Wedding Planning 12+ Month Timeline & Checklist

12+ Months Before

☐ Set your wedding budget

☐ Draft a guest list

☐ Choose your wedding date

☐ Book your venue

☐ Hire a wedding planner (if using one)

☐ Decide on overall theme/style

9–12 Months Before

☐ Book photographer and videographer

☐ Hire caterer and entertainment (DJ/Band)

☐ Shop for your wedding dress

☐ Reserve guest accommodations

☐ Start planning your honeymoon

6–9 Months Before

☐ Finalize guest list

☐ Send save-the-dates

☐ Order your wedding dress

☐ Book florist and officiant

☐ Hire hair and makeup artist

4–6 Months Before

☐ Order wedding invitations

☐ Finalize menu and cake

☐ Plan ceremony details

☐ Schedule dress fittings

☐ Arrange wedding day transportation

2–3 Months Before

☐ Send invitations

☐ Confirm details with all vendors

☐ Finalize music playlist

☐ Write personal vows (if applicable)

1 Month Before

☐ Get your marriage license

☐ Final dress fitting

☐ Create seating chart

☐ Confirm RSVPs

☐ Schedule beauty treatments (facials, waxing, etc.)

1 Week Before

☐ Final venue walk-through

☐ Review and print day-of timeline

☐ Pack for honeymoon

☐ Break in wedding shoes

☐ Relax and enjoy pre-wedding moments