Essential 12-Month Wedding Planning Timeline and Checklist
After the excitement of your engagement settles, you may find yourself asking, ‘How do I begin planning my wedding?’ This feeling is completely normal!
Prepare to embark on your wedding planning journey with our 12-month wedding planning timeline and free printable checklist. This essential guide will help you organize every detail leading up to your big day and strategically prioritize your tasks month by month. (Don’t forget to download the checklist at the end for easy reference!)
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Congratulations on your engagement! Now that you’ve shared the exciting news and embraced your 'newly engaged' status, you might be wondering what comes next. Planning your wedding is an exciting adventure, and while it involves a few details to consider, it is also a fun and rewarding experience.
To guide you through this journey, we’ve created a 12-month wedding planning timeline. By breaking down tasks month by month, you can prioritize your plans and enjoy the process leading up to your big day.
RELATED: A Complete Roadmap to Planning Your Destination Wedding
12 Months Out
Create a Budget
Before starting to pick out all the details of your wedding, it is important for you and your partner to sit down and choose a realistic budget. Start by identifying who is paying for which portions of your wedding. Did family members offer to help? Are close friends willing to DIY the decor and food to help cut costs? Once costs have been allocated or there is an idea of what expenses can be removed from the total budget, make a list of your wants and needs. Important vendors should fall under the ‘needs’ list, while certain decor items belong on the ‘wants’ list. Prioritize researching your ‘needs’ list first to get an idea of your starting budget. Since planning, booking, and purchasing items for the wedding will take place over the course of a year, the list initially started with can change. Maintaining a detailed budget list will help track all wedding-related expenses and avoid exceeding the budget.
LEARN MORE: Wedding Cost Breakdown: Creating a Realistic Budget
Brainstorm Your Wedding Vision
Researching wedding themes and styles helps envision what you want your wedding day to look like and, most importantly, who to hire to bring that vision to life. If the desired aesthetic aligns with a boho style, find a photographer whose work embodies soft, dreamy lighting and a relaxed vibe. This principle also applies to other vendors being considered. Discovering your wedding vision, style, or theme is a crucial step that takes time but ultimately leads to the dream wedding.
Start Creating a Guest List
When creating a guest list, consider who to invite to share this special moment. Your wedding day is about celebrating the love between you and your partner, so feel free to invite anyone who supports that love. It’s essential to factor in how many guests can be accommodated based on the budget and the venue's maximum occupancy. A great starting point is to list the people who matter most, like family and close friends, then decide on plus-ones or inviting less close acquaintances.
Hire a Wedding Planner
Wedding planners are experts in various aspects of wedding preparation, including budget creation, contract negotiations, and building connections with reputable vendors. They have the experience to help craft a realistic budget that aligns with your vision, ensuring that every dollar is well spent. Their industry knowledge also allows them to negotiate favorable terms with vendors, saving both time and money.
Hiring a wedding planner not only helps bring your dream wedding to life but also alleviates the stress of managing the planning timeline. A detailed schedule of essential tasks and deadlines is created, allowing you to enjoy the process rather than feel overwhelmed. With a wedding planner’s support, there's no need to sacrifice free time for wedding management; you can relax and savor the excitement while the logistics are handled professionally.
Additionally, wedding planners offer creative insights and solutions you may not have considered, ensuring your wedding reflects your unique style and personality. From coordinating with vendors to addressing last-minute issues on the big day, a wedding planner is an invaluable asset in turning wedding dreams into reality.
Interested in working with a planner to create your perfect wedding? Learn more about our wedding planning services and discover how we can help bring your vision to life.
Confirm Venue Availability
While researching venues that align with your vision and needs, it's important to contact multiple locations to confirm their availability for the month or season you have in mind. If a specific venue is booked for the next two years, consider whether you're open to postponing your wedding or if you'd prefer to find another venue that is available sooner to accommodate your timeline.
