Wedding Planning Timeline and Checklist for 2024
Planning a wedding is a thrilling journey, filled with dreams, decisions, and delightful details. Following a comprehensive timeline and checklist to ensure your special day goes off without a hitch.
10 to 18 Months To Go
1. Define Your Budget and Priorities
- Establish a realistic budget to help you determine where to save and where to splurge. This will guide you in selecting the type of venue and the size of your wedding.
2. Research and Envision
- Look up references and ideas to help you envision what you want your big day to look like.
3. Date and Venue
- Book your venue as soon as possible to secure your dream wedding venue and date. Due to the high volume of reschedules and postponements, availability can be limited. *Consider off-peak days to save money.
4. Choose Your Wedding Party
- Decide who will be in your wedding party early on.
5. Hire a Wedding Planner
- A wedding coordinator will help you navigate vendor communication, keep your planning on track, and handle the unexpected.
6. Hire Your High-Priority Wedding Vendors
- Book your caterer, photographer, videographer, and decorator/florist early. Prioritize these vendors based on what's most important to you to ensure their availability. Many venues like The Oviatt have a preferred vendor list, so obtain this information early.
9 to 10 Months To Go
1. Find Your Wedding Dress
- Start dress shopping early, as wedding dresses can take up to nine months to be designed and delivered, with an additional two months for alterations.
2. Send Save-the-Dates
- Send save-the-dates six to eight months in advance. For destination weddings or holidays, give at least 10 months' notice to allow guests time to plan.
3. Complete Your Wedding Registry
- Complete your wedding registry with at least two retailers to make shopping easier for your guests. Popular options include Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, Amazon, and Zola.
6 to 9 Months To Go
1. Choose Wedding Party Attire
- Selecting bridesmaids' dresses and other wedding party outfits can be time-consuming. Start early to allow time for accessories and alterations.
2. Meet with Your Officiant
- Review ceremony plans, traditions, and necessary documentation with your officiant. Discuss custom or pre-written vows.
3. Order Your Wedding Cake
- Specialty cake designers often require long lead times. Bring photos and ideas to your appointment, and inquire about tasting options.
4. Book Your Rehearsal Dinner Venue
- Popular rehearsal dinner locations can be booked up well in advance. Secure your venue early to avoid last-minute planning.
5. Arrange Hotel Room Blocks
- Book hotel rooms for your guests to ensure availability.
6. Arrange and Book Transportation
- Book any necessary transportation for your wedding day.
4 to 6 Months To Go
1. Send Formal Wedding Invitations
- Send invitations at least four months before the wedding, or six months for destination weddings and international guests.
2. Order Wedding Favors and Party Gifts
- Personalized favors and gifts for the wedding party add a special touch. Consider creative options from Etsy or other online sources.
3 to 4 Months To Go
1. Plan Bar and Catering Tastings
- Coordinate tastings with your venue, caterer, and cake designer. Use this time to finalize your menu and drink selections.
2. Apply for Your Marriage License
- Research the requirements for obtaining a marriage license in the county where you'll be married.
3. Compile RSVPs and Arrange Seating
- Create a seating chart and floor plan. If you have a wedding planner, they can assist with this task.
4. Confirm All Vendors
- Send confirmation emails to all vendors and review your ceremony and reception timeline. Finalize payment plans and schedules.
2 to 3 Months To Go
1. Start Wedding Dress Alterations
- Begin alterations about eight weeks before your wedding. Bring your wedding-day shoes and accessories to your appointments.
2. Hair and Makeup Trial Run
- Schedule trials to ensure your hair and makeup look is perfect. Bring inspirational photos to guide your stylists.
2 Weeks to 1 Month Prior
1. Organize Final Payments
- Prepare vendor checks in advance. Designate someone to handle final payments and tips at the reception.
2. Submit Final Guest Counts
- Submit guest counts to your venue and vendors two to three weeks before the wedding. Follow up on any missing RSVPs.
1 Week Prior
1. Relax and Enjoy Time with Family and Friends
- Take time off work to relax and spend time with loved ones. Plan pre-wedding events to help guests get to know each other.
2. Wedding Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner
- Rehearse at your venue with your bridal party, officiant, and immediate family. Finalize any last-minute details and distribute gifts.
Wedding Day: Say "I Do!"
Enjoy every moment, knowing that months of planning have led up to this special occasion. Congratulations on your wedding day!