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Whether you’re newly engaged or halfway through planning, staying organized is key to making your wedding stress-free and unforgettable. But with so many moving pieces—from choosing vendors to finalizing the guest list—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why we created this month-by-month wedding planning timeline to keep you on track, calm, and fully in control.

Bookmark this post—you’ll want to come back to it!

12+ Months Before the Wedding

Set the foundation. Dream big. Get inspired.

• Set your wedding date (or a preferred season)
• Determine your budget
• Draft your guest list
• Choose your wedding planner (trust us, this will make everything easier!)
• Book your venue
• Decide on your wedding theme or style
• Start browsing for your dress or attire

Pro Tip: Popular venues and vendors book fast—securing them early means less stress later.

9–11 Months Before

Start locking in the dream team.

• Book key vendors: photographer, videographer, caterer, band/DJ
• Shop for your wedding dress (allow time for fittings!)
• Set up your wedding website
• Create your gift registry
• Plan engagement photos
• Send save-the-dates (especially if it’s a destination wedding)

6–8 Months Before

It’s all coming together—details, details!

• Order bridesmaid dresses and groomsmen attire
• Finalize guest list
• Book florist, transportation, and rentals
• Choose your officiant
• Begin planning honeymoon
• Schedule tastings with caterer and cake designer
• Start designing invitations

4–5 Months Before

Get your creativity flowing.

• Finalize and order invitations
• Plan the ceremony and reception details (music, readings, rituals)
• Meet with hair and makeup artists for trials
• Arrange accommodations for out-of-town guests
• Select and order wedding rings

2–3 Months Before

Time to fine-tune.

• Mail invitations
• Create your wedding day timeline with your planner
• Final dress fitting
• Finalize playlist with DJ or band
• Confirm details with all vendors
• Plan seating chart
• Write vows (or start at least!)

1 Month Before

Crunch time, but with the right support, you’re golden.

• Get marriage license
• Confirm RSVPs and follow up with guests who haven’t responded
• Final head count to caterer and venue
• Create wedding day emergency kit
• Break in your wedding shoes

1 Week Before

It’s happening!! Stay calm and let your planner do their thing.

• Final beauty appointments (waxing, facials, hair trim)
• Pack for honeymoon
• Distribute final timeline to vendors and wedding party
• Practice your vows and speeches
• Relax and trust your planner

Wedding Day

Celebrate, smile, and soak it all in.

• Eat a good breakfast
• Stay hydrated
• Trust your vendors and planner to handle the details
• Be present, be joyful, and dance the night away

Remember: The most important thing is that you’re marrying your person. Everything else is the icing.

Final Thoughts

Wedding planning is a journey—but it doesn’t have to be a stressful one. With the right roadmap (and the right planner by your side), you can actually enjoy the process and savor every sweet moment leading up to your “I do.”

Ready to take the first step? Let’s talk about how we can help bring your dream wedding to life.