12 Months Out
Set the Foundation
- Set your overall wedding budget Most couples spend $30K–$35K on average, but your number is your number. See our budget breakdown guide →
- Decide on a wedding date (pick 2–3 backup dates)
- Choose your wedding style — formal, rustic, destination, intimate, etc.
- Draft your initial guest list This drives every other decision. Read our guest list guide →
- Research and book your ceremony and reception venue
- Start looking into wedding insurance
- Choose your wedding party (bridesmaids, groomsmen, etc.)
10–11 Months Out
Lock In the Big Vendors
- Book your photographer and videographer
- Hire a wedding planner or day-of coordinator
- Research and book your caterer (if not included with venue)
- Book your DJ or live band
- Start shopping for your wedding dress or suit
- Send save-the-dates
8–9 Months Out
Build Your Vendor Team
- Book your florist and discuss arrangements
- Order your wedding cake or desserts
- Reserve hotel room blocks for out-of-town guests
- Start planning the honeymoon
- Register for gifts
- Book officiant for the ceremony
- Schedule engagement photos
Tired of tracking all this in a spreadsheet?
Generate your personalized timeline →
6–7 Months Out
Details Start to Matter
- Order wedding invitations and stationery
- Book hair and makeup artists — schedule a trial
- Plan the rehearsal dinner
- Arrange transportation (limo, shuttle bus, etc.)
- Start planning ceremony readings and vows
- Choose bridesmaids dresses and groomsmen attire
- Look into marriage license requirements in your state
4–5 Months Out
Refine Everything
- Finalize and mail your wedding invitations
- Order wedding favors
- Book your honeymoon flights and accommodation
- Schedule final fittings for wedding attire
- Plan your wedding day playlist or song requests
- Purchase wedding rings
- Meet with your florist to finalize arrangements
2–3 Months Out
Finalize the Details
- Apply for your marriage license
- Create your seating chart
- Confirm all vendor details, timelines, and final payments
- Write your vows
- Finalize the day-of timeline with your coordinator
- Break in your wedding shoes
- Arrange your wedding day emergency kit
- Track RSVPs and follow up with non-responders
1 Month Out
The Home Stretch
- Confirm final headcount with caterer and venue
- Give the DJ/band your must-play and do-not-play lists
- Finalize seating assignments and print place cards
- Pick up your dress/suit after final alterations
- Prepare tips and cash envelopes for vendors
- Delegate day-of tasks to your wedding party
Week Of
Almost There
- Confirm delivery times with all vendors
- Attend the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
- Pack for the honeymoon
- Prepare a bag with day-of essentials (makeup, snacks, phone charger)
- Give the best man and maid of honor the rings
- Get a good night's sleep
Wedding Day
The Day You've Been Planning For
- Eat breakfast — seriously, don't skip this
- Give yourself plenty of time for hair and makeup
- Hand off the emergency kit and timeline to your coordinator
- Give your partner their gift or letter
- Take a quiet moment together before the ceremony
- Enjoy every single second
After the Wedding
Wrap It Up
- Send thank-you notes within 3 months
- Preserve your wedding dress
- Change your name (if applicable) on IDs, bank accounts, etc.
- Review and rate your vendors
- Order your wedding album
- Update your insurance and beneficiaries