A Joyful Guide to Wedding Planning Timelines
Congratulations on your engagement! You've just said "yes" to the love of your life, and now the adventure of wedding planning begins. Amidst the excitement, it’s natural to feel a bit overwhelmed by the barrage of questions from family and friends: "When's the wedding?" "Where are you getting married?" "When are you going to start planning?" Don't worry; you're not alone. The key to navigating this joyous yet intricate journey is understanding that everyone’s wedding planning timeline is unique. In this guide, we'll break down the essential steps to help you create a timeline that works for you, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable planning process.
First things: Newly Engaged / No current timeline set
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Plan/Host Engagement Party - Not everyone will have an engagement party, but if you're expecting a "longer" engagement (18 months+) I highly recommend having one! Some couples are looking at least a few years before they're able to have their own wedding, and having an engagement party fresh off of our engagement gives something wedding related to plan. It's a really fun and exciting time to celebrate and gives couples a great jump start on wedding saving.
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Wedding Planner - If you know you want to leave the wedding planning to the professionals, start with them as your first vendor and they will be able to provide a ton of help and insight right at the start of your experience!
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Organize a rough guest list - you'll need this to make sure the venues you tour can accommodate your guest count. This will also help you as you start gathering venue and catering quotes so you can start to set your budget.
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Wedding Venue - Schedule tours and set your date once you find "the one!" your entire timeline will fall into place from here.
9-12+ Months Out
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Photographer
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Engagement Photos
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Videographer
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Florist
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Caterer (if not included with venue)
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Band/DJ
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Hair and Makeup
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Start honeymoon planning - at minimum you should have the destination decided in this phase so you can budget accordingly! You may want to hire a travel agent to take the planning off your plate, but planning can be spaced out over the next few months.
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Dress - Did you know the average bridal boutique will recommend having your dress order in by a minimum of 10 months prior to your wedding date? Dresses can take months to order, and then your seamstress will need at least a few weeks to make the perfect finishing touches. Plan accordingly! If you are already starting planning past this 10 month mark - don't fear! Make the boutiques you are visiting aware of your wedding date and they should be able to ensure that you are trying on options that will be in on time for your big day.
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Save the Dates - If your wedding will require travel accommodations, it is recommended you let your guests know your date at least 10-12 months out
6-9 Months Out
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Decor Rentals
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Officiant
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Wedding Bands
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Plan wedding weekend events: rehearsal dinner, after party, brunch, etc.
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Set up Guest Accommodations - hotel room blocks, transportation, etc.
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Wedding Party and Family Dresses - similar to wedding dress ordering, bridesmaid dresses, mother of the bride dresses, etc. are typically made to order and take some time to come in. Ordering at least 6 months prior is recommended.
3-6 Months Out
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Cake tasting
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Invitations
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Suit/Tux ordering
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Alterations
1-3 Months Out
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Marriage license
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RSVP due date, final guest numbers
Wedding planning is a beautiful journey that culminates in one of the most memorable days of your life. By creating a personalized timeline and staying organized, you can navigate this process with joy and excitement. Remember, every couple’s timeline will be different, and that’s perfectly okay. What matters most is that your wedding reflects your love and commitment to each other. So take a deep breath, embrace the journey, and get ready to celebrate your love story in the most magical way.
With Love, Frances
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