12-Month Snapshot

August 7, 2018 Erika Grubb

12-Month Wedding Planning

Newly engaged and not sure where to start? Wondering about all the things you'll need to do and when? Our month-by-month snapshot of all your wedding to-dos will steer you in the right direction to the wedding of your dreams!

10-12 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING

· Set a wedding date.

· Set your budget. That number will be one of the main deciding factors in determining your venue.

· Decide on the number of guests you would like to have at your wedding. Consider your budget when compiling this list.

· Compile a rough guest list and organize addresses.

· Search for wedding planners and/or day-of coordination assistance.

· Locate and reserve ceremony and reception site.

· Select your photographer and videographer.

8-10 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING

· Shop for a dress, shoes, and accessories (time for alterations and fittings).

· Book hotel rooms or reserve a block of rooms for out of town guests.

· Book an engagement shoot with your photographer.

· Select save the date cards.

· Set-up your registry and wedding website to share information with guest.

· Book a caterer and complete initial tasting.

· Reserve DJ/music for ceremony and reception.

· Have a design meeting with your wedding planner.

6-8 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING

· Choose your bridal party and attire.

· Select your ceremony officiant.

· Send save the date cards, priority to out of town guests.

· Book a florist. If you decide to do the flowers yourself, keep costs low by using more greenery and stick to just one or two in-season blooms.

· Book dessert and complete initial tasting.

· Reserve any rentals needed for ceremony and/or reception.

· Hire a hair stylist and makeup artist and reserve trials.

4-6 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING

· Order your wedding stationery (invitations, RSVP, thank you, calligraphy, place cards, programs, menus, escort cards).

· Secure your transportation.

· Book a hotel room for day of prep and wedding night.

· Decide on wedding favors.

· Book your honeymoon.

· Book your rehearsal dinner location.

· Shop for wedding rings.

· Reserve décor and lighting vendors (draping, specialty rentals).

· Book specialty entertainment vendors (photo booth, cigar).

2-4 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING

· Finalize floral decisions.

· Select and prepare your ceremony service with officiate.

· Schedule the rehearsal date and time.

· Finalize and mail out your invitations.

· Purchase gift for bride/groom, bridal party, parents and in-laws.

· Complete music selection for ceremony and reception.

· Purchase gift bags for hotel guests.

· Confirm bridal party has ordered/purchased attire.

· Schedule hair and makeup for day of wedding.

· Order alcohol and beverage items.

· Arrange a babysitter/activities for kids.

· Determine post wedding activities (brunch, breakfast).

1-2 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING

· Buy a guest book.

· Obtain your marriage license.

· Send a change of address information to post office.

· Dress fitting with veil, shoes, and accessories.

· Prepare a seating plan.

· Prepare toasts for rehearsal dinner and wedding reception.

· Finalize speeches and itinerary with wedding planner.

· Finalize rehearsal dinner and post wedding brunch details.

· Schedule and attend final walk through at ceremony and reception site.

· Confirm final guest count with vendors and send final payments.

· Confirm final numbers for rentals, linens, floral and décor items.

· Estimate gratuity for vendors.

1-2 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING

· Confirm final count with caterer.

· Finalize transportation arrangements for ceremony and reception.

· Ensure all items for the day of the wedding are packed up for delivery (toasting flutes, guest book, decor items, etc.).