Practical Wedding Planning Timeline
A Quick DIY Wedding Planning Overview
Planning for your wedding can be overwhelming. You may find, however, that breaking the job into smaller chunks will help alleviate stress and keep you organized along the way. Here are some tips on when to start planning various aspects of your wedding.
Wedding Planning Timeline: One year to nine months before:
- Book your date and your venue.
- Figure out your budget, what you are going to spend and how much your family members are going to spend.
- Decide who is going to be in your wedding party.
- Decide on a head count, and start putting together a database of contact information.
- Have an engagement party, but make sure that each person is also invited to the wedding
- If you are going to book a planner, do so now, as she will help with booking the other vendors.
- Book an officiant.
Wedding Planning Timeline: Eight to seven months before:
- Register at a minimum of two retailers.
- Book the photographer and videographer.
- Purchase your dress.
- Book a block of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests.
- Start meeting caterers, DJ’s, and potentially other entertainment (such as bands).
Wedding Planning Timeline: Six months before:
- Shop for the bridesmaids’ dresses. Allow at least 5 months to get dresses ordered and sized.
- Meet with your officiant and plan out the ceremony.
- Make sure that you have all official documents for the ceremony, including wedding license.
- Book your florist.
- Choose your invitations.
- Send out save-the-date cards.
- Reserve other reception necessities that depend on the venue and the weather season, such as heaters (if it’s cold), outdoor toilets, lighting, or extra chairs.
- Start planning your honeymoon.
Wedding Planning Timeline: Five to Four months before:
- Go cake tasting and choose your cake.
- Begin your dress fittings.
- Choose your shoes.
- Choose accessories for your bridesmaids, including shoes and jewelry.
- Begin putting together your song list (which songs to be played during dinner, which songs you do not want played, which song you want for your first dance).
- Research hair and makeup artists, and potentially do some trial runs.
- Decide on a date for your bridal shower and send your hostess a list of guests and their contact information.
- Set the date (and book a restaurant/venue) for your rehearsal dinner.
Wedding Planning Timeline: Three months before:
- Order wedding favors.
- Decide who is going to give the toast.
- Choose your caterer and finalize the menu.
- Choose your florist and finalize the flowers.
- Print menu cards and programs.
- Have a second dress fitting.
- Purchase wedding favors.
- Decide on your wedding readings and/or write your wedding vows.
Wedding Planning Timeline: Two months before:
- Meet with your DJ and go over your wedding playlist.
- If you hired a band, meet with them to go over which songs are to be played (and when).
- Send your invitations. Set your RSVP at about 3 weeks to a month from the time you send your invitation.
- Have a bachelorette party.
- Meet with your photographer to go over what types of shots you want, as well as locations that you like for photos.
Wedding Planning Timeline: One month before:
- Get your marriage license.
- Mail rehearsal dinner invitations or call guests to let them know the date.
- Confirm times and schedules with all vendors.
- Have your last dress fitting.
- Draw out your seating arrangement.
- Send out final payments, if possible.
- Purchase gifts for your bridal party.
- Have your hair colored and cut. (If you are purchasing hair pieces, now is a good time to get them to match your hair color).
Wedding Planning Timeline: The Week Of:
- Again, confirm arrival times with all vendors.
- Set aside final checks to be given to the vendors.
- Pack for your honeymoon.
- Send your final guest list to the caterer.
- Have a manicure and pedicure (one to two days before, if possible).
- Break in your shoes.
- Delegate small tasks, such as bustling the dress, handing out tips to the waiters, etc.
- Book a spa treatment to help you relax!
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