11 Months Out
Book a Venue
Before finalizing the reservation, review all terms and conditions carefully. Ask about any additional fees, such as for overtime, setup, or cleanup, and inquire about what's included in the package—like tables, chairs, linens, and other essential items. If possible, consider visiting the venue again to visualize the wedding layout and ensure it aligns with the overall vision. Once the ideal venue is found, fitting the budget, date, and accommodation needs, securing the booking is essential. This locks in the preferred date and sets the foundation for the entire wedding planning process.
Set the Wedding Date
With your venue secured, it's time to start sharing your wedding date with close friends and family. This is also the perfect opportunity to begin researching vendors who align with your wedding vision and to check their availability.
Hire Key Vendors
The most sought-after vendors for the big day include the photographer, DJ, caterer, and videographer. Now that your date is set, begin researching these vendors to ensure they align with your wedding vision and confirm their availability. While consultations may seem unnecessary, these meetings help clarify each vendor’s offerings, pricing, and whether their personalities are a good fit for you and your partner. After thorough research, it's time to make your selections and secure your vendors.
Research Hotel Room Blocks
If you're having a destination wedding or many guests are traveling for the event, they’ll appreciate assistance with accommodations. Locate hotels near your venue to make it easier for guests to navigate, especially if they are unfamiliar with the area. Additionally, if alcohol will be served at the wedding, choosing nearby hotels ensures guests can safely return to their rooms and may also lead to more affordable taxi or ride-share options.
10 Months Out
Take Engagement Photos
Now that the key vendors and venue are secured, it's the perfect time to schedule engagement photos. These photos can be used for save-the-date cards, wedding websites, or even as decor at the wedding reception. Choose a location that holds special meaning, whether it’s where the first date occurred, a favorite park, or a stunning backdrop that reflects both personalities. Consider using the wedding photographer for this session to ensure a cohesive aesthetic that aligns with the overall wedding vision. Many photographers offer engagement sessions as part of their wedding packages or at a discounted rate, so be sure to ask about available options.
Create a Wedding Website
A wedding website is a personalized online hub that provides essential information about your wedding for your guests. Websites like Zola, The Knot, and WithJoy offer templates to help you create your wedding site easily. Be sure to include key details such as the wedding date, venue location, directions, accommodation options, and a schedule of events.
You can also use your wedding website to track RSVPs, share your registries, and include a section for FAQs to answer common questions like dress code, parking, or gift preferences. It’s an effective way to keep everything organized in one place, significantly reducing the amount of manual communication you need to manage.
Order ‘Save-the-Date’ Cards
Save-the-date cards are pre-invitation notifications sent to guests to inform them about the upcoming wedding date and location. These cards provide ample time for guests to mark their calendars and make any necessary travel arrangements. It’s important to finalize the guest list before sending out these cards. Reach out to guests for their addresses and save this information in a spreadsheet to streamline the process when sending out the final wedding invitations closer to the big day.
When considering the budget, decide whether to send physical cards or electronic ones posted on the wedding website. If choosing physical cards and planning to use engagement photos, be sure to ask the photographer about the timeline for receiving the photos. Additionally, include important information such as both partners’ names, the wedding date, the city or venue, and a note indicating that a formal invitation will follow.
Research Invitation Styles
After sending out save-the-date cards, research different invitation styles—especially if they need to match the save-the-date cards—and place the order to ensure they arrive in time to be sent out at least six weeks before the wedding date. If creating your own invitations, consider using Canva, as they offer a variety of templates and printing options. You can choose from different card types to find the perfect fit for your wedding theme.
Book Hotel Room Blocks for Guests
If your wedding falls during a peak season or holiday, it's wise to book your hotel blocks now to ensure availability. Many hotels allow you to reserve a block of rooms with a contract that includes a cut-off date for guests to book. This means you can secure the rooms early while still giving your guests a window of time to make arrangements.
