Blog 10—The Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist (Month-by-Month)
Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting—and sometimes overwhelming—experiences you’ll ever have. With so many details to manage and decisions to make, it’s easy to feel like you’re forgetting something. This is why I have created this month-by-month wedding planning checklist to help you stay organized, on budget, and fully prepared for your wedding day. Whether you’re planning a year and a half ahead of time or a shorter timeline, this guide will help you understand what you need to do and when.
💍 12-18 Months Before the Wedding
Set your budget and determine who’s contributing
Set your wedding date, visit venues and compare
Hire a wedding planner (hello!)
Start researching vendors (photographer, caterer, florist, etc.)
Create a wedding Pinterest board or vision folder
Decide on wedding theme
Plan engagement party and/or photos
🗓 12 Months Before
Book venue
Write guest list
Shop for your wedding dress
Pick wedding party and make proposals (if you’d like to do this)
Send Save the Dates
Work on Wedding Website
✉️ 9-11 Months Before
Send Save the Dates (if you haven’t done so yet)
Transport vendor booked
Vendors booked (florist, photographer, DJ, Food, videographer, officiant, hair/makeup, design/rentals)
Finalize Wedding Website
Create Wedding Registry
Decide on Wedding Favors (if any)
Buy Wedding Dress and accessories
Block hotel rooms/accomodations
Start looking for bridesmaid dresses and groomsmen attire
Begin researching honeymoon
Meet with florist to discuss vision
Schedule cake tastings and design meeting
💌 6–9 Months Before
Order your wedding dress (if not already)
Book hair and makeup artists (if not already)
Reserve any rental needs (tables, chairs, linens, etc.)
Work on Wedding Decor
Shop for Wedding Bands
Finalize Guest List
Design and order wedding invitations
Finalize bridesmaids/groomsmen attire & order if needed
Plan ceremony and reception details with your planner
Finalize Schedule for transportation for wedding day
Plan bachelor/bachelorette trips
Finalize and book honeymoon
🍰 4–6 Months Before
Send Wedding invitations
Finalize food menu and cake design
Start Wedding Dress alterations
Book rehearsal dinner venue (if different from wedding venue)
Design and purchase Wedding stationary
Book hair and makeup trial
Purchase wedding rings
Choose music for ceremony and reception
Plan for wedding favors or welcome bags (if any)
Confirm honeymoon bookings and passports (if needed)
👗 2-3 Months Before
More Dress fittings
Write photography list for photographer
Create rough draft of wedding day timeline with your planner
Confirm vendor details and logistics
Order gifts for wedding party
Prepare for marriage license application
Finalize readings or ceremony elements
draft wedding seating chart
✍️ 2 Months Before
Receive RSVP’s
Have final hair and makeup trial
Finalize ceremony music and DJ/band playlist
Write your vows (start early and can edit as you get closer!)
Schedule final dress fitting
🎉 1 Month Before
Finalize Wedding timeline
Finalize seating chart
Apply for marriage license
Confirm RSVP count and finalize head count, allergies, etc
Provide final numbers to caterer, venue, and rentals
Confirm vendor arrival and setup times, send timeline to all vendors
Create place cards, signage, and programs
Pack your wedding day emergency kit
Break in your wedding shoes
Confirm hotel/transportation accommodations
💕 1–2 Weeks Before
Final beauty appointments (waxing, brows, facials, cut & color, etc.)
Final dress fitting and pick up attire
Steam dress & veil
Prepare final payments and tips for vendors
Confirm wedding party duties and timeline
Pack for honeymoon
Attend final venue walkthrough
Send timeline to all vendors & wedding party
Rehearsal Dinner (if not the day before)
🎊 The Day Before
Rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
Pack overnight bag for wedding night
Lay out everything for the next day (rings, dress, shoes, etc.)
Appoint bridesmaids and groomsmen duties
Give MOH and/or coordinator vendor contact details
Final payments & tips in labeled envelopes
Try to get a good night’s sleep and hydrate!
💫 The Big Day!
Eat a light breakfast
Allow plenty of time for hair and makeup
Take deep breaths and enjoy every moment
Trust your planner to handle the logistics
Say “I do” and celebrate with your people!
Final Thoughts
Wedding planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming—with the right timeline and a solid support team, it can actually be fun! If you ever feel stuck, reach out to a wedding planner (like me!) who can help guide you through the process and take the pressure off.
