From proposal to vows, your complete wedding planning timeline.
Congratulations on your engagement! This moment feels magical, doesn’t it? You’re probably still seeing that ring, blushing, and replaying the proposal in your mind. But alongside all the excitement, there’s likely a little voice in the back of your head asking, “Where do I even start with planning this wedding?”
But let’s be honest: Planning a wedding can feel like trying to solve a puzzle with a thousand pieces. Exciting when you see the beautiful picture coming together, yes, but overwhelming when you are staring at all those scattered pieces on the table.
Between choosing family traditions, flowers, vendor bookings, dress fittings, and a Pinterest board that somehow multiplied overnight, it’s easy to feel lost about what to do and when.
That’s exactly why we’ve created this complete wedding timeline. Think of it as your roadmap from that magical “yes” to walking down the aisle saying “I do.” We will walk you through every step, month by month, so you can stay organised and actually enjoy this special, unforgettable time in your life instead of feeling stressed about it.
With practical steps, thoughtful reminders, handy checklists, and gentle tips along the journey, you will have everything you need to stay organized, stress-free, and beautifully on track.
So grab a glass of champagne, curl up with your fiancé(e), and let’s map out the journey from yes to I do.
Right After the Engagement (12+ Months Out)
The Post-Proposal Glow
Take a moment to soak in this feeling. Seriously, the first days after the proposal are a blur of happy tears, phone calls, and flashing that ring every chance you get. I still remember when my friend Elen (you can change the name) got engaged; she was so eager to start planning that she had three venue tours scheduled before even announcing the engagement to her family. Don’t make that mistake; give yourself at least a week to just be engaged and enjoy it. You deserve time to simply celebrate; this is also when the foundation of your wedding planning begins.
Your Priorities At This Stage:
Announce Your Engagement And Celebrate Together:
Share the exciting news with family and close friends first, then social media. Plan an engagement shoot or plan a special dinner or small gathering, or simply share your joy with your loved ones.
Draft Your Guest List:
Even a rough list will help determine venue size, catering, and overall logistics.
Hire a Wedding Planner (optional):
If your dream is of a seamless process, your budget allows, or if your lifestyle is especially busy, consider bringing a professional on board early.
Mini Checklist:
- Celebrate and enjoy being engaged
- Talk budget with your partner/ families
- Draft initial guest list
- Research and hire a planner (if desired).
Pro-Tip:
Create a shared spreadsheet or use a wedding planning app like WeddingWire or The Knot to track your budget and tasks from day one.
The guest list exercise is eye-opening, too. Start with your “must-haves”-the people who absolutely need to be there. Then add your “would-be-nicer” list. This rough number will guide your venue search and budget planning. Start a dedicated wedding email address to keep contracts, RSVPs, and vendor correspondence organized.
9-12 Months Before the Wedding
The Big Bookings
This is when wedding planning gets real. You are making the major decisions that will shape your entire special day.
Key Tasks:
Book Your Venue:
Venues often set the tone and style of your wedding, and popular spots book quickly, sometimes over a year in advance. This is usually your biggest expense and will determine your date. Looking at venues can be thrilling and exhausting. I have seen couples tour fifteen different places and still feel unsure. Here’s what I have learned from friends who have been through this: Trust your gut reaction when you walk into a space. If you can immediately picture yourself getting married there, that’s a good sign.
Ask the hard questions, too: What’s included? What are the hidden fees? Can you bring your own alcohol? What’s the backup plan for the weather? Some venues seem perfect until you realize they charge $500 to cut your cake or don’t allow outside catering.
Secure Essential Vendors:
Think photographer, videographer, caterer, hair & makeup, florist, and entertainment. Prioritize the ones that matter most to you.
Photography and videography tend to book up fastest, especially for popular wedding seasons. When you meet with potential photographers, look at full wedding galleries, not just their highlight reels. You want to see how they capture the quieter moments, not just the posed shots.
Choose Your Bridal Party:
Pick and invite your closest friends or family members with thoughtful proposals.
Start Dress Shopping:
Begin browsing styles and booking appointments. Bridal gowns can take months to be designed, tailored, and delivered, so beginning early ensures less stress later.
Mini Checklist:
- Tour and book venue
- Research and reserve photographer+videographer
- Book caterer, entertainment, and florist
- Ask the bridal party to stand with you
- Begin bridal gown shopping.
Pro-Tip:
Most popular vendors book 12-18 months in advance for peak season (May through October). If you are flexible with your date, you might find better availability and prices for off-season weddings.
Once you book your photographer, consider adding an engagement session. It’s a fun way to capture this season and helps you get comfortable in front of the camera.
6-9 Months Before the Wedding
Spreading The Word
Now that the big pieces are in place, it’s time to bring in more details. It’s time to let people know when to save the date.
Important Tasks:
Send Save-The-Dates:
Mail them 6-8 months before your wedding, especially the important ones if you are planning a destination wedding or have out-of-town guests. Save-the-dates can be simple postcards with your names, wedding date, and city.
