Planning a wedding is a thrilling experience, but it can also be overwhelming without a clear plan. To keep things stress-free, we’ve created the ultimate wedding planning timeline to guide you through every step of the process. Whether you’re planning a lavish celebration or an intimate affair, this timeline ensures nothing gets overlooked.
12+ Months Before the Wedding: Laying the Foundation
Set Your Budget
Your budget will shape many decisions, from venue selection to vendor choices. Set a realistic spending limit and prioritise key expenses such as the venue, photography, and catering.
Choose Your Wedding Style & Theme
Start gathering inspiration for your dream wedding. Consider creating a Pinterest board or a mood board to visualise colours, décor, and themes.
Book Your Venue & Set a Date
Venues can be booked up quickly, so secure yours as early as possible. Consider factors like season, guest accommodations, and availability of your preferred location.
Hire a Wedding Planner (If Needed)
A planner can help manage logistics, vendor coordination, and budgeting, making the process smoother.
Draft Your Guest List
Compile a preliminary list to get an estimate of attendance. The guest count can influence your venue selection and budget.
Book Essential Vendors
Popular vendors such as photographers, videographers, and caterers get booked well in advance, so secure them early.
Featured Vendor: Krust
9–12 Months Before: Bringing the Vision to Life
Choose Your Wedding Party
Ask your bridesmaids, groomsmen, and other key participants to stand by your side on your big day.
Start Wedding Dress Shopping
Since wedding gowns take months to order and alter, begin shopping early to allow ample time for fittings.
Featured Vendor: Blanco Bridal Couture
Book Additional Vendors
Reserve your florist, hair and makeup artist, entertainment, and transportation services.
Plan the Ceremony Details
Discuss special traditions, readings, or rituals you’d like to incorporate into your ceremony.
Reserve Hotel Blocks for Guests
Secure accommodations for out-of-town guests and share booking details with them.
Schedule Engagement Photos
Engagement photos offer a chance to work with your photographer before the big day and create beautiful memories.
6–9 Months Before: Finalizing the Essentials
Send Save-the-Dates
If you’re planning a destination wedding or have many travelling guests, send save-the-dates to give them ample notice.
Design Wedding Invitations
Choose an invitation design that reflects your wedding theme and personality.
Featured Vendor: Sulit Design
Plan the Reception Details
Finalize your menu, seating arrangements, entertainment, and décor elements.
Create a Wedding Website
Include key information like RSVPs, venue details, and your registry for easy guest access.
Order Wedding Party Attire
Ensure bridesmaids, groomsmen, and other key participants order their outfits in time for alterations.
Plan Your Honeymoon
Book flights, hotels, and excursions for your post-wedding getaway.
4–6 Months Before: Getting Into the Details
Purchase Wedding Rings
Buy your rings early to allow time for resizing if necessary.
Plan Bachelor & Bachelorette Parties
Your wedding party will likely organize these events, but you can provide input.
Book the Rehearsal Dinner Venue
Choose and reserve a location for your pre-wedding gathering with close family and friends.
Arrange Wedding Day Transportation
Plan how you, your wedding party, and your guests will travel to and from the venue.
Finalize Floral Arrangements
Work with your florist to decide on bouquets, centrepieces, and floral décor.
2–3 Months Before: The Final Stretch
Mail Invitations
Include RSVP details with a deadline of 4–6 weeks before the wedding.
Write Your Vows
If you’re writing personal vows, start drafting and refining them now.
Purchase Accessories
Ensure you have all necessary accessories, including shoes, jewellery, veil, and undergarments.
Confirm Beauty Appointments
Schedule hair, makeup, and nail trials to finalise your wedding day look.
Create a Wedding Day Timeline
Outline a schedule for vendors, the wedding party, and key moments to ensure a smooth day.
1 Month Before: The Home Stretch
Attend Final Dress Fitting
Make any necessary last-minute alterations to your gown.
Confirm Vendors & Delivery Times
Ensure all vendors have the correct schedule and that final payments are made.
Assign Wedding Day Roles
Delegate responsibilities such as managing gifts, handling tips, and coordinating the send-off.
Create a Shot List for Your Photographer
List must-have photos to capture all special moments.
Break in Your Shoes
Wear your wedding shoes around the house to avoid discomfort on the big day.
1–2 Weeks Before: Final Preparations
Provide Final Guest Count to Caterer
Confirm numbers for food and seating arrangements.
Pack for the Honeymoon
Prepare travel documents, outfits, and essentials.
Pick Up Wedding Attire
Ensure all outfits are steamed or pressed and ready to go.
Have a Relaxing Pre-Wedding Celebration
Enjoy some quality time with friends and family before the wedding.
Wedding Week: The Countdown Begins!
Rehearsal & Rehearsal Dinner
Run through the ceremony with your wedding party and officiant to ensure everyone knows their role.
Delegate Last-Minute Tasks
Assign small responsibilities to trusted friends or family so you can focus on enjoying the moment.
Relax & Get Plenty of Rest
Your wedding day will be one of the most memorable days of your life, make sure you’re well-rested and ready to enjoy it!
