Wedding Planning Timeline

Wedding planning can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be that way. If you plan ahead, you can take the worry out of planning your wedding.

1 year
Set a wedding budget
Book a venue, make sure to plan for both the ceremony and reception
Find out if you’ll need any permits or paperwork for your wedding, including vendors.

6 months
Plan your wedding music, including a band or DJ
Wedding planner, if you are going to use one, needs to be hired now
Vendors like a photographer, videographer, florist and caterer need to be hired
Book chair rentals, purchase wedding chair covers and any other wedding décor
Book a makeup artist and hair stylist
Shop for wedding insurance. 

5 months
Send save the dates
Look for a package deal for guests that need a flight, rental car and hotel room
Create wedding website about you, wedding events, hotels and your wedding registry
Speak to your band or DJ to agree on what music will be played during both the wedding ceremony and reception
Purchase your wedding dress, remember you may need to allow time for alterations
Plan accommodations for any guests traveling from out of town. 

4 months
Book pastor or officiant to marry you at the ceremony
Order your wedding cake
Purchase your wedding party bridesmaid dresses and tuxedos
Book honeymoon.  

3 months
Mail wedding invitations
Book any additional entertainment needed for a cocktail or after party. 

2 months
Purchase accessories including shoes and jewelry
Make sure you have something old, new, borrowed and blue
Arrange transportation for the bride and groom to and from the wedding ceremony and reception. 

1 month
Assign a point person of contact for the day of your wedding
Purchase party favors and bridal party gifts
Purchase gift baskets for out of town guests
Purchase wedding rings
Call all of your invitees who didn’t RSVP
Create seating chart
Enjoy!