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

  • Couple Blue Shirts HuggingHire 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

  • Bride Groom Blue 63 ThunderbirdSend 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!