Start Shopping for a Wedding Dress
Whether you have a clear vision of your dream dress or are still exploring your options, consider visiting local retail stores, wedding boutiques, or dress designers in your area to find inspiration. Keep in mind that wedding dress alterations can take a minimum of six months, so it's important to start your search early. Research designers or stores that align with your style and budget, allowing you ample time for any last-minute details or final alterations as your wedding date approaches.
Photo by: Sandrine Philie Photography see more of this wedding here
9 Months Out
Choose Your Wedding Party
Determine who you and your partner would like to have by your side on the big day. While some may feel pressured to stick to a maximum number of bridesmaids or groomsmen or maintain equal numbers for each side, the decision is entirely yours. It's perfectly acceptable to have an uneven number of attendants. Consider those who are most meaningful to you and your partner, as well as who you envision getting ready with you and standing by your side during the ceremony.
Set Dates for the Engagement & Bach Parties
If you want to include pre-wedding festivities, such as an engagement party to celebrate your new union or bachelorette/bachelor parties, it’s important to book them this month. All pre-wedding celebrations should be factored into your main budget. You can choose to opt out of either event if you prefer to allocate more funds toward the wedding day itself. If a member of your wedding party is taking charge of the festivities, ensure they have the contact information for all attendees and are aware of your availability to attend.
Send Out ‘Save-the-Date’ Cards
Now is the time to share all the wedding details with guests! Including a QR code that links to the wedding website is a great idea, as it allows guests to access more information without making the cards too lengthy.
Buy Your Wedding Dress
If you haven’t purchased your wedding dress yet, now is the perfect time to start shopping! Choosing your dress at this stage allows ample time for any necessary alterations, ensuring a perfect fit on your big day. When selecting your dress, consider the style that reflects your personality and complements your wedding theme. Remember to factor in additional time for fittings and adjustments, as this process can take several months.
8 Months Out
Research Shuttle/Transportation Accommodations
If your guests need accommodations for the wedding, consider researching local shuttle services in your area that can transport them to and from the venue. Providing this information can greatly enhance their experience and alleviate any transportation concerns. Additionally, it’s helpful to include the average costs of rental cars for guests who may prefer to drive themselves.
Send Out Your Gift Registry
You and your partner should create a list of items you wish to have as you embark on your new journey together. This list can include essential items such as kitchen appliances, bedding, and other household necessities. Additionally, feel free to include items that cater to your hobbies and interests, making your new space truly reflective of both of your personalities. Dont forget to add the registry to your wedding website!
Select the Bridesmaids' Dresses and Bridal Party Accessories
In addition to your wedding theme, decide what you want your bridal party to wear. You can choose to have them wear your wedding colors, select different shades of the same color, or opt for the same color with varying dress styles—the options are endless. Once you’ve made your selections, inform your bridal party about your choices and encourage them to schedule their fittings within the month.
Book Beauty Vendors
If you decide to have someone do your wedding hair and makeup, take the time to research beauty vendors and the packages they offer. Consider whether you want to include your entire bridal party in these services and how it fits into your budget. If applicable, schedule hair and makeup trials so your beauty vendors can purchase the necessary materials in advance for the big day.
Book a Florist
Like your other wedding vendors, hire a florist who can bring your vision and style to life. Seek potential floral candidates through recommendations from friends or by exploring social media. By reviewing their past arrangements and styles from other weddings, you can gain insight into their work. Additionally, your wedding planner can assist in finding a florist who aligns with both your budget and vision.
7 Months Out
Order Wedding Rings
Have you decided on the type of material for your wedding bands? Popular choices include gold, platinum, titanium, and other alternative metals. Take time to research which styles appeal to you and your partner, whether you'd prefer matching bands or something more individualized. If you're opting for custom bands, be sure to allow sufficient time for creation and potential adjustments, as the process can take several weeks. Once your rings arrive, it's a good idea to try them on with your jeweler to ensure the fit is perfect and allow for any last-minute alterations before your wedding day.
