I’ve shot a-lot of weddings and planned my own. Here are the biggest tasks and a simple timeline of when you should be taking care of them!
12 months + before
☐ Select a date and reserve venue/reception hall.
☐ Choose your wedding party.
☐ Set a budget + determine who is helping with cost.
☐ Begin building a guest list.
☐ Find an officiant.
☐ Hire a wedding planner/day-of coordinator.
☐ Book a photographer, DJ + your make up artist.
2-4 months before
☐ Mail invitations or email them.
☐ Shop for wedding rings.
☐ Find a professional baker for your wedding cake.
☐ Purchase favors/gifts for your bridal party.
☐ Book your trial runs with make up + hair.
6 – 9 months before
☐ Find your dream dress.
☐ Create a wedding website.
☐ Begin to arrange day-of transportation.
☐ Find a caterer that fits your budget.
☐ Start planning your honeymoon.
☐ Create a gift registry.
☐ Find your wedding theme/color palette
☐ Select the bridesmaids + groomsmen attire.
1 – 2 months before
☐ Check in on bridal party attire + make sure everything fits.
☐ Meet/Call your vendors to work out details.
☐ Finalize the menu + flowers.
☐ Send rehearsal-dinner invitations.
☐ Create seating chart for day of event.
☐ Do your final dress fitting.
☐ Start writing your vows.
4 – 6 months before
☐ Mail the save-the-date announcements.
☐ Select + reserve any rental items needed.
☐ Meet with your officiant/pastor.
☐ Shop for wedding invitations or e-vites.
☐ Finalize date/time + location for rehearsal dinner.
☐ Finalize guest list.
☐ Check in with venue about special guidelines. (Covid)
☐ Book your florist.
1 week before
☐ Finalize all details.
☐ Finish writing your vows.
☐ Confirm with vendors.
☐ Set aside checks or tips for vendors.
☐ Delegate tasks to wedding party.
☐ Expect lots of last-minute things to come up, so try not to save anything you can get done sooner.
