If you recently got engaged (congrats!) and are wondering what to do next, I have the perfect wedding planning timeline AND a printable checklist for you. Planning a wedding can feel incredibly overwhelming, and it's hard to know where and when to start the process. Everyone's timeline is different, but most couples take over a year to plan their wedding.
As a professional wedding photographer (and a former bride who planned her own wedding), I've been involved in weddings of all shapes and sizes. I'm breaking down a month-to-month wedding planning timeline to set you up for success and relieve some of the stress of getting married.
Click below to download my free wedding checklist, and keep scrolling for the deets!
Psst, if you're tying the knot in 2024, I'm offering 20% off fall and winter weddings in the Fort Payne, Chattanooga, and North Georgia areas! Get more info.
12+ Months:
Set a budget - this will help you narrow down venues, determine your guest list, and find the right vendors.
Pick a theme - if you aren't following a specific theme, start brainstorming design aesthetics and wedding trends you want to incorporate.
Book a venue - wedding venues book up incredibly fast, so reserve one ASAP! You can also have a backyard wedding to eliminate the stress of finding a venue.
Hire a wedding planner - a professional planner can be a good investment and relieve a lot of the stress that comes with having everything on your plate. At the very least, get yourself a dedicated planner journal to keep track of everything wedding-related.
Choose your wedding party - who do you want standing beside you on your special day?
10-11 Months:
Finalize guest list - it's time to decide how big of a wedding you want!
Shop for wedding dresses - give yourself plenty of time to find your dream dress, and allow for alterations.
Hire vendors that book up quickly - photographers, videographers, bands/DJs, and florists tend to fill up far in advance.
Book accommodations - reserve a block of hotel rooms for your wedding party and guests, if needed.
8-9 Months:
Take engagement photos - this is when things start to feel real!
Make your wedding website + registry - a website lets you put all the important wedding information in one place, and you can link to your online registry.
Send save-the-dates - give your guests a heads up that they'll be invited before sending official invitations.
6-7 Months:
Shop for wedding party + groom attire - suits, tuxes, and bridesmaid dresses usually require fewer fittings and alterations, so you don't need to shop for them as early as you do for the wedding dress.
Reserve rentals - this could be anything from chairs and linens to a photo booth and large decor pieces.
Choose wedding bands - allow plenty of time to order and size your bands.
Plan your honeymoon - you'll have a dream vacation to look forward to after the wedding chaos! This is also a good time to renew or apply for passports if you'll be traveling internationally.
Book hair + makeup - find hair and makeup artists that make you look and feel your best.
4-5 Months:
Hire an officiant - even if a friend or family member will be conducting the ceremony, now is the time to finalize your officiant and make sure everything is set for the wedding day.
Plan a wedding shower - this is a fun opportunity to celebrate your upcoming wedding with loved ones.
Finalize a caterer - make sure you communicate about the wedding menu and taste everything that will be offered.
Go to premarital counseling - many couples find this helpful to start their marriage on the right foot.
Have your hair + makeup trial - do a test run of your wedding look and tweak anything you aren't 100% happy with.
Send formal wedding invites - request your guests RSVP at least one month in advance for planning purposes.
Plan guest favors - a small gift is a nice way to say thank you for attending your wedding.
Finalize rehearsal dinner location - book a place to enjoy dinner with your wedding party and special guests before the big day.
2-3 Months:
Write vows - don't leave this til the last minute!
Have your first wedding dress fitting - give yourself time for at least two fittings to make sure it fits like a glove.
Secure your marriage license - the process varies depending on your location, so research requirements ahead of the wedding.
Purchase wedding party gifts - this is a sweet way to thank your loved ones for being a part of your special day.
Finalize decor + small accents - whether you're DIYing or purchasing things like centerpieces and place cards, now is the time to finalize everything.
Go on your bach parties - relax and enjoy yourselves!
1 Month:
Finalize alterations - get your wedding outfit ready to go for the big day.
Make your seating chart - plan your tables and decide who will sit where.
Confirm RSVPs - follow up with guests who haven't RSVPed to make sure they haven't forgotten.
Give music requests to musicians - make sure to specify songs you do or don't want to be played!
Discuss the shot list with your photographer - let them know if there are specific photos you want captured, such as first looks, groom portraits, family shots, etc.
Finish your vows - make any last-minute edits and practice reading through them.
Have a final venue walk-through - familiarize yourself with where everything will be set up so you know how the wedding day will flow.