Decide On the Reception Menu
Be sure to allocate time to meet with your caterer for a tasting session to sample potential dishes for your wedding day menu. This allows you to experience the flavors, presentation, and portion sizes firsthand, ensuring they align with your vision. If you're choosing a multi-course meal or have specific dietary preferences, it's helpful to request a variety of options to compare. If you're uncertain or need adjustments after the initial tasting, don't hesitate to schedule a follow-up session with your caterer to fine-tune any dishes or explore alternatives to ensure everything is just right for your big day.
Book a Dessert Vendor
Select desserts that both you and your partner truly enjoy. In recent years, many couples have chosen a small cake just for themselves, while offering guests a variety of individual treats such as cake pops, rock candy, or a chocolate fountain with fruit. Keep in mind that you don't need to cater to everyone's preferences when it comes to dessert—focus on what you love and feel free to get creative! This personal touch will make the dessert experience more unique and memorable for you and your guests.
Book Ceremony Musicians
Whether you're considering a DJ or a small string orchestra, schedule a consultation to review their packages and find an option that fits within your budget. If you decide to hire both a string orchestra for your ceremony and a DJ for the reception, ensure that their music styles match the atmosphere you're envisioning for your wedding. Begin curating playlists for the ceremony and reception to incorporate personal touches and set the perfect tone for your special day.
Desserts by 24 Hour Flour see more of this wedding here
6 Months Out
Ask the Venue for a Room Layout
If your venue doesn’t provide tables, chairs, linens, or other décor essentials, request a room layout with measurements. This will help you plan the setup and determine exactly what rentals you'll need, ensuring the space is organized and equipped for your wedding.
Put Rental Orders In
Consider hiring local rental vendors for items not provided by your venue or to enhance the aesthetic of your wedding. These rental items can include specialty chairs, linens, draping, lounge furniture, or even a dance floor. Be sure to provide your rental company with the venue layout and exact guest count to ensure a seamless setup. Many venues can offer a list of recommended rental companies they've successfully partnered with, which can be a helpful starting point. This is also an ideal time to engage a wedding planner to handle the logistics, allowing you to focus on the details that matter most.
Choose Additional Games and Entertainment
After the ceremony and before the reception, the cocktail hour is a perfect time for couples to take photos while guests enjoy entertainment. To keep guests engaged, consider options like live music, lawn games (mini-golf, cornhole, Jenga), or an interactive art station where guests can contribute to a collaborative piece. You can also offer pre-dinner snacks, such as a signature cocktail bar, food tasting stations with oysters or charcuterie, and even wine or whiskey tastings. These activities create a fun and enjoyable atmosphere while you're capturing special moments with family and friends.
Hire an Officiant
The officiant's role is to legally marry you and your partner. If you're having a religious wedding, your venue will typically provide a designated religious figure as the officiant. If your venue does not have an officiant, you can research local officiants in your area or consider asking a close friend or family member. It's essential that your officiant holds the appropriate licensing for your location, as they need to sign the marriage license on the day of your wedding.
Book the Rehearsal Dinner Venue
Wedding venues typically allow couples to access the grounds for a ceremony rehearsal walk-through during the week of the wedding. If you plan to have a rehearsal dinner, you will need to book a reservation with a restaurant in advance. Be sure to invite everyone involved in the ceremony, as well as any close family members. This will give everyone a chance to practice walking down the aisle and enjoy a pre-wedding dinner where they can ask questions and rehearse their speeches or ceremony readings.
5 Months Out
Choose Your Own Wedding Accomodations
Now that your guests' accommodations are booked, don’t forget to plan accommodations and transportation for you and your partner. You can either add yourselves to the hotel you booked for your guests, or opt for a boutique hotel that caters to couples, or a themed Airbnb to fully enjoy your dream wedding. Make sure you designate a guest to drive you after the wedding (if alcohol will be served, ensure they are comfortable not drinking), or consider pre-booking an Uber or Lyft for convenience.
