Planning a wedding is easier when you know exactly what to do and when. This month-by-month checklist keeps you on track from the very first ideas to the moment you walk down the aisle — without last-minute chaos.
Budget first? Read: Wedding Budget Spreadsheet
Building your guest list? Don’t miss: Wedding Guest List Template
12+ Months Out: Vision & Foundations
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Define your budget range and who’s contributing.
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Draft your guest count (A-list / B-list).
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Choose season, city, and style (formal, rustic, beach, etc.).
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Start venue research; create a shortlist and ask about capacity, available dates, catering rules, noise curfew.
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Consider planner/day-of coordinator if needed.
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Secure key vendors with limited availability: venue, ceremony site, photographer/videographer, planner.
9–10 Months Out: Core Vendors & Save-the-Dates
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Book caterer, music (band/DJ), decor/florist, officiant.
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Choose bridal party.
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Start attire research; confirm dress shopping timeline and alterations.
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Block hotel rooms for guests; add the link to your site/invitation.
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Design or plan your save-the-dates (mail or digital).
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Create a wedding website with essentials: schedule, locations, dress code, RSVP link if used.
6–8 Months Out: Design, Details & Dresses
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Finalize theme/colors, rough floor plan and table style (round/rectangular).
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Order dress and groom’s attire; plan fittings.
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Meet florist on seasonal availability and budget.
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Choose stationery (invites, menus, place cards).
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Plan ceremony outline and key readings.
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Begin honeymoon research (passports, time-off, budget).
4–5 Months Out: Invitations & Logistics
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Confirm menu ideas and tasting date.
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Order invitations; plan addressing & postage.
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Book transportation (couple + VIPs).
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Book hair & makeup trials; lock your beauty schedule.
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Decide on registry or gift policy.
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Start playlist brief (ceremony, cocktail, dinner, party).
3 Months Out: Final Choices
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Send invitations (usually 8–10 weeks before).
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Confirm ceremony structure, music and officiant script.
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Lock rental items (linen, chairs, lighting).
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Plan welcome bags/favors if any.
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Order wedding bands.
2 Months Out: Headcounts & Seating Prep
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Track RSVPs; follow up with non-responders.
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Map guest groups (families, friends, work).
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Build a draft seating chart (tables and constraints).
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Create a day-of timeline with key contacts (planner, venue, photographer).
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Confirm photo shot list and must-have moments.
1 Month Out: Final Confirmations
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Final tasting → lock the menu and dietary needs per guest.
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Provide vendor timeline and floor plan.
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Write vows / speeches.
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Arrange final fittings; break-in shoes.
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Prepare payments & tips schedule.
2 Weeks Out: Print & Rehearse
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Print seating chart, place cards, programs.
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Confirm deliveries (flowers, cake, rentals).
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Rehearsal plan: ceremony order, roles, timing.
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Pack emergency kit (needle/thread, tape, blotting papers, meds).
Week-Of: Final Touches
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Reconfirm all vendors with arrival times and contacts.
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Prepare envelopes for tips and balances.
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Drop off decor items and signage to the venue.
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Do a final walkthrough of the timeline with your coordinator.
Day-Of: Enjoy
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Eat breakfast, hydrate, keep buffer time between hair & makeup.
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Appoint a point person for vendor questions and a family wrangler for photos.
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Breathe. The plan is in place — now enjoy your day.
Pro Tips (Save Time & Stress)
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Keep one spreadsheet system to link Budget ↔ Guest List ↔ Seating ↔ Timeline.
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Build “Plan B” for weather and late RSVPs.
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Share a one-page summary with vendors: schedule, addresses, contacts, rules.
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After the wedding: track thank-you notes and vendor reviews.
FAQ: Wedding Planning Checklist
How early should we start planning?
12 months is ideal; smaller weddings can be done in less time, but vendor availability narrows.
When do we send invitations?
Typically 8–10 weeks before, earlier for destination weddings.
How do we avoid last-minute stress?
Use a written timeline, confirm all vendors the week before, and assign a point person.
Do we need a planner?
Not always, but a day-of coordinator is invaluable to run the schedule and handle issues.
What if our guest list keeps changing?
Set hard deadlines, keep a few flexible seats, and update seating the week-of only once.
Final Thoughts
A clear checklist keeps everyone aligned and your planning on schedule. Use this timeline as your roadmap — and upgrade to a connected system so all moving parts stay in sync.
Ready to manage everything in one place?
The Wedding Dream Planner Bundle includes an integrated Budget, Guest List, Seating Chart, Timeline, Vendor Comparison and more — designed to work together so you don’t have to juggle multiple tools.
👉 Get the Wedding Dream Planner Bundle and plan with confidence from day one.