Planning Your Wedding: The Timeline

Knowing what to do when and having a timeline for completion can make a big job much easier. Follow this timeline and keep your sanity as you prepare for the big day!

Six to Twelve Months Out

• Think about what kind of wedding you want, where and when you'd like it.
• Set a realistic budget. (Are you paying for the wedding yourself? Will your parents be contributing?)
• Start compiling a guest list with current mailing addresses. (It is never too early to collect mailing addresses!)
• Set a date. (This requires ensuring that your preferred location, venue and officiant can all be booked on the same day.)
• Reserve the ceremony location as well as the reception location.
• Book the officiant.
• Select and book a caterer. (Insist on samples. Bad food can ruin a beautiful day.)
• Select a baker and order your wedding cake. (Insist on samples. A bad cake can ruin a beautiful day.)
• Select and book a florist.
• Choose your attendants.
• Select and purchase your dress and all the necessary accessories (veil, shoes, and undergarments).
• Select and book the music or musicians you'd like for your ceremony and reception.
• Select and book a photographer and videographer. (Insist on seeing some of their previous work. You'll want to use these photos and videos for a lifetime.)
• Plan and book your honeymoon. (Booking your honeymoon to begin a day or two after your wedding will allow you to fully enjoy and participate in your reception without worrying about packing or catching a flight.)
• Send save-the-date cards so you guest can plan to be there. (Guests who are in the military or live out of town often need time to plan and save for such an event.)

Four to Six Months Out