How-to
How Long Does it Take to Plan a Wedding? (Small & Big Wedding Average Time)
15 Aug 2024 •6 min read
Planning a wedding is an exciting journey, but it is a lot of work. Often couples wonder: how long does it take to plan a wedding? And how far in advance should you plan? The truth is, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Wedding planning timelines can vary greatly depending on factors such as the size of your wedding celebration, your budget, and personal preferences. Whether you're dreaming of a grand affair or an intimate gathering, understanding the typical wedding planning process can help you create a realistic timeline. This guide will walk you through the various stages of wedding planning, from 18 months out to the final countdown, helping you stay organized and stress-free as you prepare for your big day.
How long does it take to plan a wedding?
The average time to plan a wedding is typically 12-18 months, but every couple's journey is unique. Factors like venue availability, guest count, and personal preferences can influence timelines. Whether you're aiming for a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, understanding the planning process is key to a stress-free experience.
This process involves numerous elements, from choosing your bridal party to organizing the reception, coordinating with family, arranging pre-wedding events, and scheduling various meetings. Whether you're planning an elaborate celebration or an intimate gathering, understanding the typical timeline can help you navigate the process with confidence and minimize stress.
Ready to start your wedding planning journey? Sign up for Loverly's free online wedding planner to streamline your planning process and stay organized from day one.
18 months
At this stage, focus on the big picture. Begin by setting your budget, discussing your vision as a couple, and creating a guest list. Research and book your key vendors, such as the wedding venue, photographer, and caterer. Start looking for your wedding attire and consider hiring a wedding planner if needed.
To-dos:
- One of the first things to do is to set a budget and determine who's contributing
- Create a preliminary guest list
- Choose a wedding date and book your venue
- Start researching and booking key vendors (photographer, videographer, caterer)
- Begin looking at wedding attire options
- Consider engagement party plans
- Start thinking about who you want in your bridal party
12 months
It's time to dive deeper into the details. Send out save-the-dates, choose your wedding party, and begin planning your honeymoon. Research and book additional vendors like florists, musicians, and officiants. Start thinking about your wedding style and create a wedding vision board to help guide your decisions. If you have a pinterest account that is also a great place to start!
To-dos:
- Send out save the dates
- Choose your wedding party and ask them to participate
- Start planning your honeymoon
- Book additional vendors (florist, band/DJ, officiant)
- Begin drafting your wedding website
- Start a fitness and skincare regimen if desired
- Schedule a tasting with potential caterers for your reception
- Begin discussions with family about their roles and any traditions to incorporate
9 months
At this point, you should be well into your planning process. Focus on finalizing your guest list, ordering invitations, and scheduling tastings with caterers. Begin planning your ceremony structure and choosing readings or music. Don't forget to check out our guide on how to plan a wedding in 9 months for a detailed checklist.
To-dos:
- Finalize the guest list
- Order invitations and other stationery
- Schedule tastings with caterers
- Start planning ceremony details (readings, music)
- Shop for wedding rings
- Begin looking at bridesmaid dresses and groomsmen attire
- Start researching hair and makeup artists
- Plan pre-wedding events like the bridal shower and bachelor/bachelorette parties
6 months
Half a year to go! It's time to send out invitations, schedule dress fittings, and finalize menu choices. Start planning your rehearsal dinner and book transportation for the big day. If you're working with a shorter timeline, our guide on how to plan a wedding in 6 months can help you stay on track.
To-dos:
- Send out wedding invitations
- Schedule dress fittings and alterations
- Finalize menu and cake choices for the reception
- Book transportation for the wedding day
- Start planning the rehearsal dinner
- Begin writing your vows (if applicable)
- Book hair and makeup trials
- Meet with your officiant to discuss ceremony details
4-5 months
This is the ideal time to start thinking about the groom's attire. Whether you're opting for a suit or a tuxedo, you'll want to allow enough time for fittings and any necessary alterations.
