The key to success is to start before you are ready.
– Marie Forleo

Following a wedding timeline isn’t just about checking boxes — it’s the secret to staying sane and actually enjoying the journey. With so many moving parts, a clear timeline keeps you ahead of deadlines, avoids last-minute chaos, and lets you savor the little moments instead of stressing over them. It turns planning from overwhelming to empowering, giving you time to breathe, laugh, and soak in the excitement of your upcoming “I do.” Stay on track, stay calm, and make space for joy — you deserve it!

💍 12–18 Months Before the Wedding

  1. Set Your Wedding Budget – Decide how much you want to spend overall and break it down by category.

  2. Create a Guest List – Start drafting a preliminary list to estimate the size of your venue.

  3. Hire a Wedding Planner (if needed) – They can help guide you through the whole process.

  4. Choose a Wedding Date – Narrow down a few ideal dates or a season.

  5. Book Your Venue – Ceremony and reception location (they often book far in advance).

  6. Create a Wedding Website – Include venue info, travel accommodations, and registry links.

9–12 Months Before

  1. Book Key Vendors:

    • Photographer/Videographer

    • Celebrant or Officiant

    • Caterer (if not included in the venue)

    • Music/Band/DJ

  2. Shop for Your Wedding Dress – It may take 10 months including fittings.

  3. Send Save-the-Dates – Especially important for destination weddings.

  4. Plan Engagement Photoshoot

  5. Start Planning Honeymoon

💐 6–8 Months Before

  1. Order Bridesmaids’ Dresses and Groomsmen Attire

  2. Book Florist

  3. Book Hair & Makeup Artists

  4. Book Transportation (if needed) – Limousine, shuttle for guests, etc.

  5. Order Wedding Cake

  6. Choose Ceremony Details – Vows, readings, music, etc.

💄 4–5 Months Before

  1. Schedule Hair and Makeup Trial

  2. Finalize Guest List

  3. Order Wedding Invitations

  4. Book Rehearsal Dinner Venue

  5. Buy Wedding Accessories – Veil, shoes, jewelry, undergarments.

📦 2–3 Months Before

  1. Mail Wedding Invitations

  2. Apply for Marriage License

  3. Write Your Vows

  4. Create Seating Chart

  5. Buy Wedding Bands

  6. Confirm Details with Vendors

⏳ 1 Month Before

  1. Final Dress Fitting

  2. Confirm RSVP Numbers

  3. Create Wedding Day Timeline

  4. Break in Your Shoes

  5. Make Final Payments

  6. Prepare Wedding Emergency Kit

👰 Day Before / Day Of

  • Get a Good Night’s Sleep

  • Eat Breakfast

  • Stay Hydrated

  • Have Fun – It’s Your Day!