Wedding Timeline

You might think the trip down the aisle seems like a lifetime away, but the months between ‘I will’ and ‘I do’ are certain to fly by. Use this helpful timeline to keep the party planning on track.

A year or more

• Select a wedding date and back up date.
• Determine budget.
• Select wedding party. (Including bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girl, ring bearer, house party, ushers and guest book attendants)
• Reserve ceremony site and reception venue.
• Book your officiant.
• Hire a wedding planner, if desired.
• Start organizing guest list.
• Begin researching caterers, photographers, bands and florists. 
   

Eight months before

• Hire photographer and, if desired, videographer.
• Take engagement photos.
• Book the entertainment.
• Schedule food tastings and select caterer.
• Purchase a dress.
• Reserve a hotel room block for wedding guests.
• Register for gifts.
• Create wedding website.
• Finalize guest list.
   

Six months before

• Send out save-the-date cards.
• Order invitations.
• Select and order bridesmaids’ dresses.
• Book a florist.
• Reserve structural and setting elements (tents, tables, chairs, lighting).
• Arrange wedding day transportation.
• Begin planning honeymoon. Be sure your passports are up-to-date and vaccines are current, if traveling abroad.
   

Four months before

• Reserve rehearsal dinner location.
• Send wedding invitations to calligrapher, if desired.
• Select and order the wedding cake.
• Purchase wedding shoes (bride and groom).
• Schedule and select hair and makeup artists.
• Choose your music.
• Arrange dance lessons, if desired.
   

Three months before

• Finalize menu selections.
• Finalize floral selections.
• Order favors, if desired.
• Purchase bridal undergarments.
• Schedule dress fitting.
• Compose day-of timeline.
• Select ceremony readings and music.
• Print programs and menu pages.
• Purchase the rings and buy insurance.
   

Two months

• Send event schedule and important contact numbers to vendors.
• Send photographer a list of any specific shots you want taken.
• Mail invitations.
• Schedule second dress fitting.
   

One month

• Total RSVPs and reach out to guests that haven’t responded by cutoff date.
• Mail rehearsal dinner invitations.
• Schedule final dress fitting.
• Send caterer final guest count.
• Map out seating arrangement, if having a seating dinner.
• Purchase attendant gifts.
   

Week of wedding

• Reconfirm schedule with vendors.
• Send a timeline to bridal party.
• Pick up dress and grooms’ attire.
• Set aside checks for vendors.
• Pack for your honeymoon.
• Have manicure and pedicure.
• Attend ceremony rehearsal.
• Hold rehearsal dinner, gift gifts to parents and wedding party.
   

Day of wedding

• Relax and enjoy yourself!