Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist and Timeline.
Planning your wedding day can seem daunting. I mean, let’s cut the crap, IT IS DAUNTING!
I mean you have so much to think about, dedlines to meet, people to communicate with, big decisions to make…not to mention all the other little stuff to get in proper order!!
Our goal is to help you succeed 100% and lessen the stress while you are at it!
With 20 years of experience in our heart, you can count on us to help you throughout the entire process.
In this blog, we give you LITERALLY ALL that you need to know when it comes to fine tuning your entire wedding plan!
And we aren't kidding when we said we are giving you “ALL THAT YOU NEED”.
Make this list your Master Checklist – review it, study it, and execute on all the details to not miss a single thing when it comes to planning your wedding like a pro!!
So let’s get to reviewing the overall master plan!
Below is a timeframe for you to help get you thinking of everything you need to start planning for and to refer to as your planning stages unfold month after month.
12+ months before the wedding
Announce your engagement and let your loved ones know about your plans to get married. This may also include scheduling an engagement portrait session.
Decide on what time of year you’d like to get married. It may be a good idea to think about location and what weather you would like for your day.
Think of locations and venues that you would like to get married. They book up quickly and having your location sets the tone for so many of your wedding day details.
Start planning your guest list. A great place to start might be to select how large you want your wedding to be. Start with your nearest and dearest.
Make an approximate budget (an overall wedding budget and what you want to spend on particular vendors). For example professional catering runs on average $40-60 per person.
Think about a wedding theme. Maybe your have a particular style in mind (ie elegant, boho, vintage, romantic, rustic, modern, etc).
Make a list of wedding contractors: coordinators, photographers, videographers, caterers, musicians, florist, hair, makeup, etc.
Decide on the format of the ceremony - Do you have something traditional in mind? Are you doing a church or temple ceremony?
Look for wedding inspiration. Bridal magazines as well as Pinterest and Instagram are great resources. This is a good time to get ideas of themes and ideas you’d like to model and make your own.
Select your bridal party. Many soon-to-be-brides and grooms are doing fun proposal ideas with a get together or gift to ask if they want to be a part of their wedding
10 months before the wedding
Book your vendors - Wedding vendors book up quickly so don’t wait too long and expect that your preferred vendor will still be available.
Start scheduling consultations and tastings
Take your engagement photos. These can be used to announce your engagement, used on your save the dates, incorporated into your wedding website, displayed at your wedding and of course to post on your social media.
Go in search of your dream dress or order custom tailoring (make sure you keep your theme, time of year and style of venue in mind)
Think of what entertainment/performances/show program you would like to arrange
Establish a fitness routine
Adopt a skincare/beauty regimen
8 months before the wedding
Think about how to spend a bachelorette party
Approve any last vendors
Order a wedding cake, specify delivery details
Choose bridesmaid outfits
Prepare a playlist for all the highlights of the wedding
6 months before the wedding
Send save-the-date cards to your invitees
Buy wedding rings
Schedule any pre wedding counseling or classes required
If you are planning a honeymoon, narrow down your options - make sure your travel documents are in order
Decide on a wedding print design (text, font, and paper type for invitations, table numbers, seating cards, thank you cards, menus, etc.)
Gift registry - there are those family and friends that want to send gifts as soon as the engagement is announced. Select items that you need, want to replace or even those that are fun and whacky
Work with your planner and/or your photographer to start planning out a wedding day timeline. This will help keep everyone organized the day of your wedding.
Book your rehearsal dinner venue
Talk to your maid of honor and bridesmaids about a bridal shower
4 months before the wedding
Decide on the image of the groom and groomsmen, buy/rent a suit, shoes and cufflinks. Make sure everyone gets their measurements in - either visit in person or if they aren’t local they can go to any tux/suit shop to get measured and have the information sent over
Purchase the necessary wedding decorations (petals, streamers or sparkly confetti, etc.)
Hire an officiant
Book honeymoon
Create a menu for a banquet and buffet table. Have a tasting
Select your wedding cake flavor(s)
Buy bridal accessories such as jewelry, lingerie, garter, etc.
Order rental items - tables, chairs, linens, dance floor, etc.
3 months before the wedding
Submit an official application to the registry office
Book your hotel room for the wedding night or bride's morning gathering
Meet with the bridal stylist, discuss hair and makeup details
Decide on wedding favors and get them ordered
Purchase toasting flutes, cake cutting set, guestbook
Select your ‘Old, New, Borrowed & Blue’ items
2 months before the wedding
Schedule appointment for your marriage license
Send out invitations (RSVPs due 1 months before wedding)
Meet with the officiant
Rent transport for yourself and your guests
Schedule your wedding day - firm up your plans for that day’s flow
Meet with the planner and touch bases on what you need them to do these last couple of months
Practice your first wedding dance
Start any DIY projects you have in mind
Purchase wedding party gifts
1 month before the wedding
Write your wedding vows
Dress fitting - go in and try on your dress after alterations to make sure everything is fitting properly. This will still give time for any changes that need to be made.
Order the bridal bouquet and boutonniere
Do your makeup and hair trials. You want to make sure that you, your makeup artist and hairstylist are on the same page.
Confirm agreements with all contractors, agree on their arrival time on the wedding day
Come up with a hashtag for your wedding photos
Buy a gift for your future husband/wife
Confirm honeymoon details
Meet with you DJ/Musicians/Band to finalize important songs and playlist(s)
1-2 weeks before the wedding day timeline
Final dress fitting - Bride
Final Groom’s fitting
Prepare sample shots that you wanted to recreate and show them to the photographer
Have a bachelorette and bachelor party
Decide on the music program
Make a seating plan for guests
Prepare wedding day emergency kit (safety pins, bandaids, double stick tape, pain reliever, stain remover pen, etc.)
Schedule a detailed timeline of the wedding day by the hour
Wear your wedding shoes around the house to break them in and make sure they will be comfortable on your wedding day.
Schedule your manicure and pedicure for those perfect wedding day nails
Start collecting everything you need for your wedding day in a central location. This will make the days leading up to your big day so much easier.
Follow up with any guests you haven’t heard from
Provide final guest count to caterer and venue
Send directions to wedding day limo/transportation driver
Make sure final payments are made to your vendors (prepare tips)
Refresh haircut (and color)
Eyebrows
Pack your bags for your honeymoon
Practice your vows outloud
1-2 days before the wedding
Take a relaxing bath
Get a manicure and pedicure
Collect a handbag with a list of essential items for the bride
Write your soon-to-be spouse a cute note
Make sure that you are fully prepared for the celebration
Load what you can in the car you will be taking to the venue (save you time and energy the day of)
Wedding rehearsal and dinner
Drink plenty of water - it will keep you hydrated and make your skin look gorgeous
Get plenty of sleep
Day of wedding
Have a hearty breakfast
Get together slowly, you have time for everything
Don't forget to take rings and passports
Marriage license
Take your dress and veil out of the bag early and have someone steam them if needed
Lay out your invitation, rings, shoes, jewelry, etc for your photographer to capture
Stay hydrated and eat if you feel famished
Take mindful breaths and enjoy your dream wedding!
After wedding: 1-2 days
Return tuxes and rentals
Open gifts
Order thank you cards
Send thanks to everyone attending the celebration (wedding website, social media, emails, texts, etc.)
After honeymoon
Have your wedding dress and veil dry cleaned
If you've changed your last name after the wedding, replace all your documents
Change your address (if needed)