The Ideal Wedding Planning Timeline: Month-by-Month Guide

You’re engaged — congratulations! 🎉

Now what?

Wedding planning can feel overwhelming without a clear roadmap. That’s why we created this month-by-month wedding planning timeline to help you stay organized, confident, and stress-free all the way to your “I do.”

12+ Months Before the Wedding

Set your budget
Create your guest list
Start researching venues and vendors
Choose your wedding party
Schedule venue tours and secure your date

💡 Bonus Tip: Booking your venue early locks in your wedding style, budget, and many other decisions that follow.

9–11 Months Before

Hire key vendors (planner, photographer, caterer, DJ/band)
Say yes to the dress (or begin shopping)
Create your wedding website
Send out Save the Dates (if applicable)
Begin designing your theme and decor vision

6–8 Months Before

Finalize guest list
Order invitations
Book florals and rentals
Plan honeymoon (if you’re traveling)
Schedule tastings, hair and makeup trials, and engagement shoot

🎯 This is where your planning really starts to take shape!

3–5 Months Before

Finalize menu and cake
Purchase wedding bands
Create day-of timeline
Book transportation
Start writing vows or ceremony script
Confirm attire for bridal party

📘 Want more detail? Our book 101 Wedding Planning Tips to Save Time, Stress, and Money walks you through this phase.

2 Months Before

Send out invitations
Schedule dress fittings
Confirm final headcount with vendors
Plan seating chart and reception layout
Buy or DIY wedding favors

1 Month Before

Get marriage license
Final vendor confirmations
Pack emergency day-of kit
Create playlists (if not using DJ/band exclusively)
Final beauty treatments or self-care prep

1 Week Before

Final walk-through with your venue
Prep tip envelopes and vendor payments
Confirm transportation and lodging
Relax, breathe, and stay hydrated!

🙌 You’re almost there — enjoy the moment!

Stay on Track and Stress Less

Having a clear wedding planning timeline not only keeps you on schedule — it protects your energy and peace of mind.

When you know what’s coming next, you can enjoy the process (and each other) so much more.

Enjoy these tips? Get these and much more in our 101 Wedding Planning Tips Books