General Advice
12 Month Wedding Checklist & 12 Month Wedding Timeline (Month by Month)
09 Sep 2024 •7 min read
12 Month Wedding Checklist & 12 Month Wedding Timeline (Month by Month)
Planning your wedding can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience. This comprehensive 12-month wedding planning timeline will guide you through every step of the process, ensuring your special day is everything you've dreamed of and more. From setting your wedding budget to saying "I do," we've got you covered with this month-by-month guide to planning your perfect wedding. Our goal is to keep you on track and make your journey to the altar as stress-free as possible.
12-Month Wedding Timeline
Congratulations on your engagement! With this 12 month wedding planner and wedding planning timeline 12 months before your big day, you’re set to make this journey stress-free. The next year will be filled with excitement, key decisions, and special moments as you plan your perfect wedding. From setting your budget to choosing your venue, now is the time to sit down with your partner and bring your wedding vision to life.
Whether you need a monthly wedding checklist for a whole year, or you find yourself in need of an emergency 2 weeks before wedding checklist, logging into Loverly's wedding planner website is all the help you need to stay organized throughout your entire planning journey.
Month 12
- Set your wedding budget and discuss financial contributions with family
- Create your initial wedding guest list, considering the number of guests you want to invite
- Choose your wedding date and start researching venue availability
- Research and visit potential wedding venues for both your ceremony and reception
- Consider hiring a wedding planner to help keep you on track and manage wedding vendors
- Start browsing wedding dress styles and research bridal boutiques
- Begin thinking about your overall wedding theme and style to create your wedding vision
- Start a wedding website to share details with your nearest and dearest
With the foundation set, it's time to dive into the exciting details of your wedding. This phase is all about bringing your vision to life. You'll be making key decisions about your wedding attire, selecting your bridal party, and starting to build your team of suppliers who will help make your dream wedding a reality.
Month 11
With 11 months to go until your special day, it's time to start making some key decisions and securing important vendors. This month is all about laying the groundwork for bringing your wedding vision to life.
- Finalize and book your ceremony and reception venues Confirm dates, times, and any restrictionsDiscuss and plan for any necessary permits, especially for outdoor or marquee weddingsReview and sign contracts, paying attention to cancellation policies
- Confirm dates, times, and any restrictions
- Discuss and plan for any necessary permits, especially for outdoor or marquee weddings
- Review and sign contracts, paying attention to cancellation policies
- Research and begin booking key wedding vendors: Photographer: Look through portfolios and schedule meetings with your top choicesVideographer: Decide if you want one and start reviewing sample wedding videosCaterer: Begin discussing menu options and scheduling tastingsFlorist: Start browsing floral designs that complement your wedding vision
- Photographer: Look through portfolios and schedule meetings with your top choices
- Videographer: Decide if you want one and start reviewing sample wedding videos
- Caterer: Begin discussing menu options and scheduling tastings
- Florist: Start browsing floral designs that complement your wedding vision
- Begin researching wedding dress styles Look through bridal magazines and websites for inspirationStart thinking about the style that best suits you and your wedding vision
- Look through bridal magazines and websites for inspiration
- Start thinking about the style that best suits you and your wedding vision
- Continue compiling your wedding guest list Discuss numbers with your partner and both familiesStart collecting addresses for save-the-dates
- Discuss numbers with your partner and both families
- Start collecting addresses for save-the-dates
- Set up your wedding website Choose a design that reflects your wedding styleInclude basic information about your wedding date and location
- Choose a design that reflects your wedding style
- Include basic information about your wedding date and location
- Start preliminary honeymoon discussions Begin brainstorming destination ideas with your partnerConsider what type of honeymoon suits you both (relaxing beach, adventure, city exploration, etc.)
- Begin brainstorming destination ideas with your partner
- Consider what type of honeymoon suits you both (relaxing beach, adventure, city exploration, etc.)
