Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist

12+ Months Before

  • Set your budget
  • Create a rough guest list
  • Hire a wedding planner (if using one)
  • Choose & book your venue
  • Book your wedding photographer 📸 (Photographers often book 12–18 months in advance!)
  • Choose your wedding party
  • Schedule engagement photos
  • Research & reach out to videographers
  • Start dress shopping

9–11 Months Before

  • Book florist, caterer, and DJ/band
  • Finalize your color palette + style
  • Order your wedding dress (yes, this early!)
  • Send save-the-dates
  • Book hair and makeup artists
  • Research décor + rentals
  • Create a wedding website

6–8 Months Before

  • Book transportation (if needed)
  • Reserve hotel blocks for guests
  • Plan your honeymoon
  • Shop for bridesmaid dresses + groomsmen attire
  • Schedule bridal portraits or boudoir session
  • Start registry
  • Finalize design details with vendors

4–5 Months Before

  • Final dress fitting
  • Order wedding bands
  • Plan ceremony details
  • Create wedding day timeline with your photographer + planner
  • Confirm rentals and florals
  • Finalize menu
  • Order invitations

2–3 Months Before

  • Send invitations
  • Write vows
  • Schedule hair/makeup trial
  • Confirm music playlist
  • Purchase wedding day accessories
  • Book rehearsal dinner venue
  • Schedule final vendor meetings

1 Month Before

  • Final RSVP count
  • Share timeline with all vendors
  • Confirm day-of transportation
  • Prep tips + final payments for vendors
  • Final dress fitting
  • Break in your wedding shoes 👠
  • Pack honeymoon bags

1 Week Before

Get marriage license

Pack emergency kit

Confirm final headcount + seating chart

Rehearsal + rehearsal dinner

Breathe! You’ve got this 🫶