Month-by-Month Wedding Planning Checklist: Stay Organized & Stress-Free

Introduction

Planning a wedding can be a thrilling yet overwhelming journey. To ease your mind, we’ve created a month-by-month wedding planning checklist. This comprehensive guide breaks down tasks into manageable chunks, ensuring you stay organized and stress-free from engagement to your wedding day.

12+ Months Before the Wedding

1. Celebrate Your Engagement

Take time to celebrate your exciting news with family and friends before diving into planning.

2. Discuss Your Vision

Have a conversation with your partner about your wedding vision, guest list size, and the type of ceremony you both want.

3. Set a Budget

Determine how much you’re willing to spend and decide who will contribute to different expenses.

4. Create a Preliminary Guest List

Draft a guest list to have an idea of the size and scope of your wedding.

5. Research Venues

Start researching potential venues for both the ceremony and reception, and book site visits for your favorites.

9-12 Months Before the Wedding

1. Choose Your Wedding Date

Pick a wedding date that works for both of you and your immediate family.

2. Book the Ceremony and Reception Venues

Secure your preferred venues with a deposit to lock in your wedding date.

3. Hire Key Vendors

Select and book your key vendors, including your wedding planner, photographer, videographer, caterer, and entertainment.

4. Begin Your Dress Search

Start shopping for your wedding dress. Remember to consider alteration timelines.

6-9 Months Before the Wedding

1. Send Save-the-Dates

Send save-the-date cards to give your guests ample time to plan.

2. Choose Your Wedding Party

Ask close friends and family to be part of your wedding party.

3. Finalize Guest List

Refine your guest list and gather contact information for everyone on it.

4. Shop for Bridesmaids' Dresses

Choose and order bridesmaids' dresses, ensuring you leave enough time for alterations.

3-6 Months Before the Wedding

1. Plan the Ceremony and Reception Details

Discuss and plan the details of the ceremony and reception, including readings, music, and decor.

2. Book Additional Vendors

Book additional vendors like florists, transportation, and officiants.

3. Send Invitations

Send out wedding invitations and track RSVPs as they come in.

4. Schedule Hair and Makeup Trials

Book trials with your hair and makeup artist to find the perfect look for your big day.

1-3 Months Before the Wedding

1. Finalize the Menu

Work with your caterer to finalize your wedding menu and cake details.

2. Create a Day-Of Timeline

Coordinate a timeline with your wedding planner to ensure the day runs smoothly.

3. Confirm Vendors

Reach out to all your vendors to confirm details and timeline.

4. Get Your Marriage License

Apply for your marriage license and ensure you meet any legal requirements.

Weeks Leading Up to the Wedding

1. Final Dress Fitting

Attend your final dress fitting and ensure it fits perfectly.

2. Create a Seating Chart

Design a seating chart for your reception and print place cards.

3. Pack for Your Honeymoon

Pack your bags and ensure all travel documents and arrangements are in place for your honeymoon.

4. Relax and Enjoy

As the big day approaches, take time to relax, pamper yourself, and enjoy the moment.

Conclusion

By breaking down tasks into manageable monthly segments, our checklist helps you stay organized and focused. Enjoy each moment of planning, and look forward to creating unforgettable memories on your wedding day.