The Ultimate Wedding Planning Timeline: From Engagement to ‘I Do’

Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming—especially when you don’t know where to start. Whether you’re newly engaged or already have a Pinterest board bursting with ideas, having a clear timeline is key to staying organized (and sane!) throughout the process.

My comprehensive blog will walk you through what to do month-by-month—from saying “Yes!” to saying “I do.

12+ Months Before the Wedding | Set Your Foundation

• Celebrate your engagement!

• Discuss your wedding vision and priorities (style, size, vibe) with your partner

  • This is when you will want to begin designing your wedding brand and aesthetic so you can share with your florist and other vendors when you hire them

• Create a preliminary guest list (this will help you create your budget)

• Layout and create your budget — check out my blog on How to Create a Wedding Budget!

• Hire a wedding planner (if you’re using one!)

• Book your venue — popular dates go quickly

10-11 Months Before | Book Your Dream Team

• Secure your photographer, videographer, caterer, florist, and band/DJ

• Choose your officiant

• Start dress shopping (most dresses will take 8-6 months to order and you will want plenty of time for alterations)

• Design and order your Save-the-Dates

9-8 Months Before | Get the Details in Motion

• Create your wedding website

• Book transportation and hotel blocks for guests

• Hire hair and makeup artists

• Send your Save-the-Dates

  • These should go out at least 6 months in advance for a local wedding and at least 10 months for destination weddings

4-5 Months Before | Make It Personal

• Finalize florals, rentals, and decor

• Schedule your engagement photos (if you haven’t already!)

• Choose attire for your wedding party

• Design and order your wedding invitations

2-3 Months Before | Finalize the Big Pieces

• Plan your rehearsal dinner

  • If you are including a rehearsal dinner invitation in your suite, you will need to finalize these details prior to sending your wedding invitations

• Send wedding invitations

  • 8 weeks in advance for a local wedding and at least 10 weeks for destination weddings

• Meet with your officiant and plan your ceremony timeline

• Have your first dress fitting

• Order wedding day signage and any other paper goods

1 Month Before | Bring It All Together

• Create and finalize your seating chart

• Write your vows

• Confirm all vendor details and arrival times

• Have your final dress fitting

1 Week Before

• Pack for your honeymoon

• Prep your wedding day emergency kit

• Get a facial, massage, or whatever makes you feel pampered

Wedding Day

• Trust your vendors

• Soak it all in and be present! 

Ready to Start Planning Your Dream Wedding?

Whether you need full-service planning or help coordinating all the moving pieces, I’m here to help! And if you’re looking for custom wedding invitations that reflect your unique style, let’s talk about designing something just for you. Let’s bring your dream day to life!