Congratulationsss on your engagement!!
Once the emotions and excitement from your proposal start to settle down, it is time for you to jump right into the world of wedding planning with this 12 month wedding planning timeline guide!
Now, if you want to have a 12 month engagement, then this is the best wedding planning timeline for you.
But if you were looking at having a longer engagement, like 24 months, or a shorter engagement, like 6 months or even 3 months, then check out my other wedding planning timeline guides to better prepare you for your wedding!
From setting your wedding budget to finalizing your wedding guest list, I have got you covered with essential monthly checkpoints, wedding tips, and wedding planning suggestions.
So grab a piece of paper, your wedding binder, or your phone and get ready to take notes on how to easily plan your wedding day with this 12 month wedding planning guide!
RELATED POST: 6 Month Wedding Planning Timeline- Guide to Easily Plan Your Wedding in Just 6 Months
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12 Month Wedding Planning Timeline
12 Months Before the Wedding:
~ Set your wedding budget with your fiancé!
~ Create your wedding guest list and start gathering all of their contact information.
~ Begin gathering inspiration and ideas for your wedding theme, colors, and overall style. If you need ideas, then click here to view wedding color ideas for all seasons throughout the year!
~ Book a wedding planner or coordinator if desired.
11 Months Before:
~ Finalize your wedding guest list and send out your save the date cards!
~ Book your wedding ceremony and wedding reception venues.
~ Begin booking your essential vendors, like your wedding photographer, and food caterer.
~ Start looking for and buying your wedding attire. Also, make sure to schedule any dress fittings if you need to.
~ Begin discussing your honeymoon plans.
10 Months Before:
~ Start deciding on your wedding party and “propose” to your chosen bridesmaids and groomsmen.
~ Select and book your wedding officiant.
~ Begin researching and booking accommodations for any out of town guests, if needed!
~ Start researching and booking other vendors, such as florists, cake bakers, and transportation services.
~ Order your wedding invitations and other wedding stationery items.
9 Months Before:
~ Finalize and order your wedding gown and bridesmaids’ dresses.
~ Begin planning the wedding ceremony details, such as readings, vows, and music.
~ Research and book accommodation for your wedding night.
~ Start brainstorming ideas for wedding decorations and centerpieces. If you would like a wedding decor checklist, then click here!!
8 Months Before:
~ Create and schedule menu tastings with your food and dessert caterers.
~ Begin planning your wedding registry.
~ Research and book wedding entertainment, such as DJs or live bands.
~ Start looking for wedding rings if you don’t already have yours.
~ Consider hiring a videographer or decide on any additional photography services that you might want to have.
7 Months Before:
~ Start addressing and sending out your wedding invitations.
~ Research and book your hair stylists and makeup artists, if you want to have them.
~ Plan your wedding rehearsal and coordinate with the venue and your wedding party.
6 Months Before:
~ Finalize your wedding menu and cake design.
~ Arrange for any wedding day transportation for you and your wedding party.
~ Begin planning any pre-wedding events, such as the rehearsal dinner, bridal shower, or bachelorette party.
~ Order your wedding favors. If you would like to see some wedding favor ideas, then click here to view 30 unique wedding favor ideas with cute sayings!
5 Months Before:
~ Arrange for any necessary rentals, such as chairs, tables, or additional decor items!
~ Purchase or design your wedding ceremony programs.
~ Finalize ceremony and reception details with your officiant and venue coordinator.
~ Plan and book your honeymoon.
~ Start planning your wedding day timeline.
4 Months Before:
~ Schedule and book any pre-wedding beauty appointments.
~ Order or create wedding signage and directional signs.
~ Plan and organize any special wedding traditions or cultural ceremonies.
~ Arrange for any necessary marriage license requirements.
3 Months Before:
~ Send out your wedding invitations!
~ Plan your wedding ceremony and reception details, including seating arrangements, floor plans, and decor.
~ Purchase or rent any necessary accessories or wedding decor items.
~ Finalize your floral arrangements and decorations with the florist.
2 Months Before:
~ Finalize your wedding day timelines and itineraries. If you need help creating your wedding day itinerary, then click here because I’ve got you covered!
~ Make any necessary alterations to your or the wedding party’s attire!
~ Purchase any wedding accessories, such as shoes, jewelry, and veils.
~ Finalize your wedding ceremony details, including readings, vows, and music selections.
~ Confirm all of your wedding vendors’ details, contracts, and arrangements.
1 Month Before:
~ Finalize all of the details with your vendors, including timing, setup, and payment!
~ Make sure to complete the necessary paperwork to obtain your marriage license.
~ Create and finalize the seating chart and place cards.
~ Confirm the final guest count with your caterer and venue.
~ Schedule any final fittings for your wedding dress and arrange for groomsmen and bridesmaids to pick up and try on their wedding attire.
~ Distribute the wedding day timeline and itineraries to your wedding party and vendors.
~ Prepare and send thank you notes for any early wedding gifts or assistance!
In the Final Weeks:
~ Confirm all of the final details with your vendors, including arrival times and setup instructions!
~ Pack for your wedding day and honeymoon.
~ Schedule a wedding day run through with your wedding party and officiant.
~ Confirm the final number of guests attending and meal selections with your caterers.
~ Assign any specific tasks and responsibilities to trusted friends or family members.
~ Reconfirm all arrangements with vendors, including payment details.
~ Figure out what wedding songs you want to use for when you walk down the aisle, your first dance, and parent dances. If you need ideas, then here you can find an ultimate guide to the best wedding song ideas!
~ Organize and plan your rehearsal dinner, including choosing a dinner location, finalizing the guest list, and making necessary reservations.
~ Create a wedding day emergency kit to make sure you have everything you need on your wedding day. If you need a list of everything you should include in your wedding emergency kit, then click here!!
~ Take some time to relax and enjoy the final days before your wedding!
Other Posts You Might Like:
Wedding Day Tips: Must Have Wedding Day Essentials for a Flawless and Stress Free Celebration
5pm Wedding Day Itinerary Timeline: How to Easily Create the Perfect Wedding Day Itinerary
Wedding Day Survival Kit: The Best Survival Kit for You to Use on Your Wedding Day if You Are on a Budget
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