Wedding Planning Checklist - month by month guide

Planning your dream wedding takes time, organization, and some magic. Here’s your month-by-month breakdown to keep you on track and reduce the stress.

12-18 Months Before – Dream & Book

• Set your budget

• Draft your guest list

• Choose a date (and a backup)

• Book your venue (ceremony & reception)

• Hire a wedding planner (if using one)

• Choose your wedding style/theme

• Start browsing dress styles

• start searching for your dream editing style \ photographer

11 Months Before –Start the vendor hunt

• Book your photographer + videographer

• Hire a caterer (if not included in venue)

• Book your band or DJ

• Book your officiant

• Create a wedding website

• Start researching florists and rentals

10 Months Before – Style It Out

• Shop for your wedding dress

• Start planning the honeymoon

• Reserve hotel room blocks for guests

• Begin thinking about your ceremony details

• Create your wedding Pinterest board or inspiration moodboard

9 Months Before – Details & Design

• Finalize your guest list

• Send save-the-dates (for destination weddings or peak seasons)

• Choose your wedding party

• Hire your florist

• Plan your engagement shoot (for your save the dates!)

• Start thinking about décor and rentals

8 Months Before – Attire & Experiences

• Book hair and makeup artists

• Order your wedding dress (if custom)

• Shop for bridesmaids’ dresses

• Begin registry setup

• Plan pre-wedding events (engagement party, showers)

7 Months Before – Logistics & Paper

• Meet with officiant to plan ceremony

• Choose and order invitations

• Plan lighting, draping, or custom elements

• Secure rental items (chairs, linens, lounge pieces)

• Schedule menu tasting

6 Months Before – The Fun Stuff

• Order groom and groomsmen attire

• Book transportation (for wedding party + guests)

• Finalize design/decor with vendors

• Book honeymoon travel

5 Months Before – Confirm & Coordinate

• Finalize cake design and baker

• Plan ceremony music and processional order

• Book rehearsal dinner venue

• Purchase wedding bands

• Finalize guest list

• Start DIY projects (favors, signage)

4 Months Before – Polish the Plan

• Send wedding invitations

• Finalize florals

• Create a wedding day timeline

• Confirm rentals and delivery schedules

• Schedule hair and makeup trial

3 Months Before – Prepare Details

• Order ceremony programs and menu cards

• Finalize ceremony readings and vows

• Create seating chart plan (placeholder until RSVPs)

• Final dress fitting

• Confirm all vendor arrival times

2 Months Before – Review & Prep

• Mail invitations (if not sent already)

• Track RSVPs

• Purchase gifts for wedding party

• Finalize playlist with DJ or band

• Finalize timeline and distribute to vendors

1 Month Before – Final Touches

• Confirm headcount with caterer

• final bridal timeline call with photographer

• Apply for marriage license

• Final walk-through with venue

• Break in your wedding shoes!

• Final dress fitting and gown pickup

• Pack for honeymoon

1 Week Before – Breathe & Celebrate

• Get a mani/pedi and any last-minute beauty treatments

• Confirm arrival times with all vendors

• Prep tip envelopes and final payments

• Rehearsal + Rehearsal Dinner

• Write vows or letters (if personalizing)

• Relax and enjoy—you’re getting married!

Wedding Day – Soak It All In

• Eat breakfast

• Give rings to the best man

• Take a deep breath and be present

• Say “I do” and celebrate love!