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Wedding Planning Timeline

This Wedding Planning Timeline Will Take You From Start to Finish When Planning Your Big Day

A wedding planning timeline is essential to keep you on task as the big day approaches. Here's how to utilize a timeline to your advantage:

Start early; planning should begin up to 18 months before the wedding
Use the timeline as a checklist to keep you on track
Create a wedding emergency kit for your big day
Make time to pamper yourself just before your wedding
Relax and enjoy your wedding!

Stay On Task with a Wedding Planning Timeline

Ask any bride whose gone through the process of planning a wedding, and you'll soon learn just how much is involved in preparing to get married. Fortunately, a wedding planning timeline is a great way to stay organized and make sure that you complete all of the necessary steps before your big day.

Wedding Planning Timeline

12 to 18 Months Prior

Set a date: Give yourself plenty of time to plan. Visit different wedding and reception venues and make your selection. Start a wedding folder with all pertinent information and paperwork.

Decide on the type of wedding you want: Will it be small and intimate, or large and lavish? Decide how much do you want to spend with a Wedding Budget Planner.

Begin shopping for a wedding gown, especially if you are having a custom gown made.

Announce your engagement in the local paper, if you wish.

8 to 12 Months Prior

Select your wedding party

Choose attire for wedding party

Research and hire the following: officiant, caterer, photographer/videographer, band/DJ, musicians

Create your guest list

Create a gift registry

Have an engagement party so family, friends, and the wedding party can mingle and meet ahead of time.

6 to 8 Months Prior

Finalize your guest list

Arrange accommodations for out-of-towners who will come to the wedding

Choose your wedding cake

Shop for wedding stationary (announcements, invitations, thank you cards)

Begin making honeymoon arrangements

4 Months Prior

Choose your florist

Purchase wedding rings

If required for a wedding license in your state, get physical examinations

3 Months Prior

Send announcements and invitations

Select tuxes and arrange for rental

Finalize menu with caterer

Arrange transportation for ceremony and reception

Order or make wedding favors and decorations

2 Months Prior

Coordinate with musicians, band, and/or DJ for final music selections

Confirm measurements for tuxes, and final fittings for bridal party; schedule alterations as necessary

Arrange pre-wedding parties, including bridesmaid luncheon and rehearsal dinner

Confirm final order with florist

1 Month Prior

Obtain marriage license

Create wedding programs

Visit stylist and make up artist to finalize wedding day look

Arrange for final fitting of wedding gown

Take bridal portraits

2 Two Weeks Prior

Follow up with guests that haven't RSVP'ed

Finalize head count with the caterer

Obtain information on legal name and address changes for property, social security card, driver's license, passport, credit cards, bank accounts, and other important documents

Confirm dates and times for floral and rental deliveries

Create and finalize seating plan for reception

1 Week Prior

Try on and organize wedding day clothing one final time

Make any final adjustments to seating arrangements

Confirm reservations for out-of-towners

Pack and confirm honeymoon reservations; have travel documents ready

1 Day Prior

Create wedding day emergency kit (see Wedding Day Emergency Kit)

Pamper yourself with a manicure, pedicure, a relaxing bath, and a good night's sleep