Make Honeymoon Travel Arrangements
Be sure to request vacation time for any days you'll need off for your wedding and honeymoon. If you plan to travel, now is the perfect time to check that your passports are up-to-date and valid. If they have expired, schedule an appointment to renew them as the process can take several months to complete. Planning ahead ensures there are no delays in receiving your new passport.
Research Marriage License Requirments
In most U.S. states, you can obtain your marriage license up to 30 days before your wedding and sign it on the day of the ceremony. To complete the process, several key individuals need to be present during the time you sign: both you and your partner must sign the license, confirming your intent to marry; the officiant who performed the ceremony must also sign to validate the marriage; and most states require one or two adult witnesses (18 years or older) to sign as well. These witnesses are typically friends or family members. Be sure to check your state's specific requirements regarding the number of witnesses.
If you're getting married abroad, familiarize yourself with the marriage laws of that country and how they apply to your legal status back home. Alternatively, you can sign your marriage license before traveling to avoid any potential legal complications or misunderstandings during your destination wedding.
Begin Premarital Counseling
Premarital counseling can establish a strong foundation for healthy communication in your marriage. By working with a professional, you can develop effective conflict resolution skills and address any issues—whether they've already surfaced or haven't yet—in your relationship. This guidance will help you and your partner build a deeper connection as you transition into this new stage of your relationship.
Choose a Shower Date
Coordinate with the person hosting your bridal shower to provide them with dates that fit your schedule. Be sure to also give them a guest list, along with addresses, so they can send out invitations in advance.
Buy or Rent the Groom’s Tuxedo
While finding a tuxedo may not take as long as selecting a wedding dress, it's still important to choose one that complements your wedding theme. If you plan to rent a tux, make sure to place your rental order five months out to allow time for accurate measurements and any necessary alterations.
Hire a Calligrapher
If desired, a calligrapher can add a special touch to your wedding invitations, personalized reception menus, welcome signs, and guest book. Remember that the calligraphy should match your wedding theme. Ensure you order extra invitations to account for any mistakes and so your caligrapher can supply you with rough-draft examples.
4 Months Out
Final Tasting With the Caterer
Since you booked your caterer months in advance, scheduling a final tasting will help you finalize your menu and provide the opportunity to add any last-minute food items or remove unnecessary dishes. Once you've finalized the menu with your caterer, you can create and order menu cards, and if applicable, send them to your calligrapher for personalization.
Select the Groomsmen Attire
You and your partner should decide on the suit colors for the groom's party. Communicate whether the groomsmen will wear ties or other accessories, and request that they schedule their fittings within the month.
Attend a Final Hair and Makeup Trial
If needed, schedule a time for you and your beauty vendors to do a final trial of your hair and makeup. Since your first trial, you may have changed your mind about certain beauty choices, so it’s important that your vendors are informed before the big day. Along with the trial, begin your beauty regimen during the fourth month leading up to the wedding. If you plan to change your hair color or cut, give yourself enough time to adjust if you change your mind.
3 Months Out
Assemble Wedding Invites
Your wedding is just around the corner! You should now have your invitations, whether you hired a calligrapher or purchased them elsewhere. Determine the postage and send the invitations at least six weeks before your wedding date. Be sure to include a QR code or contact information where guests can confirm their attendance. This will help you gather accurate numbers for catering, hotel blocks, and other vendors that require this information.
Purchase Small Details
Some couples choose to purchase gifts for each other, parents, close family members, and those hosting their showers. Plan to buy these gifts now so they can be prepared and given the night before your wedding day. Additionally, choose and order or create your wedding favors, welcome baskets, escort cards, place cards, menus, and ceremony programs to distribute to guests during the wedding. Guest gifts don’t need to be extravagant; they should be thoughtful items that guests can keep as a reminder of your special day. Avoid typical gifts like coasters with your engagement picture, as most items like these are likely to be discarded.
Start Crafting DIY Items
If you haven't started making your DIY items yet, now is the time to begin. Some couples find that hosting a get-together with family and friends is a great way to share the excitement and tackle larger DIY projects together.
