Wedding Planning Calendar

To help you prepare for your wedding, we've scoured different websites, guides and resources to put together this 12-month wedding planning calendar.

It will assist you in taking care of all the details leading up to your big day!

12 months prior

• Create a budget.
• Find the people who will help you plan your wedding. This might include a professional wedding planner or consultant.
• Select possible dates & times. Begin checking with potential venues and important guests about a possible date.
• Begin putting together the guest list.
• Select your ceremony and reception sites.
• Ask the people you want to be in your wedding party.

8-10 months prior

• Shop for and select your gown.
• Begin brainstorming for the menu for your reception.
• Consider possible entertainment options - DJ, band, pianist, etc.
• Start to think about options for floral arrangements.
• Meet with and book the wedding professionals you'd like to use - photographer, videographer, band, florist, etc.
• Research and reserve lodging for out-of-town guests.
• Create a gift registry.
• Contact rental companies to make arrangements for rentals you might need, such as tents, chairs, tables, etc.

6-8 months prior

• Book musicians if you plan on having any perform as part of the ceremony.
• Select bridesmaid dresses.
• Begin planning your honeymoon.
• Send save-the-date cards, which is of particular importance for a destination wedding.

4-6 months prior

• Order wedding invitations.
• Select and purchase wedding rings.
• Shop for formalwear and attire.
• Research, sample, and select your wedding cake.

3 months prior

• If you want wedding invitations professionally addressed, hire a calligrapher.
• Rent the men's formalwear for the groom and groomsmen.
• Hire transportation for your wedding day - limousines and other car services.

2 months prior

• Mail your invitations.
• If you're planning to write your own vows, begin working on them.
• Purchase gifts for parents and your wedding party.
• Book the stylist and make-up artist. Consider trying out different options and looks.

1 month prior

• Apply for your marriage license.
• Have your final gown fitting and learn how to bustle your dress.
• Check with bridesmaids to make sure their gowns look and fit well.
• Create your wedding program.

2 weeks prior

• Review RSVP lists and contact any guests who haven't responded.
• Deliver shot lists to photographer and/or videographer. Include list of who you'll want in portrait shots and when they should be taken.
• Deliver song list to band or DJ. Also include a "Do Not Play" list.
• Get your final haircut.

1 week prior

• Provide a final headcount to your caterer and reception venue. For the meal, don't forget to include vendors who could be expecting a meal, such as photographers or DJs. Check with the caterer about how many extra places will be prepared.
• Check with vendors about any special requests or set-up requirements that need to be coordinated with the venue.
• Create the seating chart for the reception, if desired.
• Print table cards for the reception.
• Confirm plans and arrangements with all vendors and make sure all delivery has been scheduled with the venue. Keep contact information for all involved parties.
• Attend bachelor/bachelorette parties.

2-3 days prior

• Have gown pressed/steamed.
• Final fitting and pickup formal wear for groom and all groomsmen.
• Select positions and order of processional and recessional for the wedding party.
• Provide table cards, menus, favors, and any other items included in the setting to the venue and/or caterer.
• Arrange pick-up times with the transportation company.
• Check on out-of-town guests who may need assistance with transportation.

1 day prior

• Provide emergency contact info to all vendors.
• Arrange payment for all bills and balances due at the end of the reception.
• Rehearsal Ceremony - include wedding party and all involved with the reception to work through the details of the ceremony. Bring any needed accessories (such as a unity candle) to the site.
• Provide marriage license to the wedding officiant.
• Attend your rehearsal dinner.
• Give gifts to the members of your wedding party.

Wedding Day

• Present gifts to parents and your soon-to-be spouse.
• Give wedding bands to your best man and maid/matron of honor, who will hold them during the ceremony.
• Assign a family member or member of your wedding party to be the photographer's contact so that he/she knows who is who.

After the Wedding

• Select someone to be in charge of returning any rentals.
• Have the time of your life on your honeymoon!
• Write and send thank-you notes.