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.