The Ultimate Wedding Planning Timeline

Being engaged can be the most exciting time in your life. You get to host parties, go on trips, and plan your dream wedding! While this is all fun, there is a lot that goes into wedding planning, and I’m willing to bet you don't exactly know where to start or what comes next. Good news though, we’re showing you a simple timeline that breaks down what needs to happen and when. Read on for more information to ensure smooth and stress-free planning! 

Twelve Months Till “I Do”

Money Moves: Determine your budget and decide what to spend where

Coordination: Hiring a wedding coordinator makes planning a breeze. We HIGHLY recommend at least a day of coordinator to take the stress off and enjoy your big day.

Book It: Book your venue and photographer.

Dress to Impress: This is your time to shine–choose the dress of your dreams if you’ve got a gown-wearing person getting married!

Decision Time: Decide your bridal party.

Time To Think: Think about your guest list as well as vendors.

Eight Months Till “I Do”

Book It: Book all your vendors, arrange transportation, and reserve rentals.

Be Our Guest: Complete the guest list, send save-the-dates, and reserve a hotel block.

Dress to Impress: Decide on bridal party attire (dresses, suits, pantsuits, etc.)

The Fun Stuff: Plan your honeymoon and start your gift registry!

Five Months Till “I Do”

Dress to Impress: Schedule hair and makeup trials (if applicable), attend your gown fitting (if applicable), and finalize wedding party attire and accessories.

Book It: Reserve wedding night accommodations.

Decision Time: Decide on music for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception.

The Fun Stuff: Time to taste test some cake!

Three Months Till “I Do”

Check-In: Get in touch with vendors and meet with the officiant.

Decision Time: Finalize the catering and alcohol menu.

Money Moves: Purchase your rings.

Be Our Guest: Send invitations and purchase wedding favors (if applicable)

Coordination: Establish a day-of timeline.

Two Months Till “I Do”

Book It: Book your rehearsal dinner.

Dress to Impress: Attend your final dress fitting (if applicable).

For Your Loved Ones: Send rehearsal invitations.

Money Moves: Purchase smaller details/decor; unity candle, guestbook, etc. as well as alcohol through your caterer.

One Month Till “I Do”

Check-In: Confirm event time with vendors, verify your hotel block, and call guests who have not RSVP’d.

Coordinate: Create a seating chart (if applicable), establish a day of set up plan, rain plan, tear down plans, and begin final vendor meetings.

Book It: Schedule all beauty/spa/wellness appointments; facials, hair, nails, massages, etc. HOT TIP: If you are planning on med spa skincare prior to your wedding, get a consult as soon as you get engaged, don’t get a chemical peel the day before. 

Money Moves: Purchase wedding party gifts (Optional)

Two Weeks Till “I Do”

Coordinate: establish a day of roles for your wedding party and send a timeline to vendors.

One Week Till “I Do”

Money Moves: Secure tip envelopes and have extra checks for the day of payments.

The Fun Stuff: Get your marriage license, steam gown, and pack for your honeymoon!

The most important part of wedding planning is preparing for the best night ever! We hope this timeline makes things easy for you and leads to a dream come true–happy planning!