Wedding Timeline
Planning a wedding can take a very long time. Here I outline what needs to be done for your wedding and generally when it should take place. Obviously, these are just guidelines, but it can be extremely helpful to keep track of what you need to do. At the end of this page, I offer suggestions if you are having a destination wedding or if you are if you are planning a wedding in a hurry.
12 months to 9 months
Decide when and where you are going to have your ceremony and reception
Pick a theme and/or colors for your wedding
Pick out and buy your wedding dress
Determine who will perform your ceremony
Decide how many guests you would like to invite
Choose your wedding photographer
9 months to 6 months
Choose your baker, musical entertainment, florist, videographer and caterer if necessary
Decide on your bridal party
Choose and buy your bridesmaid dresses
Start your bridal registry
Begin pre-marriage counseling if desired
Pick out and purchase wedding invitations
6 months to 3 months
Shop for your accessories: veil, headpiece, shoes and jewelery
Purchase wedding rings for each other
Decide on your men’s attire and inform them to get their measurements
Look into state requirements for a marriage license
Call local hotels to reserve rooms for out of town guests
Complete guest list and send out invitations
Get engagement picture taken
3 months to 1 month
Send wedding announcement to your local paper
Determine when and where to have the groom/rehearsal dinner
Buy your guest book, pen, unity candle and other ceremony accessories
Get gifts for your wedding party
Confirm your menu, musicians, photographer, baker and florist
Hire a limousine or other car service
Buy the groom and bride gifts
1 month to two weeks
See the county recorder and get your marriage license
Decide whether if you want a seating chart, if so make place mat cards
1 week before
Call any guests you haven’t heard from yet
Confirm the number of guests with your caterer
Finalize groom’s dinner
Get party favors together and ready
If you are having a destination wedding you need to be understanding that some of your guests are going to want to be with you on your day but can’t do to financial or time reasons. In order for all the important people in your life to be able to be with your during your wedding is really vital. If many people can’t you may consider having an open house once you get back from your wedding. This way you can still be able to spend time with all your guests even those that couldn’t make it to the destination where the wedding actually took place.