Free guide
The 12-month wedding planning timeline
A month-by-month checklist for planning a wedding from "we're engaged" to "I do." Built from the actual order vendors book up, so nothing essential slips.
12+ months out
Set the foundation
- Set your overall budget and decide who's contributing
- Draft a rough guest count (this drives every other decision)
- Pick 2–3 target wedding dates and a backup season
- Build your inspiration / mood board
- Hire a wedding planner if you want one — top planners book 12–18 months out
10–12 months
Lock the venue and the date
- Tour 3–5 venues and sign the contract on your favorite
- Confirm the wedding date in writing
- Book your photographer and videographer (the next thing to disappear)
- Start a wedding website and collect mailing addresses
8–10 months
Book the big creative vendors
- Book caterer, florist, and band/DJ
- Shop and order the wedding dress (allow 6–8 months for alterations)
- Block hotel rooms for out-of-town guests
- Send save-the-dates
6–8 months
Fill in the details
- Register for gifts
- Book officiant, hair and makeup, transportation, and rentals
- Choose bridal party attire
- Plan the rehearsal dinner
4–6 months
Logistics & paperwork
- Order invitations and stationery
- Plan the honeymoon and renew passports if needed
- Schedule menu tasting and cake tasting
- Confirm ceremony readings and music
2–4 months
Confirm and tighten
- Mail invitations 8–10 weeks before the wedding
- Finalize the ceremony order and reception timeline
- Apply for the marriage license (check your state's window)
- First dress fitting
1 month
Final countdown
- Final headcount to caterer and venue
- Final dress fitting
- Build seating chart and print escort cards
- Write vows and toasts
- Confirm timeline with every vendor
Week of
Hand off and breathe
- Drop off welcome bags at hotels
- Pack for the honeymoon
- Pay final balances and prepare vendor tips
- Rehearsal + rehearsal dinner
- Hydrate, sleep, enjoy it
Plan all of this in one workspace
AI checklist, vendor tracker, budget, and seating chart — for brides and planners.