Planning a wedding is a significant undertaking that benefits greatly from organization and timely decision-making. While every couple's planning journey is unique, having a structured timeline helps ensure you don't overlook important details or face unnecessary stress as your wedding day approaches. At Oppugrelaz, we've refined this 12-month wedding planning timeline based on our experience with hundreds of successful celebrations. Use it as a framework, adjusting as needed for your specific timeline and priorities.
12-10 Months Before: Laying the Foundation
- Announce Your Engagement: Share the news with family and close friends before making a social media announcement.
- Establish Your Vision: Have meaningful conversations about the kind of wedding you both want—size, formality, style, and season.
- Create a Budget Framework: Determine your overall budget and how it will be allocated across categories.
- Draft Your Guest List: Create an initial list of everyone you might invite to understand your numbers.
- Research and Visit Venues: Book your ceremony and reception venues as early as possible, especially for peak-season weddings.
- Consider Professional Help: Decide whether you'll work with a wedding planner, and if so, begin your search.
- Start a Wedding Folder or Digital Organization System: Begin collecting inspiration and vendor information.
9-8 Months Before: Securing Key Vendors
- Book Your Priority Vendors: Secure photographers, videographers, caterers, and bands/DJs, as these book up quickly.
- Order Your Wedding Attire: Begin shopping for wedding attire, particularly if you're considering a custom or designer gown that requires a longer lead time.
- Select Your Wedding Party: Ask friends and family members to be part of your wedding party.
- Create Your Wedding Website: If you're using one, set up your wedding website with basic information.
- Book Accommodation Blocks: Reserve hotel blocks for out-of-town guests if needed.
7-6 Months Before: Refining the Details
- Engage a Florist: Meet with florists to discuss your vision for ceremony and reception flowers.
- Order Rental Items: Arrange for specialty furniture, tableware, linens, or tents if not provided by your venue.
- Plan Your Menu: Schedule tastings with your caterer and begin finalizing food and beverage selections.
- Book Transportation: Arrange transportation for the wedding party and consider options for guests if needed.
- Send Save-the-Dates: Send these to your guest list, especially important for destination weddings or holiday dates.
- Begin Premarital Counseling: If desired or required by your officiant, start this process.
5-4 Months Before: Creative Elements
- Order Invitations and Stationery: Select and order your wedding invitations, response cards, and ceremony programs.
- Plan Your Ceremony: Meet with your officiant to discuss ceremony structure, readings, and vows.
- Schedule Hair and Makeup Trials: Book trials with your chosen hair and makeup artists.
- Order the Wedding Cake: After tastings, select your cake design and flavors.
- Purchase Wedding Rings: Order your wedding bands, allowing time for sizing and engraving.
- Book the Rehearsal Dinner Venue: Arrange the location for your rehearsal dinner if having one.
3 Months Before: Logistics and Personal Preparations
- Send Wedding Invitations: Mail your invitations approximately 8-10 weeks before the wedding.
- Finalize the Menu and Flowers: Confirm all selections with your caterer and florist.
- Order Wedding Favors: If you're providing favors, place your order.
- Purchase Accessories: Shop for shoes, jewelry, and other accessories for your wedding attire.
- Plan Your Honeymoon: Book travel and accommodation for your honeymoon.
- Finalize the Music Selection: Create lists of must-play songs and do-not-play songs for your DJ or band.
2 Months Before: Final Confirmations
- Have a Final Venue Walkthrough: Confirm space layouts and timeline details with your venue coordinator.
- Begin RSVP Management: Track responses and follow up with guests who haven't responded.
- Create a Seating Plan: Start working on your table arrangements as RSVPs come in.
- Write Your Vows: If writing personal vows, begin drafting them.
- Attend Final Fittings: Schedule your final dress/suit fittings.
- Apply for Marriage License: Check local requirements, as timing varies by location.
1 Month Before: Final Preparations
- Finalize Numbers with Vendors: Provide final head counts to your venue, caterer, and other relevant vendors.
- Create a Wedding Day Timeline: Develop a detailed schedule for your wedding day and share it with vendors and the wedding party.
- Arrange Final Payments: Prepare final payments and gratuities in labeled envelopes.
- Break In Wedding Shoes: Make sure your footwear is comfortable for the big day.
- Finalize Seating Plan: Complete your seating arrangements and create place cards or a seating chart.
- Prepare Speeches: If you'll be making a speech, write and practice it.
1 Week Before: Final Confirmations
- Confirm All Arrangements: Touch base with all vendors to confirm final details.
- Pack for Your Honeymoon: If leaving soon after the wedding, begin packing.
- Prepare Wedding Day Emergency Kit: Gather items like safety pins, stain remover, pain relievers, etc.
- Get Beauty Treatments: Schedule hair color, manicures, pedicures, etc.
- Delegate Day-of Responsibilities: Assign specific tasks to wedding party members or family.
The Day Before: Stay Calm
- Attend Rehearsal and Dinner: Practice the ceremony and enjoy a relaxed dinner with your closest people.
- Organize Wedding Attire: Ensure all elements of your wedding day outfit are ready and accessible.
- Prepare Payment Envelopes: Give vendor payments to a trusted person who will handle them on the day.
- Get to Bed Early: Try to get a good night's sleep.
Wedding Day: Enjoy Every Moment
- Start Early: Give yourself plenty of time for hair, makeup, and dressing.
- Eat and Hydrate: Have a nutritious breakfast and drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Take a Moment Together: Plan a private moment to connect with your partner amidst the excitement.
- Trust Your Team: Let your vendors, coordinator, and designated helpers handle any issues that arise.
- Be Present: Take mental snapshots throughout the day and savor the experience you've created.
After the Wedding: Wrap-Up Tasks
- Return Rentals: Ensure all rented items are returned promptly.
- Preserve Your Attire: Have your wedding dress professionally cleaned and preserved if desired.
- Write Thank-You Notes: Send personalized thanks to guests and vendors within three months.
- Review Vendors: Share your experience by reviewing your vendors online.
- Order Wedding Album: Select photos for your wedding album if included in your photography package.
At Oppugrelaz, we understand that every couple approaches wedding planning differently. Whether you're meticulously organized or prefer a more relaxed approach, our planning services can be tailored to provide exactly the level of support you need. From comprehensive planning from day one to month-of coordination for couples who've handled the majority of planning themselves, we ensure no detail is overlooked.
Want personalized guidance through your wedding planning journey? Contact us to learn how our experienced planners can help you create a stress-free path to your perfect day.