Your To Do Timeline: Month By Month
No witty captions or pretty photos here! Just an easy-to-navigate timeline to keep you on track! Please keep in mind that your venue or planner may suggest you complete tasks in a different order, or maybe certain vendors book up faster than others. Absolutely feel free to make edits to this! It’s what worked for me, and my hope is that it creates a rough draft for you to work with!
First:
CONGRATULATIONS! Let it all sink in and enjoy the newly engaged time with loved ones! Don’t rush to get started with planning and logistics…celebrate!
Start a binder to keep organized! I bought mine from Target and added contracts, guest lists, invoices, inspo pics, etc in it so everything was easy to find. I used dividers to label various sections as: Guest List/RSVPs, Timeline/To Dos, Invites/Paper, Food/Drink, Beauty, Attire, Photographer/Videographer, Band/Music List, Decor, Logistics, Honeymoon, Gifts/Thank Yous, Bachelorette.
Initial registry so family can give you engagement gifts
Engagement Party
Guest List (rough draft)
Create a rough budget (start low…you will more than likely surpass the original number!)
11-12 Months To Go
Select a venue
Set wedding date
Book wedding planner/coordinator
Choose bridal party
Book photographer
Book videographer
Book ceremony site
Book caterer
Book band or DJ
10 Months To Go
Select Officiant
Decide theme/colors
Book florist
Book engagement shoot (also a good time for a hair/makeup trial)
Reserve hotel/room blocks
Create wedding website (we used Zola)
8-9 Months To Go
Purchase wedding dress!! (Need time for 2-3 alterations)
Update wedding website with any logistics you’ve decided on, engagement pics, registry, etc
Book hair/makeup (this may be one that books up relatively fast, so consider looking into this earlier if needed)
Book rehearsal dinner
Select bridesmaids dresses
Start planning menu for wedding events
Choose cake vendor
7 Months To Go
Decide on menu with caterer
Order save the dates
Arrange transportation for guests
Hire ceremony musicians
Order rental items (chairs, linens, etc)
Start deciding on honeymoon!
6 Months To Go
Hire lighting tech
Renew passport if needed
Get all guest addresses and create a spreadsheet
Send save the dates!
Decide on groomsmen and groom’s attire
5 Months To Go
Book day-of transportation for bride/groom
Finalize guest list
Start facials/beauty regimen!
Choose songs (for ceremony and reception!)
Make sure passports are up to date!
Book night-of accommodations
4 Months To Go
Order all bridesmaid dresses
Finalize honeymoon plans
Order all groomsmen attire
Order groom’s tux
Choose cake
Trial hair/makeup
Purchase wedding shoes and jewelry/accessories (start wearing shoes around house to break them in!)
Start dress fittings (bring shoes!)
Purchase veil
3 Months To Go
Order wedding invites
Order wedding favors
Order welcome bags
Compose day-of timeline
Purchase rehearsal dinner outfit
Purchase wedding bands
Choose day-of printing needs (menus, table cards, signage etc)
Finalize menu and flowers
Order stamps (once invites arrive, bring to post office to weigh them! We got our personalized stamps off Minted)
2 Months To Go
Send invites (with RSVP a month out from wedding….if destination wedding, okay to make RSVP 6 weeks out) *tip: use invisible ink to note whose rsvp card is whose, since many come back without a name!
Send rehearsal dinner invites
Purchase gifts (bridal party, groom, family)
Marriage license!
Give photographer/videographer a list of shots wanted
Dance lessons
Finalize order of ceremony and reception
Print menu cards
Order vow books
Pick up wedding bands
1 Month To Go
Final hair cut and color
Calming/hydrating facial (nothing new!)
Final dress fitting (bring heels and jewelry!)
Chase up RSVPs
Create table seating
Order table seating chart and place cards
Give song selections to band/dj
Assign toasts
Write vows
1 Week To Go
Pick up dress/veil
Finalize seating chart (if any last minute changes)
Wrap bridal party gifts
Final headcount to vendors (some require this a month out)
Eyebrows/lashes/tan
Mani/pedi
Have ring cleaned
Practice vows out loud
Email itinerary to bridal party and immediate family
Lots of water and rest!!