12-Month Wedding Checklist

We're thrilled to present a streamlined 12-month wedding planning checklist, crafted to assist you in organizing your journey to the altar. This guide is designed to provide a clear roadmap of the key milestones and decisions you'll encounter along the way. For those blessed with additional time beyond the 12-month mark, consider tackling certain tasks even earlier to ensure a smooth planning process.

Your feedback is invaluable to us! Should you spot an area for improvement, whether it's a task that could be added or adjusted on the timeline, please don't hesitate to reach out. Remember, this checklist serves as a source of inspiration and a starting point; we encourage you to tailor it to fit the unique contours of your love story.

Happy Planning!

Here's my 12-month wedding checklist:

12 Months Before:

1. Define your budget.

2. Decide on the wedding size and style.

3. Choose the wedding date.

4. Start researching vendors (photographers, caterers, florists, bands/DJs, etc.).

5. Begin looking at wedding venues.

6. Create a preliminary guest list.

7. Consider wedding insurance.

11 Months Before:

1. Book your wedding venue.

2. Select and purchase wedding attire.

3. Choose and book your photographer and videographer.

4. Start planning the honeymoon.

5. Research and book caterers if not provided by the venue.

6. Take engagement photos. 

7. Send Save-the-dates.

10 Months Before:

1. Finalize the guest list.

2. Choose and ask your wedding party members.

3. Book entertainment (band or DJ).

4. Begin planning the ceremony and reception décor.

5. Start a fitness or wellness routine, if desired.

9 Months Before:

1. Order the wedding dress and schedule fittings.

2. Book a block of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests.

3. Register for gifts.

4. Begin shopping for bridesmaids’ dresses.

5. Start looking at invitations.

8 Months Before:

1. Hire the florist.

2. Arrange transportation (limos, vintage cars, etc.).

3. Plan and book the rehearsal dinner venue.

4. Decide on the groom’s and groomsmen's attire.

5. Begin cake tastings and select your cake.

7 Months Before:

1. Research and book honeymoon.

2. Start looking for a hair stylist and makeup artist.

3. Begin pre-marital counseling if desired.

4. Choose and order wedding invitations.

6 Months Before:

1. Purchase wedding bands.

2. Book hair stylist and makeup artist.

3. Check on wedding dress and schedule final fittings.

4. Start planning the ceremony specifics with the officiant.

5. Arrange transportation for guests if needed.

5 Months Before:

1. Finalize the menu with the caterer.

2. Order wedding favors.

3. Book any additional entertainment (photo booth, etc.).

4. Choose your music and special songs.

5. Begin drafting vows.

4 Months Before:

1. Finalize the rehearsal dinner plans.

2. Choose groomsmen’s attire and confirm fittings.

3. Confirm bridesmaids’ dresses and fittings.

4. Order wedding cake.

5. Finalize honeymoon plans and ensure all documents are in order.

3 Months Before:

1. Mail the wedding invitations.

2. Plan bachelor/bachelorette parties.

3. Finalize ceremony readings and music.

4. Purchase gifts for the wedding party.

5. Begin dance lessons, if desired.

2 Months Before:

1. Apply for marriage license.

2. Finalize seating chart.

3. Confirm all vendors and their day-of details.

4. Have a hair and makeup trial.

5. Finalize the timeline for the wedding day.

1 Month Before:

1. Have final dress fitting.

2. Confirm honeymoon reservations and pack.

3. Write thank-you cards for early gifts received.

4. Confirm arrival times with vendors.

5. Have a final walk-through at the venue.

Week of the Wedding:

1. Get a manicure, pedicure, and any beauty treatments.

2. Reconfirm details with all vendors.

3. Pack for the wedding day.

4. Attend the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.

5. Relax and get plenty of rest.

This is a generalized list and will absolutely need modification to fit your special day, as every wedding is unique in its own way.