Book Guest Accommodations:
For guest accommodations, most hotels will hold room blocks for free, but ask about their policies. Some require a minimum number of rooms to be booked, while others will release unreserved rooms 30 days before your wedding.
Schedule Engagement Photos:
You can use these for your save-the-dates or wedding website. For the engagement pictures (if planned), wear something that feels authentically “you” rather than trying to match your wedding day style.
Select Bridal Party Attire:
Bridesmaids’ dresses, suits, and accessories should be ordered now to allow for alterations.
Mini Checklist:
- Mail save-the-dates
- Reserve hotel blocks
- Plan engagement photo shoot
Pro-Tip:
Coordinate colors and styles that flatter your bridal party while complementing your overall wedding palette. For engagement pictures, if you are most comfortable in jeans and a nice top, go for it. The best Engagement photos capture your personality, not just pretty outfits.
4-6 Months Before The Wedding
Finalizing The Details
The big decisions are behind you; now it’s time to nail down the specifics that will make your day uniquely yours: menus, trails, and final touches.
Focus Areas:
Finalize Your Menu and Cake:
Complete tastings and choose the flavours you love most. Food tastings are fun, but remember that you are not just choosing what tastes good; you have to consider how the food will hold up during service, accommodate dietary restrictions, and fit your budget.
Ask your carter about their service style, too. Plated dinners feel more formal but take longer. Buffets are more casual and cost-effective, but require more space and create long lines.
Arrange Transportation:
Consider how you, your wedding party, and guests will travel to and from the venue. Book cars, buses, or other transport for your wedding day.
Schedule Hair & Makeup Trials:
Test different looks to ensure you feel your most beautiful and comfortable. Book your trial at least 8 weeks before your wedding for a special occasion, maybe an anniversary dinner or holiday party, so the time and money feel well-spent, or you can get the time to make changes or even switch vendors if necessary.
Order Wedding Rings:
Allow time for sizing and engraving.
Mini Checklist:
- Confirm catering menu and cake design
- Arrange transportation
- Book hair & makeup trials
- Order wedding rings
Pro-Tip:
Take lots of photos during your beauty trial in different lighting: natural light and evening light, it helps you see how you look translates across the whole day, and if it doesn’t feel right, speak up. This is your chance to make adjustments. Bring reference photos, but also be realistic about what works with your face shape and hair texture. The most important thing is that you feel like the best version of yourself, not like you are wearing a costume.
2-3 Months Before The Wedding
Your Day is Approaching
It’s time to send your invitations and start planning the actual ceremony and reception details.
Key Tasks:
Mail Wedding Invitations:
Send them about 6-8 weeks before your wedding date. Include all the necessary information: who, what, when, where, and dress code.
Reception Details:
Think professional order, readings, decor placement, and flow of events. If you are having a cocktail reception instead of a full dinner, make that clear. Guests need to know if they should eat beforehand or if there will be substantial food.
Plan Ceremony:
If you are writing personal vows, start now. Write down memories, inside jokes, and promises you want to make. Don’t worry about making them perfect; authenticity matters more than poetry. Keep them to 1-2 minutes each, consider sharing themes with your partner, so one person doesn’t speak for thirty seconds while others recite a novel.
Finalize Playlists:
Work with your DJ and band to create the right vibe for both the ceremony and reception.
Schedule Dress Fittings:
Your first fitting usually happens 6-8 weeks before your wedding, with final fittings 1-2 weeks before. Don’t lose or gain significant weight between fittings; alterations can only do so much. Bring the undergarments and shoes you plan to wear on your wedding day to ensure the fit is perfect.
Mini Checklist:
- Mail invitations
- Confirm ceremony+reception timeline
- Share must-play songs with Band/DJ
- Book dress fittings
Pro-Tip:
Keep a digital RSVP tracker, it makes managing responses, meal choices, and seating much easier.
1 Month Before the Wedding
The Final Countdown
The finish line is in sight, stretch now. Most of your planning is done, and it’s time to confirm details and handle the last-minute final touches.
Essential areas:
Track Down Missing RSVPs:
Follow up with guests who haven’t responded. There’s always that handful of people who don’t RSVP by your deadline. Don’t take it personally; some people are just terrible at responding to invitations. A quick text or phone call usually gets you the answer you need.
Finalize Seating Chart:
Creating a seating chart can feel like solving a diplomatic puzzle. Put thought into it, but don’t stress too much; people will move around during dancing anyway. Seat people with others they will enjoy talking to, keep divorced couples at separate tables, and put the kids’ table near their parents, but far enough away that they can enjoy themselves and their noise won’t disrupt speeches.
Obtain a Marriage License:
Research your local marriage license requirements early. Some states have waiting periods, others don’t. Some require both of you to appear in person, while others allow one person to handle it. Don’t leave this until the last minute; you can’t get married without it.
Break in Your Wedding Shoes:
Break in your wedding shoes by wearing them for short periods while doing light activities around the house. Put on band-aids or moleskin on any spots that rub before they become blisters.