Visit the Venue
Visit your venue with your planner or day-of coordinator to review logistics and conduct a final walk-through (your caterer or florist might want to join as well). This is also a great opportunity to select ceremony readings and plan how and when they will be presented during your ceremony.
Meet with Photographer and Videographer
Schedule a phone call with your photographer and videographer to discuss expectations and logistics. This will help them understand the key moments you want captured, as well as any you prefer to skip. Be sure to prepare a photo list in advance to share with them for smoother coordination on the big day.
2 Months Out
Purchase Any Extra Items
Additional items to consider include table numbers, a cake knife, cake stand, cake topper, guest book, ring pillow, gift holder, and a card box. You may also want to purchase personal touches such as a non-plastic hanger for your wedding dress, a garter, and matching sets for you and your bridal party to wear while getting ready. Don’t forget to buy signs for your wedding, such as a welcome sign, bar sign, guest book sign, or gift table sign.
Attend Celebrations in Your Honor
Pre-wedding celebrations typically take place once the wedding planning has settled down. These events may include bridal showers and bachelorette parties. After each celebration, be sure to write and send out thank-you notes to express your appreciation.
Send Out Wedding Invitations and Rehearsal-Dinner Invitations
The six-week countdown begins! Your wedding invitations should be signed, stamped, and ready to send. Don’t forget to include a return address and the RSVP QR code or information with the invitations. For those attending the rehearsal walkthrough and dinner, you can either include a rehearsal invite with the wedding invitations or send them as separate cards.
Talk to Individuals Who You Want to Speak
Ask friends and/or family members to give a toast at the reception or speak during the ceremony so they can begin preparing their speeches. Be sure to give them some guidance on timing and the tone you're hoping for—whether heartfelt, humorous, or a mix of both—so they have plenty of time to craft something meaningful for your special day.
Meet With the Officiant
Discuss the structure and content of your ceremony with the officiant so they match the overall tone desired for your ceremony. Be sure to invite them to the rehearsal dinner so they can practice timing cues with you and the participants and either you or a trusted friend can review their speech to make sure that it is meaningful to you and your partners relationship.
First Wedding Dress Fitting
If you’ve purchased your dress and sent it for alterations, you should now be ready for the final fitting. This “first final fitting” should take place 2-3 months after ordering the dress, with a second fitting scheduled six weeks before the wedding. During this final fitting, you’ll learn how to bustle the dress and address any other configurations with the designer. After the fitting, make sure to purchase undergarments that will match your dress and fit comfortably underneath.
Do a Floral Mock-Up With the Florist
Meet with your florist to finalize the floral arrangements you discussed when you first hired them. Ask to see samples or mock-ups of your bouquets, boutonnieres, centerpieces, flower arch, and any other floral elements to ensure they match your vision. This is also a great time to review color schemes, flower types, and any seasonal blooms they plan to use. If possible, request that your florist provides recommendations for how to preserve your bouquet after the wedding or tips for reusing flowers throughout the event (such as repurposing ceremony arrangements for the reception).
Give the Song Selections to the DJ
Together with your partner, plan the music timeline for key moments such as the processional, recessional, and first dance. Be sure to choose songs for other special moments like your announcement as newlyweds, cake-cutting, and the last dance. Additionally, create a playlist for when everyone is on the dance floor. If you’re struggling to come up with enough songs, you can consult your DJ for suggestions or add a section to your wedding website where guests can submit their favorite songs.
1 Month Out
Choose (or write) Vows
If you decide to write your own vows to express your love for your partner, take some time to think about how you want them to sound and make sure to practice. Don’t overthink your vows; they should come from the heart and reflect your love and commitment to your partner.
