Use this handy 12-month wedding task countdown to help you stay on track for your big day.
12 or More Months Prior to Wedding
- Determine wedding budget
- Decide on the size of your wedding
- Hire wedding planner
- Pick wedding date and time
- Begin looking at ceremony and reception venues
- Inform family and friends of your engagement
- Start a wedding folder to keep information and ideas
10 to 12 Months Prior to Wedding
- Meet with Clergy / Choose church or ceremony location
- Have an engagement party
- Start shopping for your wedding gown
- Begin researching photographers
- Gather information about DJs and wedding bands
- Start thinking about wedding cake
- Visit reception venues
- Choose wedding party
- Begin looking at florists
8 to 10 Months Prior to Wedding
- Choose and order invitations
- Finalize florist
- Finalize photographer and videographer
- Book DJ or band
- Order wedding gown
- Shop for bridesmaid dresses
- Book caterer
6 to 8 Months Prior to Wedding
- Send out “Save the Date” cards
- Register for gifts
- Decide on menu
- Order bridesmaid dresses
- Begin planning the honeymoon
- Create song list for reception
- Choose first dance song
- Purchase wedding rings
3 to 6 Months prior to Wedding
- Schedule salon hair appointments
- Write wedding vows
- Meet with minister
- Shop for flower girl dress
- Book groom and groomsmen’s formal wear
- Pick signature drink
- Decide on wedding centrepieces
- Choose accessories
- Order wedding cake
- Schedule transportation
2 Months Prior to Wedding
- Schedule final wedding gown fitting
- Finalize honeymoon itinerary
- Pay for honeymoon
- Send out invitations
- Begin organizing gifts
- Keep track of RSVPs
1 Month Prior to Wedding
- Finalize seating arrangements
- Make seating chart and cards
- Make or purchase favours
- Purchase gifts for bridal party
- Prepare tip envelopes
- Create a vendor list with emergency numbers
- Finalize dates and times of all vendors
- Give list of photos to photographer
- Get marriage license
2 Weeks Prior to Wedding
- Create itinerary for wedding day, distribute
- Make sure out of town guests have accommodations
- Final wedding dress fitting
- Make an emergency kit for your wedding day
- Pick up wedding rings
1 Week Prior to Wedding
- Write checks to vendors and place them in envelopes
- Assign helpers to manage vendors
- Attend rehearsal and dinner
- Give presents to attendants
- Verify arrangements
- Visit hair salon
- Visit nail salon
Wedding Day
- Have unity candle and decorations delivered and set up
- Distribute wedding bouquets
- Have fun