Your Wedding Planning Calendar

Here is a rough list of what needs to be done and when. Of course, everyone is going to have a different amount of time between the engagement and the wedding, so you’ll have to work out a schedule of your own based on these guidelines.

12 Months or More (Before the Wedding)

• Announce your engagement
• Decide on a wedding budget
• Pick a wedding date
• Find a wedding consultant (if desired)

9-11 Months Before the Wedding

• Get a folder or binder for organizing info and receipts
• Start looking at reception sites (book one as soon as possible)
• Interview wedding caterers and pick one
• Start looking for an officiant
• Decide on how many guests you want
• Choose your attendants/groomsmen early so that you can delegate tasks
• Find a wedding ceremony site
• Choose a theme for your wedding and reception (colors, style, etc.)
• Start looking for a wedding dress
• Finalize the guest list with full names, addresses, etc.
• Start looking for a wedding band or DJ and book them as soon as possible
• Look into any rentals you need for your wedding reception site
• Decide on an officiant and meet with them
• Interview wedding photographers (and videographers)
• Make a final decision on your gown

6-8 Months Before the Wedding

• Reserve your photographer (and videographer)
• Choose a florist and tell them what you have in mind for your flowers
• Give your bridesmaids/groomsmen lists of tasks
• Decide on where you are going to register and pick what you want
• Find dresses for your bridesmaids
• Send out ”Save the Date” cards or contact out-of-town guests
• Select a baker and choose your wedding cake style
• Get your bridesmaids’ measurements, or have them order their dresses themselves
• Find ceremony musicians (if desired)
• Order your wedding gown
• Start planning the rehearsal dinner
• Figure out what style and wording you want for your invitations
• Finalize menu and service details with your caterer
• Order your invitations (make sure you get extra, just in case!)

4-5 Months Before the Wedding

• Groom should decide on what he and his groomsmen will wear
• Rent what you need for your reception (tables, chairs, etc.) unless they provide it
• Start planning the honeymoon and book as soon as possible
• Book a calligrapher or printer for your invitations
• Reserve a site for your rehearsal dinner
• Book hotel room for your wedding night
• Finalize your decision on a floral scheme and tell the florist

2-3 Months Before the Wedding

• Choose your accessories and have the bridesmaids coordinate
• Want to try out different beauty ideas (hair dye, tanning