Let’s face it, it doesn’t matter how much time you have, planning one of the most special days of your life can be stressful. From doing research to booking and managing your budget, it can all seem so overwhelming. Not to mention all the choices and decision making that’s involved. To make things a little easier, we’ve put together a timeline guide with all the essential things you’ll need to have done by certain dates leading up to your big day.
One Year to 24 Months Before the Wedding
Not every engagement lasts so long, so this list can encompass everything you need to do right after you get engaged:
- Tell the whole world!Tell the whole world!
- Set up a wedding planning website
- Set up a Pinterest board for ideas
- Identify your budget
- Decide on an approximate number of guests
- Pick a date or at least a season
- Think about the location and wedding venue
10-12 Months to the Date
Now it’s time to get a little more serious and start making some decisions. This is the time you want to begin booking things. If you’re in the Texas Coastal Bend, you might consider Mansion Royal in Corpus Christi for your wedding venue. Let’s take a look at the other things to check off your list:
- Tour and book your reception venue + ceremony location
- Start researching and booking/renting/purchasing: photographer, florist, invitations, cake, decor, music, hair & makeup, etc.
- Optional: wedding insurance and wedding planner
- Wedding party entertainment: drinks, dancing, music
- Research decor and wedding dresses
- Send out save-the-date cards
- Choose your bridesmaids
- Budget for your honeymoon
8-10 Months Before the Big Day
If you haven’t checked off some things from the 10-12 month list, don’t wait any longer. You don’t want to keep piling on tasks closer to the wedding day. The more you get done now, the less stress you’ll encounter in the months leading up to the day.
- Book that DJ or band before anyone else does
- Organize accommodations for guests
- Contact decor company to rent tables, chairs, tents, etc.
- Book that honeymoon! *Make sure passports are in order
- Order wedding cake
- If required by your church, book the pre-marriage course
- Start thinking about bachelor/bachelorette parties
6-8 Months Before the Wedding Date
- Order your wedding dress. *Many places charge rush delivery on orders under 6 months
- Plan honeymoon activities
- Order bridal dresses
- Book hotel suite
- Make adjustments to stay within budget
4-6 Months: Getting Down to the Details
- Order your wedding dress. *Many places charge rush delivery on orders under 6 months
- Plan honeymoon activities
- Order bridal dresses
- Book hotel suite
- Make adjustments to stay within budget
4-6 Months: Getting Down to the Details
- Order wedding invitations
- Order flowers from your florist
- Rent suits and formalwear
- Sort out legalities
- Create an RSVP spreadsheet
- Hair and makeup trials
- Schedule tastings and order cake and food
- Write vows and choose ceremony readings
- Purchase rings
- Book rehearsal dinner
- Plan menus
6 Weeks to 3 Months: You’re Almost There
- Send out invitations
- Dress fitting
- Organize gifts for bridesmaids, groomsmen, and parents
- Purchase accessories
- Prepare thank you cards
- Make a plan with your photographer
One Month: Down to the Details
- Last-minute changes with suppliers
- Complete personalized DIY projects
- Confirm the final RSVP list
- Pick up wedding rings
Final Two Weeks Before the Wedding!
- Deliver final headcount
- Finalize table plan
- Provide music list to DJ
- Prepare payments
- Pick up wedding dress
- Check the weather and make changes
- Confirm all arrangements
- Pack for honeymoon and reception
- Final fittings
- Drop off menus, place cards, etc to reception coordinator
- And finally, get a long night’s rest!