Ideal wedding planning timeline (by Amanda from The Wedding Assistant)

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but breaking it down into manageable steps helps to make the process more enjoyable and less stressful. Here’s an ideal wedding planning timeline to guide you through the entire process, from getting engaged to walking down the aisle!

12+ Months Before the Wedding

1. Celebrate & Announce Your Engagement Take a moment to soak in the excitement before diving into planning! Share your engagement with family and friends, and take some time to celebrate together.

2. Set the Date Decide on a wedding date that works for you and your key guests. If you’re planning a wedding during peak wedding season, you might need to secure your venue early.

3. Establish a Budget Figure out how much you're willing to spend. A clear budget will help you make decisions on what’s most important to you.

4. Create a Guest List Draft an initial list of guests to get an idea of how big or intimate your wedding will be. This will affect your venue, catering, and other arrangements.

5. Book Your Wedding Planner (Optional) If you’re hiring a planner, do this early! Wedding planners can help with logistics, vendor recommendations, budget management, design & theme, timeline creation and overall stress management.

6. Select a Venue Popular venues can book up quickly, so it’s essential to reserve your venue early. Consider the size, location, and overall vibe of the venue.

7. Research Vendors Start researching and securing your vendors (photographer, videographer, caterer, etc.). Reach out to the ones that align with your style and budget.

Contact me to see how I can help you with the planning of your wedding!

9-12 Months Before the Wedding

1. Choose Your Wedding Party Ask your closest friends and family to be part of your bridal party. Make sure they have enough time to get organized for attire and travel if necessary.

2. Begin Wedding Dress Shopping Wedding dresses often take several months to order and alter, so start shopping early to avoid rushing later on.

3. Book Key Vendors Secure your photographer, videographer, florist, band/DJ, and catering team. If you want to hire a makeup artist or hairstylist, book them now too.

4. Send Save-the-Dates Once your venue and guest list are confirmed, it’s time to send out save-the-dates, especially for destination weddings or if you have a lot of out-of-town guests.

6-9 Months Before the Wedding

1. Finalize the Guest List Start firming up your guest list and get addresses for invitations. You may also want to confirm any special dietary restrictions with your guests for the catering team.

2. Book Officiant Find and book the person who will officiate your ceremony. Whether it's a BABS or a friend, they should be locked in early.

3. Plan the Honeymoon Start researching and booking your honeymoon destination. (If you're planning to leave directly after the wedding. Some popular locations may require months of advance planning.

4. Choose the Wedding Cake Book your cake designer and schedule a tasting. Decide on the flavor, style, and overall look of the cake.

4-6 Months Before the Wedding

1. Finalize Your Wedding Menu Work with your caterer to choose the menu, keeping in mind any dietary restrictions. If you’re having a plated meal, do a tasting.

2. Send Invitations It’s time to send out formal invitations. Typically, they go out 8-12 weeks before the wedding.

3. Plan Ceremony & Reception Details Begin finalizing the order of events for your ceremony and reception. Include any special traditions, readings, or speeches.

4. Hire a Transportation Service Book any transportation needed for the day, such as limos, buses, or shuttles for your bridal party and guests.

5. Buy Wedding Bands Start shopping for wedding bands for both you and your partner.

2-4 Months Before the Wedding

1. Finalize Attire Make sure your wedding dress, bridesmaids’ dresses, and groomsmen suits are ordered and fitted. Schedule a final fitting.

2. Confirm Details with Vendors Check in with your key vendors to confirm final details. Review timelines, schedules, and payments to ensure everything is on track.

3. Start Working on Your Vows If you’re writing your own vows, now is the time to start thinking about what you want to say to each other.

4. Arrange Hair and Makeup Trials Book your hair and makeup trial to make sure everything is just right.

1–2 Months Before the Wedding

1. Confirm RSVP list Follow up with guests who have not yet RSVP’d.

2. Choose Ceremony Music Select your music for the ceremony.

3. Create Seating Chart Finalize where everyone will sit at the ceremony/dinner.

4. Choose Ceremony Music Select your music for the ceremony, including processional, recessional, and special moments.

5. Finalize schedule Work with your wedding planner (or if you’re DIY-ing it, on your own) to create a detailed schedule for the wedding day. Share this with all your vendors and the wedding party.

1-2 Weeks Before the Wedding: The Final Countdown

1. Get Your Marriage License Don’t forget to get your marriage license from your local government office. There may be a waiting period, so plan accordingly.

2. Give the Final Headcount to the Caterer Finalize the guest count and share it with the caterer, along with any dietary restrictions.

Wedding Week: Relax and Enjoy

1. Take Care of Yourself Get plenty of rest, eat well, and enjoy your last few days before your wedding day.

2. Enjoy Your Day! On the big day, let go of the small stuff. Remember, the most important thing is celebrating your love with those you care about!

By following this timeline, you'll be able to keep things organized and, most importantly, enjoy the process! Your wedding day will be one to remember, full of love and memories that will last a lifetime. Planning a wedding takes obviously a lot of time. Did you know couples spend approx between 200-300 hours to plan their wedding? Want some extra help or just don't know where to start? Book a discovery call and see how we can help!

Photography by https://www.amandadrost.com