Timeline For Planning Your Wedding

16 to 9 months before the wedding

• Start a wedding binder with pictures from magazines and websites you like
• Work out your budget
• Decide who will be in your wedding party
• Put together your guest list to get a headcount
• Book the location for ceremony and reception to assure you get the date you want
• Book your officiant (person who will marry you)
• Begin looking in to bands, photographer, and caterers
• If you plan to have an engagement party throw it early (only invite people invited to the wedding)

8 months before the wedding

• Book the photographer if you are having one and any other entertainment you are hiring for the wedding (DJ)
• Meet with the caterers
• Purchase your dress. You need a lot of time for dress fittings
• Register for your gifts

7 to 6 months before

• Purchase wedding invitations
• Start planning the honeymoon
• Meet with the officiant to make sure you have all documents needed to get married
• Book florist
• Arrange the transportation for your wedding day

5 to 4 months before

• Book rehearsal dinner venue and rehearsal
• Select and order the cake
• Schedule hair and make-up appointments

3 months before

• Put together wedding favors
• Purchase your wedding rings
• Make a list of people who are giving toasts

2 months before

• Meet with the photographer to discuss locations and shots
• Review playlist with the DJ or band
• Have bachelorette party and bachelor party

1 month before

• Collect your RSVP'S
• Get your marriage license
• Finish your seating chart
• Write vows if you are writing your own

The week of the wedding

• Reconfirm arrival times with vendors
• Delegate small wedding day tasks
• Set aside all payments and tips you still need to make
• Pack for your honeymoon