Planning a wedding feels overwhelming until you break it into manageable steps. This month-by-month checklist keeps you organized, focused, and stress-free from engagement to “I do.”
- 12+ Months Before the Wedding
- Define Your Vision
Decide the style, size, and theme of your wedding.
- Set a Budget
Determine who is contributing and set spending priorities.
- Choose a Date Range
Have at least 2–3 possible dates.
- Build a Guest List Draft
This helps you understand venue and catering costs.
- Hire a Wedding Planner (Optional)
If your schedule is tight, bring a planner onboard early.
- Book Your Venue
This is the first major contract.
- 10–12 Months Before
- Choose Your Wedding Party
Bride tribe, groom’s men, etc.
- Research and Book Key Vendors
- Photographer
- Videographer
- Caterer
- DJ/Band
- Decorator
- Makeup Artist
- Officiant
- Take Engagement Photos
Often part of photography packages.
- 8–10 Months Before
- Shop for Your Wedding Dress
Designer dresses may require long alterations.
- Send Save-The-Dates
Especially important for destination or holiday weddings.
- Create a Wedding Website
Include location, travel info, and updates.
- 6–8 Months Before
- Order Bridesmaids’ Dresses & Groom’s Attire
Ensure everyone gets measured early.
- Book Transportation
Limousines, bridal car, guest shuttles (if needed).
- Book Hotel Room Blocks
Secure discounted group rates.
- Plan Your Honeymoon
Book travel early to save money.
- 4–6 Months Before
- Finalize Flowers
Bouquets, centerpieces, and ceremony décor.
- Choose Cake & Schedule Tastings
- Decide on Menu
Confirm dietary options.
- Begin Marriage Counseling Classes (Optional)
- 3–4 Months Before
- Order Invitations
Allow time for printing and delivery.
- Plan Ceremony Details
Entrance songs, readings, vows, rituals.
- Buy Accessories
Veil, shoes, jewelry, hairpieces.
- Wedding Party Gifts
- 2 Months Before
- Mail Out Invitations
Include RSVP deadline.
- First Dress Fitting
Bring your shoes.
- Confirm All Vendor Contracts
Make sure times and deliverables are accurate.
- 1 Month Before
- Final Dress Fitting
Ensure perfect fit.
- Create Seating Chart
Use RSVPs to finalize.
- Final Venue Walkthrough
With the planner or coordinator.
- Get Marriage License
- Write Vows (If Personalizing)
- 2 Weeks Before
- Final Headcount to Caterer
- Beauty Appointments
Hair, nails, waxing, facials.
- Confirm Transportation Schedule
J. 1 Week Before
1. Pack Honeymoon Bags
2. Prepare Emergency Kit
Safety pins, tissues, lip balm, medication.
3. Give Vendor Tips & Final Payments to a Trusted Person
Wedding Day!
- Eat Breakfast
- Relax & Enjoy
Everything is in place.
