Your Complete Wedding Planning Timeline
- Tionna Van Gundy
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Wedding Planning Doesn’t Have to Be Overwhelming!
You’ve said yes—congrats! Now what?
For many couples, the excitement of getting engaged is quickly followed by a wave of overwhelm. Suddenly, you’re faced with hundreds of decisions, dozens of vendors, and what feels like a never-ending wedding checklist. But here’s the truth: wedding planning doesn’t have to be stressful.
At Wedicity, we believe that a well-organized wedding planning timeline is the foundation of a seamless, luxury wedding experience. Whether you're planning a destination celebration or a chic city soirée, having a structured roadmap is key. This month-by-month wedding planning guide will keep you focused, help you avoid last-minute scrambles, and ensure every detail is covered—beautifully.
Month-By-Month Wedding Planning Timeline
12+ Months Before: Set the Foundation
Your Focus: Vision, budget, and venue.
Set your budget. Decide who’s contributing and how much.
Create your guest list. It doesn’t need to be final, but having a headcount affects your venue options.
Hire a wedding planner. An expert planner like Wedicity becomes your advocate, strategist, and partner in every decision.
Book your venue. Popular venues book up over a year in advance—especially for peak seasons.
Choose your date(s). Be flexible if needed to secure your dream space.
Establish your wedding style. Think mood boards, Pinterest saves, and defining your design vision.
Start with the non-negotiables—budget, guest list, and location. Everything else will align more easily once these are set.
10-11 Months Before: Secure Key Vendors
Your Focus: Lock in high-demand wedding vendors.
● Book your photographer & videographer. The best ones book quickly.
● Secure your caterer. For venues without in-house catering, this is crucial.
● Hire your entertainment. Whether it’s a DJ, band, or string quartet.
● Say yes to the dress (or begin the process). Custom gowns can take 6–9 months including fittings.
● Start your wedding website and registry.
The earlier you book core vendors, the better your chances of getting your top choices.
8-9 Months Before: Design & Details
Your Focus: Bring your vision to life.
● Hire a florist & rental company. Your planner can recommend trusted, design-aligned vendors.
● Book hair & makeup artists. Schedule trials closer to the big day.
● Order bridesmaid dresses & groomsmen attire.
● Plan your honeymoon. Passports, anyone?
● Design your save-the-dates. Mail them at the 6–8 month mark, especially for destination weddings.
Your wedding design should feel personal—blend inspiration with individuality. This is where a planner’s creative direction makes all the difference.
6-7 Months Before: Bring It All Together
Your Focus: Logistics and mid-planning momentum.
● Send save-the-dates.
● Book your officiant. Especially important if you're not using someone provided by your venue.
● Schedule tastings with your caterer or cake designer.
● Plan transportation for guests and yourselves.
● Reserve hotel room blocks.
Don’t lose steam mid-way through planning. Monthly check-ins with your planner help keep things on track and stress-free.
4-5 Months Before: The Final Vendor Touches
Your Focus: Final bookings and fashion.
● Order your wedding cake.
● Shop for accessories, shoes, and undergarments.
● Book lighting and AV rentals.
● Confirm ceremony and reception music selections.
● Finalize your ceremony script and readings.
This is where many couples feel like they’ve hit a planning wall. A detailed wedding to-do list can help cut through decision fatigue.
3 Months Before: Refine & Review
Your Focus: Confirm, edit, finalize.
● Mail your wedding invitations.
● Finalize your menu and bar selections.
● Book your rehearsal dinner venue.
● Begin seating chart prep.
● Apply for your marriage license.
● Plan welcome gifts or out-of-town guest favors.
Don’t wait until the last minute for legal details or RSVPs. Having buffer time avoids wedding week chaos.
2 Months Before: Final Fittings & Confirmations
Your Focus: Fittings, details, and reconfirmations.
● Final dress fittings.
● Touch base with vendors. Confirm arrival times, setup needs, and point-of-contact details.
● Create your wedding day timeline.
● Write vows (if personalized).
● Confirm guest accommodations.
A wedding day timeline crafted by your planner ensures everyone—from the photographer to the florist—is on the same page.
1 Month Before: It’s Getting Real
Your Focus: Polish and prep.
● Final headcount. Share with your caterer and planner.
● Seating chart completion.
● Place cards and signage. Order or print.
● Beauty prep. Finalize your hair/makeup trial and any skincare treatments.
● Break in your wedding shoes.
● Prepare your emergency kit. (Or ask your planner—they probably already have one.)
2 Weeks Before: Confirm Everything
Your Focus: Final confirmations.
● Call every vendor to confirm timing.
● Distribute timeline to bridal party and family.
● Prep tips and final payments for vendors.
● Pack for your honeymoon.
Wedicity takes care of last-minute logistics so you don’t have to. Our team ensures everyone is informed, prepped, and in place.
Wedding Week: Let Go and Celebrate
Your Focus: Relax and enjoy.
● Manicure/pedicure.
● Attend your rehearsal and dinner.
● Delegate responsibilities to your planner or point person.
● Soak in every moment.
Your Dream Wedding Starts With a Plan
Planning a wedding is a journey—and it doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right guidance, a structured wedding planning timeline, and expert vendor coordination, you can focus on what truly matters: celebrating your love in a way that feels effortless, elegant, and entirely you.
Need help navigating your own luxury wedding checklist? At Wedicity, we offer full-service planning and design to ensure every detail is flawless from start to finish. Let’s make your dream day unforgettable—reach out today to schedule your consultation.