Wedding planning runs on timelines, and sticking to the right schedule helps everything fall into place without chaos. If you’re engaged and wondering when to book the venue, send invitations, or schedule your fittings, this month-by-month breakdown walks you through each step. The best part? You don’t have to do it all at once.
12+ Months Before
- Set your wedding date
- Create a budget
- Draft a guest list
- Book your venue
- Hire a planner (if you’re using one)
Venues and planners get booked fast, especially during peak wedding seasons. Start early.
10–11 Months Before
- Choose your wedding party
- Start shopping for your dress
- Hire photographer and videographer
- Secure caterer if not included with venue
- Browse DJs or bands
This window is also perfect for starting a Pinterest board or saving your favorite styles to refine your aesthetic.
8–9 Months Before
- Book entertainment
- Choose and order your dress
- Book florist
- Book officiant
- Send save-the-dates
Save-the-dates should go out now, especially if you’re planning a destination wedding.
6–7 Months Before
- Order bridesmaids’ dresses
- Reserve rentals (tables, chairs, linens)
- Schedule tastings with caterer and cake designer
- Book transportation
Hair and makeup trials should be scheduled around now to give you time for any adjustments.
4–5 Months Before
- Order wedding cake
- Buy accessories (veil, shoes, jewelry)
- Arrange accommodations for guests
- Create your wedding website
- Finalize guest list
This is also the time to start tracking RSVPs and make it easier on guests by linking your site to registry info.
3 Months Before
- Send invitations
- Write or finalize vows
- Schedule dress fittings
- Plan ceremony details (readings, music)
- Apply for your marriage license (check local timelines)
Keeping a planner or spreadsheet helps you see what’s left and what’s done at a glance.
2 Months Before
- Confirm all vendor contracts
- Create a wedding-day timeline
- Finalize seating chart
- Book spa treatments or self-care appointments
Make sure someone besides you knows the full day-of timeline—delegate where possible.
1 Month Before
- Follow up with guests who haven’t RSVPed
- Get final dress fitting
- Break in your wedding shoes
- Finalize your vows
- Confirm arrival times with all vendors
Many couples use a days until calculator online to keep track of how close the wedding actually is. It can be a fun daily reminder as the countdown speeds up.
2 Weeks Before
- Confirm headcount with caterer
- Provide final playlist to band/DJ
- Pack for honeymoon
- Create tip envelopes for vendors
- Do a final walk-through at your venue
Keep copies of every contract and key vendor contact info in one place—digital and physical.
1 Week Before
- Pick up dress or tux
- Give your wedding party the schedule
- Get final beauty treatments
- Assemble wedding favors
- Practice walking in your shoes
Double-check your emergency kit: safety pins, tissues, breath mints, sewing kit, stain remover wipes.
Wedding Day
- Eat a real meal
- Stay hydrated
- Give yourself buffer time between events
- Soak in the moment
You’ve done the planning—now let the day unfold. It doesn’t have to be perfect to be unforgettable.