POV: you just got engaged, you’re hoping to get married in a year’s time, and everyone you know is asking you endless questions about what you’ve gotten done, where it will be, and what they should wear. It can get overwhelming pretty quickly!
Planning a wedding is a big job. There are seemingly endless tasks to accomplish. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and wondering how you can possibly plan your wedding in a year, you’ve come to the right place. If you have 12 months to plan your wedding, then this to-do list will help make sure you have everything in place for your big day.
12 Months Out
Things can feel too far away to be real at this point, but it’s important to start working on the big-picture things for your wedding. You’re getting the foundation in place at this point, and here are some things you want to make sure you do:
Choose the big day (or up to three possible dates so you can be flexible with vendors)
Talk about your budget (get clear on this or you’ll end up going over) and clarify who is contributing what amount)
Start contacting venues to find availability for your date
Browse ideas and start getting a feel for what you want your wedding day to look like
Browse dress and veil styles to get an idea of what you like
Start building a list of wedding professionals (wedding planner, photographer/videographer, caterer, florist, DJ, hair/makeup artist)
Start building your guest list
Set up your wedding website
Order your Save the Dates
Schedule an engagement photo session
10-11 Months Out
Now that it’s under a year until your wedding day, things are starting to feel more real. You’ve started planning, some things are falling into place, people are congratulating you—it’s time to start getting excited! Here are some tasks you want to ensure you get done in this timeframe:
Finalize and reserve the sites for your ceremony and reception
Book your vendors (wedding planner, photographer/videographer, caterer, florist, makeup/hair artist, DJ, baker)
Hire your officiant
Choose your bridal party and nail down their attire (make sure it goes with the color scheme and style of your wedding day)
Mail out all your Save the Dates
Go wedding dress shopping and purchase your dress!
Start whatever health/skincare/haircare routine you need to make sure you’re looking your best for your wedding
7-9 Months Out
Your wedding is coming up so quickly! There’s less than three-quarters of the year left to plan, but it also feels so far away. Don’t get discouraged with this part of the planning process. Take it day by day and make sure you get these things done:
Refine your guest list
Start brainstorming invitation designs
Find hotels near the wedding site for guests to stay (at least three)
Create your gift registry and be sure it’s on your website
Start thinking about the honeymoon (make sure you and your fiancé have passports if necessary)
Think about wedding rings
6 Months Out
You’re halfway there! You’ve gotten so much done, but there’s still so much left to do. Here are things you need to make sure you get done at this point:
Reserve necessary rentals for the wedding day (chairs, tables, linens, dishes, decor)
Schedule tastings with anyone making food or drinks for your wedding
Discuss the ceremony plan with your officiant
Order wedding invitations and thank you cards
Ensure transportation from the ceremony to the reception is secured
Purchase wedding rings
Explore hair and makeup styles
4-5 Months Out
You’re getting to the final details. Things are coming together and it’s beginning to feel real…but likely still far away. Don’t get too distracted. Here’s what you need to get done in this timeframe:
Finalize your wedding guest list
Schedule a dress fitting and have any alterations started
Finalize florals (bouquets, boutonnieres, decor)
Order your wedding cake
Prepare a song list for your DJ
Consider guest list for rehearsal dinner
Book the venue for the rehearsal dinner
Book your honeymoon flights and hotels
Book a room for your wedding night
2-3 Months Out
If it’s not feeling real yet, it should! You’re in the final stretch. This is crunch time and there are a lot of final details to work out. Here is everything you need to get done in this time:
Mail invitations and develop a tracking system for RSVPs
Apply for a marriage license
Purchase remainder of wedding day necessities (toasting flutes, ring bearer pillow, guest book, flower basket, serving utensils, decor)
Finalize reception menu
Plan ceremony/reception seating charts
Develop a wedding day timeline and make sure it gets to your vendors
Finalize music for the ceremony and reception
Write your vows
Design wedding day programs
Purchase gifts for the bridal party, family, vendors, etc.
Have a bridal shower
1 Month Out
Here are little things not to forget. The wedding day is almost here and things are feeling electrified. Don’t get bogged down in stress! Take it one day at a time.
Confirm dates and times with all your vendors
Pick up the marriage license
Final dress fitting
Give guest count to the caterer
Update gift registries
Confirm honeymoon reservations
Make arrangements for pet/plant/childcare over honeymoon
Delegate wedding day duties (tux rental return, gift collection, guestbook)
Pack for the honeymoon
Write thank you notes as you receive gifts
1 Week Out
You’re almost there. It’s so close! Here are some final details to consider:
Prepare all final payments for vendors
Make sure the photographer/videographer has your requests
Prepare wedding day emergency kit
Get nails done/go get a spa treatment
Get Married!
All your hard work, organization, and patience have paid off. It’s time to get married. Let the day happen, sit back, and enjoy the delicious food, wonderful music, and company of your loved ones. Don’t forget to celebrate what matters: you finally get to marry the love of your life!
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