Mini Checklist:
- Confirm final guest count
- Create seating chart
- Apply for a marriage license
- Wear wedding shoes around the house
Pro-Tip:
Keep a pair of comfortable flats handy for dancing.
1-2 Weeks Before the Wedding
Final Confirmations
Your to-do list is shrinking, and your planning is essentially done; now you are just making sure everything goes smoothly.
Last Tasks:
Confirm Details With All Vendors:
Send a final timeline to all your vendors with contact information for you, your partner, and your point person of the day. Most vendors are pros who have done hundreds of weddings, but everyone appreciates clear communication about timing and expectations.
Delegate Day-of Responsibilities:
Your wedding day shouldn’t be spent directing traffic or solving problems. Assign someone to handle potential issues: someone to coordinate with vendors, someone to manage the gift collection, someone to help elderly relatives, and someone to keep the timeline moving.
Make sure these helpers have your vendors’ contact information and understand their roles. A simple conversation now prevents confusion later.
Pack for Your Honeymoon:
Get this done early so it’s not last-minute stress. Include travel documents, outfits, and essentials.
Mini Checklist:
- Reconfirm vendor contracts+times
- Delegate roles to bridal party/family
- Pack honeymoon bags
Pro-Tip:
Print a master itinerary with vendor contacts and share it with your planner or trusted family member.
The Big Day
Enjoying Your Moment
After months of planning, the day is finally here. It’s time to shift focus from logistics to celebration.
Day-Of Mindset:
Start With a Calm Morning Routine:
Don’t rush or overschedule your getting-ready time. Surround yourself with calm energy and people you love. I have never met anyone who said their wedding day felt long. Everyone says it flew by in a blur. That’s why it’s important to build in moments of mindfulness throughout the day. Take five minutes alone with your partner before the ceremony starts. Look around during dinner and really see your loved ones celebrating you.
Stay On Schedule With Beauty Prep:
Hair, makeup, and dressing often take longer than expected.
Take A Breath:
Before walking down the aisle, pause and let the moment sink in. The most memorable weddings aren’t perfect; they are the ones where you feel joy and love for each other.
Mini Checklist:
- Eat a light breakfast
- Stay hydrated
- Breathe, smile, and savor every moment
Pro-Tip:
Assign someone to keep your phone or personal belongings safe; you won’t want to worry about them.
Extra Tips And Tools
Stress-Relief Reminders:
- Schedule downtime during planning, book a massage, go for a walk, or spend an unplugged evening with your partner.
- Don’t strive for perfection. Strive for joy.
Digital Tools We Love:
- AllSeated for digital seating charts and floor plans.
- WeddingWire or The Knot for vendor research and checklists.
- Spotify for creating and sharing playlists with your DJ.
- Google Sheets for budget tracking and vendor information.
You can find trusted vendors from Wedzaar’s vendor directory that fit your vision and budget.
Pro Tips From Real Experience:
Book hair and makeup early:
Good artists book 12+ months in advance, especially for Saturday weddings.Schedule downtime:
Block out evenings or weekends with no wedding planning. You’ll need the mental break.
Take engagement photos in different seasons:
If you’re having a long engagement, consider multiple mini-sessions.
Order invitations with extra:
Get 25% more than your guest count for keepsakes and last-minute additions.
Quick Reference Checklist
12+ Months Out:
- Set budget and guest list
- Choose a date and season
- Decide on wedding style/theme
- Consider hiring a planner
9-12 Months Out:
- Book venue
- Hire a photographer/videographer
- Book a caterer and bar service
- Choose the wedding party
- Start dress shopping
6-9 Months Out:
- Send save-the-dates
- Book accommodations
- Schedule engagement photos
- Order bridal party attire
4-6 Months Out:
- Finalize menu and cake
- Book transportation
- Hair and makeup trials
- Order wedding bands
2-3 Months Out:
- Mail invitations
- Plan ceremony details
- Finalize playlists
- Dress fittings begin
1 Month Out:
- Confirm RSVPs
- Create a seating chart
- Get a marriage license
- Break in shoes
1-2 Weeks Out:
- Confirm with vendors
- Delegate day-of tasks
- Pack honeymoon bags
- Prepare tips/payments
Closing Thoughts
A wedding timeline is more than just a checklist—it’s a map guiding you through one of the most meaningful journeys of your life. While these steps provide structure, remember: flexibility is your friend. No two weddings are the same, and the beauty lies in the details that make your day uniquely yours.
Most importantly, remember what this is all about: love. The vows you exchange matter more than the seating chart, and the joy you feel will shine brighter than any centerpiece.
So breathe, trust the process, and know that your day will be beautiful—because it’s yours.
Ready to start planning?
Download our free wedding checklist to stay on track.
Need a hand?
Explore Wedzaar’s directory of trusted vendors to bring your dream day to life.
Securing your look?
Book your beauty trial today to ensure your perfect bridal glow.
Here’s to the most beautiful “I do.”