Planning a wedding can be one of the most exciting yet overwhelming experiences of your life. From selecting the perfect venue to choosing the color palette, there are endless details to consider. But with the right plan in place, you can break it all down into manageable tasks that ensure you won’t overlook anything important. Here’s a comprehensive month-by-month guide to help you through the process of planning the wedding of your dreams.
12+ Months Before: Start with the Big Picture
At this stage, you’re laying the foundation for your wedding day. It’s all about the vision, the budget, and the big decisions.
1. Set Your Budget
Your first step is determining your overall wedding budget. Talk to anyone contributing financially to understand how much you have to work with. Once you have a ballpark figure, divide the budget into categories like venue, food, attire, and entertainment. Budgeting early keeps spending on track.
2. Build a Guest List
Creating a rough guest list is important because it affects venue selection, catering, and overall costs. Start with your must-invites, then work from there. Remember that your guest count influences almost every part of your planning.
3. Choose a Date and Venue
Whether you have a meaningful date in mind or are flexible based on venue availability, now is the time to decide. Book your venue as soon as possible, as many places are reserved a year in advance. Consider factors like the venue’s size, style, and location. Be sure to ask about available dates and their policies.
4. Pick a Wedding Theme or Style
Before diving into details, it’s helpful to choose an overall theme or style. Do you envision a boho-chic outdoor wedding, a formal ballroom event, or a minimalist city celebration? Your chosen style will guide many other decisions, from décor to attire.
5. Hire a Wedding Planner (If Needed)
If you feel overwhelmed or don’t have much free time, consider hiring a wedding planner. Planners can help with everything from full-scale planning to day-of coordination.
9-11 Months Before: The Planning Kicks Into Gear
Now that you have the basics in place, it’s time to start securing vendors and diving into the fun stuff.
1. Book Your Key Vendors
Focus on securing your top-tier vendors first. These typically include the photographer, caterer, florist, and entertainment. Popular vendors can be booked far in advance, so prioritize your must-haves.
2. Find the Dress
Begin shopping for your wedding dress early, as alterations and fittings can take several months. Visit bridal boutiques, try on different styles, and start narrowing down your options.
3. Choose Bridesmaids’ Dresses and Attire
Now is a good time to start thinking about what your bridesmaids will wear. Coordinating their dresses with your overall wedding theme will ensure a cohesive look.
4. Start Thinking About Invitations
Although you won’t send out invitations until later, now is the perfect time to start thinking about designs and styles. This also includes save-the-date cards if you plan to send those.
6-8 Months Before: Focus on the Details
By now, the major decisions are made, and it’s time to start fine-tuning the details.
1. Finalize Guest List
By this point, you should have a more solidified guest list. Make sure everyone who matters is accounted for, and be sure to get accurate addresses for sending invitations later.
2. Plan the Ceremony
If your ceremony will be religious, meet with your officiant to go over any requirements, traditions, or paperwork. For non-religious ceremonies, now is the time to plan out the order, select readings, and discuss any personalized elements you want to include.
3. Choose Wedding Party Attire
By now, your wedding party should have their attire sorted. Make sure to allow enough time for any alterations or fittings, especially for bridesmaid dresses and groomsmen suits.
4. Book a Caterer
If you haven’t already done so, finalize your caterer and start working on the menu. Plan for dietary restrictions and special requests. Many caterers offer tastings, so now is the time to schedule one.
4-5 Months Before: Invitations and Final Touches
The wedding day is getting closer, and it’s time to start tying up loose ends.
1. Send Out Save-the-Dates
If you plan to send save-the-dates, this is the time to mail them. This is especially important for destination weddings or if you have guests traveling long distances.
2. Plan Your Honeymoon
You don’t want to forget about your honeymoon in the midst of wedding planning. Book your flights and accommodations now, and make sure your passports are up to date.
3. Arrange Transportation
Will you be renting a limousine, trolley, or car for the big day? Now is the time to book your transportation for the bridal party and guests.
4. Organize Hair and Makeup Trials
Book appointments for hair and makeup trials. Bring any accessories (veil, headpieces) you plan to wear to ensure everything works together.
2-3 Months Before: It’s Getting Real
With only a few months to go, it’s all about finalizing plans and ensuring everything is in place.
1. Mail Invitations
It’s time to send out your formal invitations. Be sure to include RSVP information and any other important details about the wedding day, such as the dress code or directions.
2. Write Your Vows
Start drafting your wedding vows, especially if you plan to write them yourself. Give yourself time to reflect and revise as needed.
3. Confirm Details with Vendors
Touch base with all your vendors to confirm the schedule, final payments, and any last-minute changes. It’s a good idea to create a detailed timeline for your wedding day and share it with all vendors.
4. Create a Seating Chart
Begin planning where your guests will sit during the reception. Take into account family dynamics, friend groups, and any special seating requirements.
1 Month Before: Final Countdown
It’s almost time for your big day! Here are the last-minute preparations to ensure a smooth wedding.
1. Get Your Marriage License
Don’t forget the legal stuff! Depending on where you live, there may be a waiting period, so be sure to get your marriage license in time.
2. Final Fittings
Go for your final dress fitting and make any necessary adjustments. Bridesmaids and groomsmen should do the same with their attire.
3. Break in Your Shoes
Don’t wait until your wedding day to wear your new shoes. Start breaking them in now to avoid discomfort.
4. Confirm RSVPs
Reach out to any guests who haven’t RSVP’d and finalize the headcount for the caterer and venue.
1-2 Weeks Before: Finishing Touches
With just days left, it’s all about tying up loose ends.
1. Pack for Your Honeymoon
If you’re leaving right after the wedding, pack your bags and make sure you have everything in order, including travel documents.
2. Share a Timeline with Your Wedding Party
Send a detailed schedule to your wedding party so everyone knows where they need to be and when.
3. Double-Check Vendor Details
Confirm everything one last time with your vendors, from the caterer’s menu to the DJ’s playlist.
Day Before: Relax and Enjoy the Moment
Take a deep breath—you’ve done it! The day before your wedding should be about relaxation and enjoyment.
1. Rehearse
If you’re having a rehearsal dinner, go over the ceremony with your wedding party and officiant.
2. Set Aside Time for Yourself
Try to get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and take time to unwind. The next day will be unforgettable!
Final Thoughts
Planning a wedding takes time and effort, but breaking the tasks down month by month makes it much more manageable. With this checklist, you’ll be able to stay organized and keep the stress to a minimum, ensuring your wedding day is as magical as you’ve always imagined.
