Your Complete Wedding Planning Checklist
Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting — and overwhelming — things you'll ever do. With so many moving parts, a clear timeline is your best friend. This 12-month wedding checklist breaks everything down month by month so nothing falls through the cracks.
Need supplies along the way? Browse our Weddings collection for everything from decorations to favors.
12 Months Out
- ✓ Announce your engagement!
- ✓ Set your overall budget
- ✓ Decide on a rough guest count
- ✓ Choose your wedding date (or narrow it to a season)
- ✓ Research and book your venue — venues book up fast
- ✓ Start your wedding vision board (colors, style, vibe)
- ✓ Get engaged ring insured — browse Engagement Rings
10–11 Months Out
- ✓ Book your photographer and videographer
- ✓ Book your officiant
- ✓ Start researching caterers
- ✓ Begin dress shopping (dresses take 4–6 months to arrive)
- ✓ Create your wedding website
- ✓ Start your gift registry
8–9 Months Out
- ✓ Book your caterer
- ✓ Book your florist or plan DIY florals
- ✓ Book your band or DJ
- ✓ Choose and ask your wedding party
- ✓ Book hair and makeup artists
- ✓ Start planning your honeymoon
6–7 Months Out
- ✓ Order your wedding dress
- ✓ Choose bridesmaid dresses — browse Wedding Guest Dresses
- ✓ Book accommodations for out-of-town guests
- ✓ Plan your ceremony (readings, vows, music)
- ✓ Order wedding invitations — browse Wedding Invitations
- ✓ Start planning rehearsal dinner
- ✓ Book transportation
4–5 Months Out
- ✓ Send save-the-dates
- ✓ Order wedding cake or desserts
- ✓ Plan and order wedding decorations — browse Weddings collection
- ✓ Schedule dress fittings
- ✓ Plan bridal shower and bachelor/bachelorette parties
- ✓ Choose wedding favors — browse Favors & Gifts
- ✓ Book photo booth — browse Photo Booths
2–3 Months Out
- ✓ Send wedding invitations (8 weeks before the wedding)
- ✓ Finalize ceremony and reception details with all vendors
- ✓ Apply for marriage license (check your local requirements)
- ✓ Plan seating chart
- ✓ Write your vows
- ✓ Order wedding bands — browse Wedding Bands
- ✓ Finalize honeymoon bookings
1 Month Out
- ✓ Confirm all vendor bookings
- ✓ Chase outstanding RSVPs
- ✓ Finalize headcount with caterer
- ✓ Final dress fitting
- ✓ Prepare wedding day emergency kit
- ✓ Assign day-of responsibilities to wedding party
- ✓ Prepare vendor payments and tips
1–2 Weeks Out
- ✓ Deliver final guest count to caterer
- ✓ Confirm timeline with all vendors
- ✓ Attend rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
- ✓ Pack for honeymoon
- ✓ Pick up wedding dress
- ✓ Prepare gifts for wedding party
Wedding Day
- ✓ Eat breakfast!
- ✓ Give rings to best man/maid of honor
- ✓ Have someone hold your phone
- ✓ Take a quiet moment with your partner before the ceremony
- ✓ Enjoy every single second — you planned this!
After the Wedding
- ✓ Send thank-you cards within 3 months
- ✓ Return any rentals
- ✓ Preserve your wedding dress
- ✓ Change your name (if applicable)
- ✓ Relive it all through your photos and video
More Wedding Planning Resources
- The Ultimate Wedding Planning Guide 2026
- How to Plan a Wedding Reception
- Bridal Shower Planning Guide
- Wedding Decoration Ideas on a Budget
- Wedding Invitation Wording & Etiquette Guide
- How to Choose Wedding Invitations
Shop all wedding supplies at Party Planner Shop.
