Your Wedding Planning Timeline Checklist: What to Plan and When

You’re engaged! Congratulations! But now what? I’ve put together this Wedding Planning Timeline Checklist just for you! Because, after you’ve shared the big news, celebrated, and pinned all the things on Pinterest (let’s be honest, you’ve probably been doing that for years—it’s hard not to get caught up in the excitement!), you might be wondering how to tackle the planning process. When should you book or plan certain things, like:

• Is it too soon to pick out a cake?
• Should you book a photographer (*shameless plug)?
• What about looking at venues?
• Making a guest list?
• And so much more…

Before diving in, let’s have a quick chat. You don’t need to do everything at once. If you tend to get stressed, break it down little by little. Remember, this is you big day, your wedding, and you get to plan it the way YOU want. There’s no right or wrong way to go about it, so feel free to cut things out or add things in as you see fit.

Now that my TED Talk is over, I’ve put together a basic wedding planning timeline checklist to guide you through the most common steps people take when planning a wedding, along with when these elements are typically booked and planned. Let’s dive in!

Your Wedding Planning Timeline Checklist: What to Plan and When

12+ MONTHS BEFORE:

• Pick a date
• Set a budget
  (Check out my blog post here on how to save money on your wedding)
• Type of wedding (small, big, destination)
• Rough guest list size (for venue picking)
  (Check out how to make your wedding guest list)
• Look at venues + book
  (Want help choosing a venue?)
• Pinterest Inspo board (style/theme)
• Decide if you’d like a planner/coordinator
• Pick + Ask wedding party
• Videographer
• Photographer 😏 
• Officiant

10 MONTHS BEFORE:

• Wedding dress shopping
• Bridesmaid dresses/flower girl
• Wedding website (if you opt to have one. This is an easy way to get RSVPs and keep things organized)
• DJ, Floral, Caterer  
• Engagement Party
• Honeymoon plan
• Cake testing (Make a date with your fiancé to go cake/dessert tasting!)
  Don’t like cake? Check out some Wedding Day Cake Alternatives!
• Finalize Guest List

6-8 MONTHS BEFORE:

• Register for gifts
• Hotel rooms + accommodations 
• Save the dates
• Invites
• Passports (if you need them for your honeymoon)
• Hair + makeup trials + book
• Think about + arrange rentals

4 MONTHS BEFORE:

• Send invites
• Wedding rings
• Cake vision + book
• Unity ceremony (I’ve got some unique unity ceremony ideas here!)
• Ceremony processional + music

3 MONTHS BEFORE:

• Rehearsal dinner plans
• Showers
• Rent men’s formal wear / ring bearer
• Wedding day transportation
• Finalize menu
• Choose readers + readings (ceremony + reception)

2 MONTHS BEFORE:

• Purchase gifts (each other, parents, bridal party, attendants, ushers)
• Must have shot list for photographer
• Apply wedding license
• Name cards for table + seating chart
• List of songs + dances

1 MONTH BEFORE:

• Wedding photo timeline
• Final gown fitting
• Wedding programs
• Wedding accessories
• Check in with non-RSVP’s
• Garter
• Write each other notes or vows

1-2 WEEKS BEFORE:

• Haircut + color
• Supply venue with vendor requests
• Confirm vendors + arrangements
• Send family + vendors + party timeline
• Give out day of wedding contact info
• Pack for honeymoon
• Gather place cards, table cards, menus, favors
• Confirm arrival times for people
• Final caterer head count
• 3-5 days before nails

WEDDING DAY:

• Remember: gifts, license, rings, personal vows, emergency/bridal kit.