12 – 10 months before
- Write up the guest list
- Have the money conversation and set a budget
- Book ceremony site and reception venue
- Hire a wedding planner
- Go dress shopping
- Shop for vendors
9 – 6 months before
- Book the caterer, band/DJ, florist, photographer, ceremony musicians, and rental clothing items
- Block hotel rooms for out-of-town guests
- Register for wedding gifts
- Order bridesmaids’ dresses
- Book the honeymoon
- Order invitations
- Send save-the-dates
- Shop for wedding bands
- Choose the getaway car
- Secure wedding-day transportation for guests
5 – 2 months before
- Order the cake
- Plan the rehearsal dinner
- Choose the groom’s and groomsmen’s attire
- Hammer out details with vendors
- Set up your hair-and-makeup trial
- Write vows if you plan on personalizing
- Finalize the ceremony with the officiant
- Mail invitations
- Buy gifts for your bridal party, parents, and fiancé
- Confirm arrival of bridesmaids’ dresses
1 – 0 months before
- Obtain a marriage license
- Partake in bachelor/bachelorette festivities
- Have your final dress fitting
- Submit a shot list to the photographer
- Send playlists to the DJ or band
- Provide a final head count to the site and caterer
- Finalize the seating chart
- Break in your shoes
- Write checks due day-of
- Rehearse and say “I Do”!
