Your Ultimate Wedding Planning Timeline: A Month-by-Month Guide

Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into clear, manageable steps helps keep the joy alive throughout the process. Whether you’re newly engaged or already deep into planning, this month-by-month wedding checklist will guide you smoothly from the dream stage to your big day.

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12+ Months Before Your Wedding: Lay the Foundation

– Pray together over your marriage and your vision for the day
– Set a budget guided by your values and priorities
– Draft your guest list
– Book your ceremony and reception venues
– Hire your photographer and videographer
– Book a wedding planner or day-of coordinator if desired
– Choose your wedding party
– Gather visual inspiration to define your wedding vibe

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9–11 Months Before: Secure Key Vendors & Start Shopping

– Shop for wedding dress and attire for both partners
– Book your officiant and begin pre-marital counseling
– Reserve florist, caterer, and rental companies
– Begin designing your wedding website
– Schedule your engagement session
– Book musicians or DJ for ceremony and reception

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6–8 Months Before: Invitations, Honeymoon & Registers

– Finalize your guest list
– Order save-the-date cards
– Plan your honeymoon or future trips
– Choose attire for the wedding party
– Register for gifts
– Plan ceremony details such as music and readings

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4–5 Months Before: Save-the-Dates & Details

– Send save-the-date cards
– Begin beauty trials including hair, makeup, and skincare
– Order wedding bands
– Write your vows or select meaningful readings
– Arrange transportation if needed
– Confirm decor and rental items

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2–3 Months Before: Invitations & Timeline

– Send formal invitations
– Finalize wedding day timeline for ceremony and reception
– Meet with officiant to discuss ceremony details
– Create seating chart
– Confirm final details with vendors
– Schedule final dress fitting

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1 Month Before: Final Preparations

– Obtain your marriage license
– Confirm guest count and share with caterer
– Send timeline to all vendors
– Assemble an emergency kit for the wedding day
– Pack for honeymoon
– Write thank-you cards for early gifts

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1–2 Weeks Before: Last Touches

– Attend final beauty appointments
– Break in your wedding shoes
– Practice your vows
– Delegate wedding day tasks to trusted friends or family
– Prioritize rest and protect your peace

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Wedding Week: Enjoy Every Moment

– Attend rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
– Finish packing for your wedding day and honeymoon
– Take deep breaths and focus on your connection with your partner—not perfection
– Spend intentional time together
– Allow yourself to feel it all