Wedding Timeline
Here is a detailed wedding timeline to help your wedding planning process go as smooth as possible. Enjoy!
9-12 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING
Officially announce your engagement
Decide on who pays for what and set an overall budget
Set a wedding date (consult with registry office and officiant)
Decide on the type of wedding (formal, semi-formal, informal…)
Book reception site (and arrange parking)
Book ceremony location
Decide whether you need/want pre-marital counseling
Hire wedding planner if you wish
Start first draft of your guest list
6-9 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING
Announce wedding date (Save the Dates)
Start shopping for wedding dress, shoes, jewelry etc.
Decide on bridesmaids dresses
Organize (flower) decoration and bouquets
Hire catering service
Hire wedding photographer/videographer
Hire DJ/band
Choose officiant and discuss ceremony process
Start thinking about gift registry options
Reserve hotel rooms (in varying price ranges) for out-of-town guests
Have an engagement party if you wish
Book honeymoon
4-6 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING
Select and order wedding invitations and stationery
Choose wedding cake style and flavor(s)
Discuss menu ideas with catering service
Arrange for rental items (arches, candelabras, china, crystal, flatware…)
Buy wedding rings
Organize groom’s tux and decide what groomsmen will wear
Make sure bridesmaids ordered their gowns and decide on accessories
Shop for wedding favors
Confirm dates for bridal shower and bachelorette parties
Start registry (before sending bridal shower invitations)
Practice ideas for wedding hair and makeup
Organize helpers (readers, musicians, guest book attendant etc.)
Organize additional management staff, babysitters etc.
Give guest list to shower hostesses
Decide whether you want wedding insurance
2-4 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING
Finalize guest list and send invitations
Select place for rehearsal dinner
Finalize rehearsal dinner plans
Finalize menu
Select music for ceremony, reception etc.
Book makeup artist and hairstylist
Make sure tuxes for groom and groomsmen have been ordered
Organize wedding transportation (for you and your guests)
Order wedding favors
Find gifts for each other, your attendants, shower hostess, parents etc.
Purchase bridal party gifts
Purchase wedding accessories (candles, baskets, ring pillow etc.)
Check registry regularly (there always have to be enough options left)
Joint bank accounts, insurance, merging of money…
Start preparations for honeymoon
Send invitations 8 weeks before wedding date
1-2 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING
Have first bridal gown fitting
Schedule a final fitting for your gown so it can be ready for formal bridal portrait
Finalize ceremony readings, songs, etc.
Design wedding programs (if using them)
Meet with officiant to finalize ceremony
Arrange “Bridesmaid Luncheon” and other “Pre-Wedding Parties”
Write vows
Set appointment with photographer for your formal bridal portrait.
Prepare photo and video shot list
Check requirements for blood test and marriage license in your state
Discuss and finalize details with wedding service providers
3-4 WEEKS BEFORE THE WEDDING
Get marriage license (normally no earlier than 30 days before wedding)
Arrange name change
Mail rehearsal-dinner invitations
Meet with stylist to discuss makeup and hair
Confirm hotel arrangements for out-of-town guests
1-2 WEEKS BEFORE THE WEDDING
Call guests who have not responded to invitation
Make final payments for all services that require payment
Have final wedding gown fitting
Finalize wedding-day schedule and share with attendants, parents and all vendors
Pick up wedding dress and make sure all accessories are together
Reconfirm all wedding plans: ceremony, reception site, florist, photo-/videographer, musicians, DJ, baker, honeymoon
Give caterer/reception site final head count
Provide wedding party and out-of-town guests with itinerary and maps
Prepare emergency kit with needle, thread, safety pins, tape, mirror, etc.
Give someone at home emergency numbers of honeymoon locations, credit card numbers etc.
Finalize seating arrangements
Prepare place cards
Prepare “wedding box” for ceremony accessories
Prepare “reception box” for reception accessories
Prepare wedding favors for transportation
Complete seating chart for reception
Confirm all rental and floral delivery dates and times
Confirm arrival times for attendants
Pack for wedding night and honeymoon
THE DAY BEFORE THE WEDDING
Prepare payment envelopes, choosing who is responsible for each one
Hand out assignment lists and checklists to ensure everyone knows their tasks
Hand out ceremony box to appropriate person
Hand out reception box to appropriate person
Give rings to best man
Gather wedding dress and all accessories
Get a manicure, pedicure, massage
Rehearse ceremony with officiant and wedding party
Confirm flight arrangements for honeymoon
Compile an emergency list of all wedding vendors with phone numbers
THE WEDDING DAY
Eat breakfast
Get hair done with attendants, mother, grandmother, future mother-in-law, etc.
Have makeup applied
Don’t forget rings (if you haven’t given them to best man) and wedding license
AFTER WEDDING
Get wedding gown cleaned and preserved
Preserve bouquet
Write and send thank-you cards
Complete process of name change
Finalize gift registry
Meet with photographer/videographer to finalize albums/video