Finalize Wedding Day Timeline
Now that you know when each vendor is contracted to arrive on the day of the wedding, create a detailed timeline and share it with your planner or coordinator, DJ, and caterer. Include your seating chart for the ceremony, indicating which chairs are reserved for the mothers and fathers of the bride and groom. If you plan to have assigned seating during dinner, provide the seating arrangement so your planner can correctly place the name cards.
Outstanding RSVPs
If you are still waiting for some guests to RSVP, reach out to each one directly to confirm their attendance. Update your guest count spreadsheet (the one your created back in month 10) with their responses.
Secure Vendor Confirmations
Contact each vendor to confirm their attendance and share your wedding day timeline with them. Ensure that you provide the final guest count to your planner, caterer, rental company, and any other vendors requiring it by their specified deadlines. Aim to pay each vendor their remaining balance one month before your wedding, unless a vendor specifies that final payment is due on the day of the event. If any vendor requires payment on the wedding day, designate a trusted friend or your Wedding Planner/Coordinator to handle and distribute the labeled envelopes accordingly.
Make a Plan for the Transportation of Decor Items (and DIYs)
Determine how you will transport your decor items, including any DIY projects, to and from the wedding venue. Assign a family member, friend, or your Planner/Coordinator to oversee this transportation. To ensure a smooth setup and takedown process, it is beneficial to have labeled boxes for the decor, preventing any items from getting lost.
Assemble Gift Bags
In addition to your decor items, collect any gifts you plan to distribute during your wedding, and ensure each one is wrapped. Once all gifts are assembled, place them in a labeled box for the person designated to hand them out.
Break in Your Wedding Shoes
Practice walking in your wedding shoes and do everything you can to avoid blisters on your wedding day. It’s also a good idea to have a spare set of shoes if you want to ditch the heels and join everyone on the dance floor.
Book Week-of Beauty Appointments
Hair, nails, waxing, and maybe a spray tan? Book any beauty-related appointments for the week before your wedding. Treat yourself and take the time to enjoy each appointment!
1 Week Out
All your hard work is finally paying off! The hardest parts of wedding planning are done; now it’s time to focus on the final details, such as:
Put tips in envelopes: Along with any day-of final payments, give your designated money distributor labeled envelopes for each vendor’s tip.
Attend beauty appointments: Manicure, shave, haircut, etc.
Final dress fitting: Meet with someone in your bridal party to practice putting on your dress and show them how to bustle it if your dress requires it, as well as explain any other details your designer outlined.
Pack for honeymoon: Don’t forget your passport if you are leaving the country, and confirm travel arrangements if you're leaving right after the wedding.
Pack a bag of essential items: Include items you plan to have during the wedding day. Don’t forget hair styling tools, makeup, clothes to get ready in, medicine, and band-aids. Along with your personal items, assemble a day-of emergency kit (most planners and coordinators are equipped with one).
Practice your vows out loud.
The Day Before
One more day before all your hard work pays off with the “I do”! Take today to organize last-minute details, pack, and get excited!
Eat healthy meals and drink plenty of water!
Get a good night's sleep—you want to feel well-rested for what's to come tomorrow.
Place any boxes, suitcases, bags, and survival kits you need for the ceremony or reception in the car. This way, if you forget anything, you'll have a chance to grab it before heading off to get married!
Pack a clutch or small bag with personal items such as medicine, makeup, snacks, and a change of clothes for when you return home as a newly married couple.
Attend the rehearsal dinner.
Distribute gifts to your parents, partner, and wedding party.
The Morning Of
Your dream wedding is finally here! After many months of planning you can finally enjoy all of your hard work!
Get ready
As soon as you arrive at the place where you will get ready, take your dress and veil out of the bag, and have someone steam them if needed.
Eat breakfast and drink even more water.
Get married!
After the Honeymoon
Send Out Thank-you Cards
Now that you are home from your honeymoon, take the time to send thank-you cards to your guests and vendors for sharing your fairytale with you.
Printable Wedding Planning Timeline Checklist
Screen shot, Pin or Print out the Wedding Checklist to kick-start your wedding planning journey!