To-dos:
- Research and choose your preferred style (suit or tuxedo)
- Visit formal wear shops or schedule appointments with tailors
- Get measured and place your order
- Coordinate with groomsmen if they're wearing matching or complementary attire
- Consider accessories like ties, cufflinks, and shoes
- Schedule your first fitting
You can add this section between the 6-month and 3-month entries in the timeline. Also, let's update the 3-month section to include a follow-up on the suit or tuxedo:
3 months
The countdown is on! Confirm details with all vendors, write your vows, and obtain your marriage license. Plan seating arrangements and create a day-of timeline. If you're in a time crunch, check out our guide on how to plan a wedding in 3 months for expert tips.
To-dos:
- Confirm all details with vendors
- Finish writing your vows
- Obtain your marriage license
- Have your second fitting for your suit or tuxedo
- Ensure groomsmen have ordered their attire and schedule their fittings
- Create a seating chart for the reception
- Have a final venue walk-through
- Finalize the wedding day timeline
- Schedule final fittings for the entire bridal party
- Confirm details for all pre-wedding events
1 month
You're in the home stretch! Use our month before wedding checklist to ensure you haven't missed anything. Confirm final headcounts with vendors, have a final venue walk-through, and create your seating chart. Don't forget to break in your wedding shoes and enjoy your last few weeks as an engaged couple!
To-dos:
- Confirm final head count with vendors
- Finalize seating chart and place cards
- Break in your wedding shoes
- Make any last minute accessory purchases
- Have final dress fitting
- Arrange final payments for vendors
- Pack for your honeymoon
- Have a final meeting with your wedding planner or day-of coordinator
- Delegate day-of tasks to your bridal party and family members
Start creating your personalized wedding checklist with Loverly to ensure you don't miss any important tasks leading up to your big day.
How long does it take to plan a small wedding?
Planning a small wedding typically takes 3-6 months, though it can be done in as little as 1-2 months if necessary. The shorter timeline is possible due to fewer guests, simpler logistics, and potentially more flexibility with venues and vendors. However, don't rush important decisions.
For couples planning an intimate celebration, the process can be more streamlined. Start by setting your budget and guest list, then focus on securing your venue and key vendors. Create a wedding vision board to help define your style and priorities for the day.
To-dos for a small wedding:
- Set a budget and create a concise guest list
- Choose and book an intimate wedding venue
- Select a simplified menu and cake option
- Find an officiant and plan a brief ceremony
- Choose attire that fits your relaxed timeline
- Plan simple decorations that enhance your chosen space
- Decide on a small bridal party or forego one altogether
- Plan a more intimate reception with personalized touches
- Consider combining pre-wedding events or opting for a simple celebration
Remember, even with a small wedding, it's crucial to stay organized. Use a free online wedding planner like Loverly to keep track of tasks, deadlines, and budgets. This will help ensure you don't overlook any important details, no matter how compact your timeline.
How fast can YOU plan a wedding with Loverly?
Don't let the average wedding planning time of 12-18 months overwhelm you. With Loverly's comprehensive online tools, you can shave down hours of research and organization, significantly cutting the learning curve for wedding planning. Our all-in-one platform offers everything from customizable checklists and vision boards to budget trackers and vendor management, streamlining every aspect of your wedding preparations. Ready to make your planning journey fun, quick, and easy? Sign up for Loverly's free online wedding planner today and discover how we can help you create the celebration of your dreams in less time, without sacrificing any of the magic.
As your wedding day approaches, don't forget to plan your rehearsal dinner timeline. Even for small weddings, a smooth rehearsal can make a big difference in your ceremony's success.
Whether you're planning a large celebration or an intimate gathering, understanding how to plan a wedding is crucial for a stress-free experience. With the right tools and resources, you can create the wedding of your dreams, regardless of its size or your planning timeline.
About The Author
Kellee Khalil is the Founder & CEO of Loverly. She lives in upstate NY with her fiancé and two dogs.
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