Did you just say “YES!”? Planning your wedding should be one of the most exciting times in your life. After all, you are about to marry the love of your life! But, let’s be honest – sometimes the excitement can wear away quickly and the overwhelming feelings can start to kick in. You may be in the midst of planning or just beginning the journey, but it is vital to have a clear timeline to ease the stress. So, whether you’ve already dug deep into Pinterest boards, or are just starting out – here is your month-by-month guide to planning your ultimate wedding, with what to do and when.
12 + Months Before the Wedding: Lay the Foundation for your wedding day
Stop and enjoy your engagement. Be sure to celebrate your engagement and share the happy news with your family and friends
Sit down with your partner and any financial contributors (ex. Parents, grandparents etc.) and determine who is contributing, what amount, and set guidelines for your budget
Draft a guest list to estimate the size and venue requirements
Hire a wedding planner (we’d love to support you with your journey – wink, wink!)
Choose a wedding season
Choose a wedding date
Book your venue (ceremony and reception)
10-12 Months Before: Get your Vendors Booked
Book your key vendors: photographer, videographer, band/DJ, caterer
Choose your wedding party and don’t forget to think of a fun and creative way to ask them!
Create a wedding website to send out to your guest list
Explore ideas about a theme or color palette
Start collecting your guests’ addresses, we recommend keeping them on a spreadsheet
Start wedding dress shopping - we recommend starting this early, to allow time for alterations and delivery
Meet and greet officiants and book/confirm an officiant
8-10 Months Before: It’s Time to Bring your Vision to Life
Explore florists in the area and book your florist
Have some fun deciding on your desserts! Select and choose your dessert options, such as a dessert bar or cake
Visit a local decorator or rental company
Reserve your hotel blocks for out-of-town guests
Schedule engagement photos
Register for gifts and add links to your wedding website
Finalize your wedding website information prior to save the dates
Create your save the dates – leave time to deliver
6-8 Months Before: Plan and Prep
Send your save the dates
Send out links or sample ideas to your wedding party for attire, or plan shopping trips with your wedding party to shop for bridesmaid dresses and suits
Book transportation
Plan the honeymoon (if applicable)
Order and confirm your rentals including tables, chairs, linens and misc. decor
4-5 Months Before: Get into all the Details
Select and choose your wedding rings - don’t forget to order!
Finalize the menu with your caterer, to include cocktail hour and the reception
Book your hair and makeup artists and schedule a trial run
Begin writing your vows and meet with your officiant
Plan your ceremony and reception details, including your timeline
2-3 Months Before: Tie Up Loose Ends
Mail out your invites - a good rule of thumb is 6-8 weeks before
Schedule your dress fittings to ensure your dress is ready
Confirm your vendor details, payments, and timelines
Create a wedding day schedule and timeline
Purchase wedding party gifts (if applicable)
1-2 Weeks Before: Final Touches
Give final numbers and headcounts to the vendors
Pack for honeymoon and day of wedding
Pick up and prep wedding attire, to include all accessories
Prepare an emergency kit, unless your wedding planner or day of coordinator has one
Distribute day of timeline draft to wedding party and all vendors
The Day Before
Attend or host the rehearsal and dinner
Pack your bag for the next day
Drink lots of water and eat well-balanced meals
Get a good night of rest
The Big Day
Relax and enjoy
Trust your team and let the magic happen
Say ‘I do to the love of your life’
Wedding planning is a journey, and like any journey, it’s best taken one step at a time. Stick to this timeline, stay flexible, and remember—this day is about you and your partner. Everything else is just icing on the wedding cake. Enjoy the wedding planning process - you’ve got this!
Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 19 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.