Plan Your Wedding in One Year: A Step-By-Step Guide
12-Month Wedding Planning Timeline
Planning a wedding over 12 months ensures a smoother, less stressful process. Here's a month-by-month guide to help you stay organized.
12 Months Before the Wedding
Set Your Budget: Determine your overall budget and prioritize spending areas.
Create a Guest List: Draft a preliminary guest list to estimate the size of your wedding.
Choose Your Date and Venue: Book your venue and finalize your wedding date.
Hire a Wedding Planner: A planner can help streamline the entire process.
Start a Wedding Inspiration Board: Use platforms like Pinterest to collect design ideas.
10–11 Months Before
Book Key Vendors: Secure the photographer, videographer, band/DJ, and caterer.
Shop for Attire: Begin shopping for your wedding dress and schedule fittings.
Choose Your Wedding Party: Decide on your bridal party and groomsmen.
Send Save-the-Dates: Notify guests about the wedding date and location.
8–9 Months Before
Select Décor and Rentals: Work with vendors to determine table settings, furniture, and decorations.
Book Hair and Makeup Artists: Schedule consultations and trials for the big day.
Start Planning Your Honeymoon: Research destinations and book flights/accommodations.
6–7 Months Before
Order Invitations: Choose and order your wedding invitations.
Plan Ceremony Details: Meet with your officiant to discuss vows and rituals.
Buy Wedding Party Attire: Order dresses, suits, or accessories for your bridal party.
Schedule Cake Tastings: Choose a baker and design your wedding cake.
4–5 Months Before
Arrange Transportation: Book transportation for the wedding party and guests.
Plan the Rehearsal Dinner: Choose a venue and finalize the guest list.
Organize Rentals: Confirm tenting, lighting, and other rental needs.
Order Favors: Purchase or create meaningful wedding favors.
3 Months Before
Mail Invitations: Send out formal wedding invitations to guests.
Finalize the Menu: Confirm catering details and dietary requirements.
Buy Wedding Rings: Purchase rings and arrange for engraving if desired.
Create a Timeline: Develop a schedule for the ceremony and reception.
2 Months Before
Finalize Guest Count: Reach out to guests who haven't RSVP’d.
Confirm Details with Vendors: Check contracts and confirm timelines.
Start Writing Your Vows: If you’re writing your vows, now’s the time to start.
Book Day-Of Coordination: If you don’t have a full planner, hire a coordinator for wedding day logistics.
1 Month Before
Get Marriage License: Apply for your marriage license and complete legal paperwork.
Schedule Final Dress Fitting: Ensure your wedding attire fits perfectly.
Finalize Seating Chart: Plan where guests will sit during the reception.
Pack for Your Honeymoon: Prepare everything you’ll need for your trip.
1–2 Weeks Before
Confirm Details with Vendors: Double-check arrival times and final payments.
Practice Your Ceremony: Hold the rehearsal and dinner with your wedding party.
Pack a Wedding Day Emergency Kit: Include items like safety pins, snacks, and a first-aid kit.
Prepare Final Payments and Tips: Enclose payments/tips in labeled envelopes.
Wedding Day
Relax and Enjoy: Stay present and enjoy every moment of your big day.
Delegate Tasks: Let your planner or bridal party handle any last-minute details.