A wedding planning timeline is a step-by-step guide that helps couples plan and organize their wedding from the moment they get engaged until the day of the wedding. It outlines the important tasks that need to be done and the approximate time they should be done by. The timeline typically includes tasks such as setting a wedding date, securing a venue, creating a guest list, booking a wedding photographer, selecting wedding attire. It also includes tasks that need to be done closer to the wedding day such as rehearsals, final fittings, and vendor payments. Having a clear plan and hiring experienced vendors will help make the planning process more smooth and less stressful.
The typical timeline for planning a wedding can vary depending on the couple's preferences, but generally, most couples start planning around 12-18 months before their wedding date.
12-18 months before the wedding
Discuss your wedding day vision, set an overall budget and a preferred wedding date
Research and secure your wedding venue
Research and book your wedding planner or start creating a detailed plan
Begin researching and reaching out to vendors for photography, make up, hair, florist, decorator, etc.
9-12 months before the wedding
Finalize your guest list and begin sending out save the dates
Book your officiant and start thinking about your ceremony
Finalize your wedding party
Research and book your honeymoon
Continue researching and booking vendors
6-9 months before the wedding
Order and send out wedding invitations
Select and order wedding attire and accessories
Research and book a wedding day transportation
Schedule hair and makeup trials
Finalize the wedding menu and rentals
3-6 months before the wedding
Finalize wedding details and create a wedding day schedule
Contact vendors to finalize details
Order wedding favors and decorations
Start working on the wedding seating chart
Confirm honeymoon details and travel documents
1-3 months before the wedding
Finalize the wedding day schedule with your vendors
Confirm final details with vendors
Meet with your wedding planner for final walkthrough
Provide final counts for catering and rentals
Send final payments and gratuities to vendors
Have the final dress fitting and pick up the wedding attire
Start packing for the honeymoon
1-2 weeks before the wedding
Rehearse the ceremony
Have final meetings with the vendors
Confirm final details with the wedding planner
Pick up marriage license
Your wedding day
Enjoy your wedding day with your loved ones
It is important to remember that this is a general guide, and the timeline may vary depending on your preferences and the complexity of the wedding. Having a clear plan and good communication with vendors will help make the planning process more smooth and less stressful.
