pay final balances due before the day
- Put tips in labeled envelopes
- Pack an emergency kit
- Hand off decor and the timeline to your coordinator
- Rehearse the ceremony
- Rest and drink water
Planning in Less Time
Look at Friday and Sunday dates, venues with in-house catering and rentals, and vendors who offer packages. Book anything date-sensitive first, then the rest.