Wedding Timeline

Some people would say that you only need 9-12 months to plan your wedding, but I disagree. There are three things which you will need at least a year to plan correctly for; Budget, venue, and flowers. If you want a large wedding, you may need more than 12 months to acquire the proper amount of money. Check with family and friends to see if anybody wants to help pay costs. Many parents want to help. Sometimes friends will help with the Bachelor/Bridal Party. After you have chosen the number of people and budget for your wedding, you can set a tentative wedding date.  The second item on your list is booking your venue of choice. Many venues are booked solid the year before so after you have chosen size of wedding, decide on venue and get it booked.  Another thing you may need more than 9 months for planning is what type of flowers you want in your wedding. If you want summer blooming flowers in a winter wedding, expect to pay more. Cakes, attire, and jewelry usually stay the same price. After these three items are taken care of, now you can get into the planning timeline:

9-12 MONTHS:

Announce engagement

Engagement photos

Pick the final date for your wedding

Finalize how the expenses will be shared.

Prepare folder for receipts so you can prevent overspending

Make a list of every person you will invite to your wedding

-divide the list into must and maybe so if you have too many people you have a smaller list to eliminate from

Reserve your reception site if different than ceremony venue

Book your officiant

Book your photographer

Choose color scheme

Get wedding gown/veil

Choose maids of honor and best man (men)

Apply for passport and visa if needed for your honeymoon

6-9 MONTHS:

Send save-the-date cards

Choose flower girl and ring bearer

Reserve Wedding Night Suite

Choose bride maids attire

Book Florist

Book Band/DJ

Book Videographer

Start Planning Honeymoon

4-6 MONTHS:

Start Shopping for each other’s wedding gift

Reserve Rental Items

Finalize your guest list

Order stationary: Invitations, Thank You Cards, Wedding programs, seating cards, RSVP cards

Address Invitation Envelopes

Arrange accommodation for out-of-town guests

Buy shoes/accessories

2-4 MONTHS:

Order Wedding Cake

Prepare Party Favors

Order Wedding Decorations

Book Transportation for wedding day

Marriage License

Order Wedding rings

Prepare before and after wedding activities for guests

Buy gifts for bridal party

Mail invitations

6-8 WEEKS:

Record RVSP on wedding guest sheet

Decide on hairstyle and makeup

Schedule hair, makeup, and nails for your wedding day.

Buy toasting glasses, cake knife, ring pillow, guest book, etc.(Something old, something new, something gold, something blue).

Change, name, address, drivers license, SS card, insurance policies, subscriptions, bank accounts, etc.

Reserve wedding attire for groom, groomsmen, ushers, father of the bride and ring bearer.

Plan rehearsal dinner

Finalize Menu and beverage order.

2-6 WEEKS:

Finalize ceremony details with officiant

Get final fitting of wedding gown and other attire

Finalize rehearsal dinner

Pack for honeymoon

Contact unresponsive guests.

Finish wedding day timeline: give copy to vendors

Check fit of wedding rings

Outline special  wedding photos you want from photographer

Meet with band/DJ and outline music you want played

Decide on ceremony seating and give list to ushers.

Plan your reception room layout and seating arrangement.

FINAL WEEK:

Delegate person to check on payments of DJ/band, officiant, florists, venues, and vendors.

Review Ceremony Seating with usher

Pick up Attire and double check fit

Final guest count to caterer

Timeline with vendors, modify if needed

Confirm honeymoon reservations/ accommodations

Finish packing for honeymoon

THE BIG DAY:

Give groom’s ring to maid of honor

Give bride’s ring to best man

Follow timeline

Relax and enjoy!