Wedding Planning Calendar

With your entourage chosen, you’re ready to move forward with planning Your Big Day! Below is a simple 12 Month Wedding Planning Calendar and a list of more detailed online resources on the topic.

Sample 12 Month Wedding Calendar

12 months – 9 months
Have an engagement party
Start a wedding binder
Determine your budget
Select your bridal party
Build your guest list
Hire a wedding planner
Set your date
Book ceremony & reception sites
Book officiant
Research vendors

8 months – 6 months
Book vendors
Purchase a gown
Book a hotel block
Register for gifts
Set up a wedding website
Choose invitations
Hire calligrapher
Start planning honeymoon
Select bridesmaids dresses
Send Save the Dates
Arrange transportation

5 months – 3 months
Book the venue for rehearsal dinner
Select and order cake
Attend bridal showers
Purchase gown accessories
Begin gown fittings
Schedule hair and makeup & trial appts.
Choose songs
Plan welcome baskets
Finalize food and flowers
Order favors
Talk to guests giving toasts
Plan order of ceremony and reception
Print menu cards and programs
Purchase rings
Send event schedule to vendors

2 months – 1 week before
Meet with vendors to finalize details
Send invites
Attend bachelorette/bachelor parties
Track RSVPs and call guests as needed
Get marriage license
Mail rehearsal dinner invitations
Have last gown fitting
Make final payments wherever possible
Confirm vendors and appointments
Make direction printouts
Assign seating and make seating cards
Purchase gifts for bridesmaids/groomsmen and parents
Write vows/toasts

The Week of the Wedding
Reconfirm arrival times with vendors & provide day of contacts #s
Delegate small wedding day tasks
Set a timeline for the bridal party
Have dress delivered/Pick up dress
Set aside remaining final payments and tips in small envelopes
Book spa treatment and manicure/pedicure
Send final guest count to venues and caterer
Assemble and distribute welcome baskets
Pack for your honeymoon
Relax and enjoy your perfectly planned day!

Resources:
The Knot: Planning Calendar: 12-Month Countdown
Real Simple: Wedding Planning: 16-Month Calendar

Click here to download the Wedding Timeline from Contemporary Bride