Wedding Planning Timeline

I am frequently asked about how long it really takes to plan a wedding.  There is no simple answer to this question.  I have planned weddings in as little as 4 weeks while others were planned over the course of over 2 years.  However, with engagement season approaching I thought I would share this basic guide to help any couple planning their wedding.  Please note that this is a guide and not meant to be followed to the "T" because everyone plans at a different pace.  Tailor the outline to you and your fiancé and remember to have fun!

Sample Timeline of Events

10  to 12 Months

v  Select date along with backup dates

v  Decide budget

v  Decide type of wedding (Formal, Semi-Formal, Informal)

v  Compile guest list with addresses

v  Choose location of ceremony

v  Choose location of reception

v  Choose officiate

v  Decide size of wedding party, choose attendants

v  Select and order gown and veil

v  Select and order bridesmaid’s, flower girl’s, groomsmen and ring bearer’s apparel

v  Plan details of reception

v  Decide on a rehearsal date and space

v  Buy wedding rings and order engraving

v  Select photographer, videographer and caterer

v  Have engagement photos taken

v  Discuss honeymoon plans

v  Plan details for your reception

v  Discuss gown colors and styles with mothers of bride and groom

v  Select entertainment

v  Select and order invitations, announcements, thank you cards, personal stationery, programs, cocktail napkins, etc.

v  Reserve accommodations for out-of-town guests

v  Reserve room for wedding night (generally done when booking your hotel for your guests)

6  to 10 Months

v  Announce engagement in local newspaper

v  Reserve transportation for the bridal party

v  Reserve transportation to and from the ceremony and reception for out-of-town guests

v  Make honeymoon plans

v  Shop for your cake

v  Select hair and makeup personal for your wedding day. Schedule trials 3 months prior to wedding.

3 to 6 Months

v    Select and order men’s formal wear

v    Select ceremony musician

v    Select bridal registry items and register with one or more bridal registries

v    Reserve rental equipment, tables, chairs, tents, etc. with your caterer or rental company (if applicable)

v    Choose and order favors

v    Arrange to get necessary passports, visas and vaccinations or any honeymoon details at this time.

v    Address wedding invitations or secure your calligrapher

v    Order wedding and groom’s cakes and place deposit

v    Schedule rehearsal, decide on menu, place deposit

v    Discuss details of menu with caterer and schedule tasting

1 to 3 Months

v  Complete shopping for wedding apparel

v  Discuss ceremony flow and details with officiate

v  Confirm (and reconfirm) delivery dates of all dresses

v  Select music for ceremony and reception

v  Buy attendants gifs and gifts for each other

v  Choose readings and confirm/write vows for ceremony

v  Invite wedding party and guests to the rehearsal dinner

v  Organize seating arrangements and order place cards from calligrapher

v  Schedule all final bridal dress fittings

v  Pick up wedding rings (check engravings and sizes)

v  Schedule all final attendant’s fittings

v  Confirm honeymoon reservations and begin making a list to make packing effortless

v  Select reception decorations and accessories: cake knife & server, candles, table favors

v  Select ceremony accessories:  unity candle, ring pillow, flower girl’s basket, guest book and pen

v  Select personal accessories:  handbag, garter, engraved toasting glasses, guest mementos

v  Finalize details for photographer, videographer, florist, entertainment, bakery, and officiate

v  Schedule appointments facial, manicure, and massage

v  Record gifts as you receive them:  write thank you notes and mail

v  Assign friends or family to assist with guest book and gift table

v  Arrange bridesmaids’ brunch or luncheon details

v  Arrange for gown cleaning and bouquet preservation after the ceremony

v  Conduct hair and makeup trials to experiment with hairstyles and make-up changes

v  Register for marriage license or as applicable to the rules in your area

1 to 2 Weeks

v  Confirm out-of-town guests’ lodging with reserved hotels

v  Confirm wedding party transportation and arrival times

v  Confirm time and date of wedding rehearsal with wedding party

v  Contact people who haven’t responded

v  Final consultations:  florist, musicians, photographer, videographer, bakery

v  Give final guest count to reception facility

v  Remind men to pick up formal wear and shoes (check that they fit)

v  Make wedding day schedule and give everyone copies at rehearsal dinner

v  Finish honeymoon packing, prepare going away outfit

v  Confirm responsibilities assigned to family and friends

v  Confirm honeymoon arrangements