Wedding Planning Timeline: What to Do Month-by-Month

Written By Sophie Evans

Your no-stress guide to staying on track (and actually enjoying the process)

Wedding planning can feel like a full-time job — but it doesn’t have to take over your life. Whether you’re working with a planner or DIY-ing the dream, having a clear timeline can make all the difference.

Here’s your month-by-month wedding planning checklist: what to do, when to do it, and how to keep your cool while making the magic happen.

12+ Months Before: The Big Picture

Start with the vision.

  • Set your budget

  • Draft a guest list

  • Choose your wedding date (or a few options)

  • Hire a wedding planner (if using one)

  • Start researching venues

  • Book your venue (ceremony + reception)

  • Celebrate your engagement!

✨ Tip: The earlier you lock in your venue, the more flexibility you’ll have with dates and vendors.

10–11 Months Before: Lock in the Dream Team

Time to secure the vendors you really care about.

  • Book photographer & videographer

  • Hire a caterer (if not included with venue)

  • Choose your entertainment (DJ, band, etc.)

  • Research florists, stylists, and rentals

  • Start wedding dress shopping

  • Create your wedding website

✨ Tip: Popular vendors book up fast — don’t wait on the ones that matter most to you.

8–9 Months Before: The Details Start to Bloom

Now it’s about bringing the vibe to life.

  • Finalise your colour palette & theme

  • Book your florist

  • Order your dress (yes, it takes months!)

  • Register for gifts

  • Take engagement photos

  • Send Save the Dates (especially for destination weddings)

  • Book hotels for out-of-town guests

6–7 Months Before: Style & Structure

Start shaping the look and feel.

  • Shop for bridesmaid dresses + groomswear

  • Schedule hair & makeup trials

  • Plan ceremony structure + music

  • Book rentals (chairs, linens, lounge furniture, etc.)

  • Choose and order your cake

  • Design and order your invitations

4–5 Months Before: Make It Yours

Personal touches and final vendor bookings.

  • Finalise ceremony details with officiant

  • Start writing vows (you’ll thank yourself later)

  • Purchase wedding bands

  • Plan honeymoon (and double-check passport expiration!)

  • Schedule tastings (caterer, cake, cocktails)

  • Create a timeline for the wedding day

✨ Tip: This is a great time to revisit your budget and make sure everything’s still on track.

2–3 Months Before: All the Pretty Pieces

The finishing touches are coming together.

  • Send your invitations

  • Final dress fitting

  • Finalise decor details

  • Create a seating chart

  • Confirm music selections

  • Order signage, favours, and any printed goods

  • Touch base with all vendors for final logistics

1 Month Before: It’s Getting Real

Crunch time — but you're ready.

  • Confirm final guest count

  • Share final headcount with caterer, rental company, etc.

  • Break in your wedding shoes

  • Create a wedding day emergency kit

  • Write thank-you notes for early gifts

  • Prepare final payments for vendors

  • Confirm schedule with wedding party

1 Week Before: Let Go & Celebrate

You did it. Now breathe.

  • Pack for honeymoon

  • Delegate tasks for the day-of

  • Get a mani/pedi or a massage

  • Drink water. Sleep well. Soak it in.

Wedding Day

This is it — your day to be fully present and in love.

  • Eat breakfast

  • Give your phone to someone you trust

  • Let others handle the hiccups

  • Take a quiet moment with your partner

  • Dance, laugh, and enjoy it all — you’ve earned this

After the Wedding: Post-Party To-Do’s

  • Send thank-you notes

  • Return any rentals

  • Preserve your bouquet/dress

  • Leave reviews for your vendors

  • Look through sneak peeks from your photographer

  • Relive the best day ever ✨

Images Source: Pinterest

Sophie Evans
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