12 months before:

• Come up with a tentative budget and talk to your love about what your ideal wedding would look like.
• Decide when you want to get married. If your date is flexible, check with several venues you like to see when exactly they’re available and how much they will cost.
• Research venues.
• Draft a guest list.
• Talk to your parents about their ability to contribute and finalize your wedding budget.
• If you’ve decided to hire a wedding planner, interview and select yours.

10-11 months before:

• Book your ceremony and reception venues.
• Choose your wedding party.
• Book an officiant.
• Find and order your wedding gown.
• Start interviewing wedding vendors and professionals (florist, stationer, DJ/musician, band, videographer, etc.).
• Plot out the decor scheme for your wedding: Will you hang twinkly lights or chandeliers? Line the aisle with candles? Use hay bales for reception seating? Consider any rentals you’ll need to execute your vision.
• Meet with caterers; sample and choose reception food.
• Book your wedding photographer.
• Take engagement photos.
• Send out save-the-dates for a destination wedding.

8-9 months before:

• Finalize bar service.
• Register for gifts.
• Reserve any necessary rentals.
• Reserve room blocks for out-of-town guests.
• Book wedding band/DJ.
• Book florist.
• Finalize stationery suite.

6-7 months before:

• Set up your wedding website.
• Order bridesmaid dresses.
• Send save-the-dates.
• Finalize wedding entertainment.
• Order formalwear for the groom.
• Start researching honeymoon travel.

4-5 months before:

• Purchase wedding rings.
• Order invitations.
• Order formalwear for groomsmen.
• Attend cake tastings; choose a baker and cake.
• Choose attire for flower girl/ring bearer.
• Finalize ceremony order; ask friends to do readings.
• Book honeymoon.

3 months before:

• Hire calligrapher for invitations (if necessary).
• Have a wedding shower.
• Book venue for rehearsal dinner.
• Purchase accessories, including jewelry, shoes, veil, cuff links, bow ties, etc.

2 months before:

• Mail your invitations.
• Meet and book stylists/makeup artists and test out wedding hairstyles and makeup looks.
• Purchase gifts for your wedding party.
• Order wedding programs.
• Write or choose your wedding vows.
• Book any necessary day-of transportation.

1 month before:

• Confirm playlist/do-not-play list with musicians or DJ.
• Send rehearsal dinner invites.
• Purchase wedding favors.
• Wrap up DIY projects.
• Have a final gown fitting; ensure your maid of honor knows how to bustle your gown, if necessary.
• Apply for your marriage license.
• Create welcome bags for out-of-town guests.
• Confirm all day-of details with vendors; make any necessary substitutions/changes.
• Confirm all important details with wedding party members (e.g. arrival times, attire fittings, etc.).
• Confirm that necessary space for all vendors and equipment is available at the venue.
• Arrange for care of pets/home during your honeymoon.
• Have bachelor/bachelorette parties.

3 weeks before:

• Contact any MIA guests to get their RSVPs.
• Finalize guest list and give head count to caterer/venue.
• Confirm vendor meals with caterer.
• Prepare must-have shot list with photographer; give names of all VIPs.

2 weeks before:

• Get final haircut and color.
• Confirm all honeymoon travel.
• Plan reception seating chart.

1 week before:

• Print or DIY your escort cards.
• Call all vendors and confirm delivery/setup/takedown arrangements.
• Give your day’s schedule to ceremony/reception site managers, including deliveries, setup, take-down, etc.

2-3 days before:

• Make sure your dress is ready to go; get it steamed or pressed if necessary.
• Pick up the mens’ formal wear.
• Finalize bridal party positions and order they’ll walk down the aisle.
• Deliver place cards, programs, menus, etc. to appropriate venue or site managers.
• Drop off welcome bags at guest hotels and give delivery instructions to the front desk.
• Designate someone as the emergency contact person and give out their phone number to all vendors. Make sure to pick a trusted relative or responsible member of the bridal party.
• Rehearse ceremony at venue.
• Write final checks to vendors and professionals.

1 day before:

• Attend rehearsal dinner.
• Give gifts to attendants.
• Give marriage license to officiant.
• Print out your vows if you’re writing your own.
• Get a mani and pedi.

On the BIG day:

• Eat something hearty for breakfast!
• Give wedding rings to a member of the bridal party for safe keeping.
• Introduce your vendors and site managers to your emergency contact.
• Ensure final checks, including tips, are in envelopes and ready to be handed off to vendors and professionals.
• Eat, drink, and be married!

In the weeks after the wedding:

• Send thank-you notes.
• Return any remaining rentals.
• Have your gown cleaned and/or preserved.
• Return formal-wear.
• Enjoy your honeymoon!
• Change your last name.
• Order your wedding album.

Happy planning!