- Consider hiring a wedding planner if you haven't already Interview potential planners and review their portfoliosDiscuss your vision and ensure they can bring it to life
- Interview potential planners and review their portfolios
- Discuss your vision and ensure they can bring it to life
Remember, this is your time to make big-picture decisions that will shape your entire celebration. Don't be afraid to think outside the box and really let your personality as a couple shine through in these choices.
Pro Tip: As you meet with potential vendors, pay attention not just to their work, but also to how well you communicate with them. You'll be working closely with these professionals over the next several months, so a good rapport is crucial.
Month 10
- Book your ceremony and reception venues, including any necessary permits for outdoor or marquee weddings
- Start shopping for your wedding dress; this is the ideal time for custom-made gowns
- Choose your bridal party and ask them to be part of your special day
- Begin vendor research (photographer, videographer, DJ or band) and start booking your chosen wedding vendors
- Create a wedding inspo board to help visualize your perfect wedding
- Update your wedding website with engagement photos and wedding party information
- Consider engagement photo session to complement your save-the-dates
Now that the big pieces are in place, it's time to focus on the creative aspects of your wedding. This is where your personal style really shines through. From choosing your color palette to selecting your florist, these decisions will set the tone for your entire celebration and give your guests a glimpse into your unique love story.
Month 9
This month is all about defining your wedding style, choosing your color palette, sending out save-the-dates, and beginning to plan your honeymoon. We've created a comprehensive 9 month wedding checklist to get you started:
- Determine your wedding style and start planning how to bring it to life
- Choose your color palette and discuss with your florist and other vendors
- Send out save-the-dates to your guest list
- Start planning your honeymoon and check passport expiration dates
- Begin looking at invitation designs and other wedding stationery
- Research wedding insurance options to protect your special day
Month 8
Focus on selecting bridesmaids' dresses, meeting with florists, planning your menu, and setting up hotel room blocks for guests.
- Select bridesmaids' dresses and accessories, scheduling fittings as needed
- Meet with potential florists to discuss your vision and floral needs
- Start planning your wedding menu and research caterers
- Set up your cash registry, including options for a honeymoon fund registry
- Book hotel room blocks for out-of-town guests
Month 7
- Book the rehearsal dinner venue and start planning the event
- Hire ceremony musicians or DJ for reception entertainment
- Order rental items (chairs, linens, tableware, etc.) for your ceremony and reception
- Hire an officiant and start planning your ceremony structure
- Begin writing your vows if you choose to personalize them
Month 6
Want to deep dive? We have built a comprehensive 6 month wedding checklist to keep you organized.
- Hire a lighting technician to create the perfect ambiance
- Schedule tastings with caterers and start finalizing your wedding menu
- Order invitations and other stationery (RSVP cards, thank you notes)
- Book transportation for guests and your grand exit as newlyweds
- Start planning guest favors that complement your wedding theme
Month 5
- Schedule fittings for the wedding party, including bridesmaids and groomsmen
- Finalize honeymoon plans and make necessary bookings
- Choose wedding rings and arrange for any engraving
- Continue writing your vows and select readings for the ceremony
- Book hair and makeup trials to perfect your bridal look
Month 4
As your wedding day approaches, it's time to fine-tune all the details that will make your celebration unique and memorable. This phase is about making final decisions on everything from your menu to your first dance song. You'll be tasting cakes, finalizing your guest list, and starting to envision how all the pieces will come together on your big day.
- Have final tasting with the caterer and finalize your wedding menu
- Choose your wedding cake design and flavors after cake tastings
- Finalize the menu and bar selections for your reception
- Purchase wedding shoes and accessories, and start breaking them in
- Select readings for the ceremony and inform chosen readers
- Finalize your guest list and start working on the seating chart
- Schedule final dress fitting and any necessary alterations
Month 3
As your big day approaches, there is a lot to accomplish, here is your 3 month wedding checklist:
- Finalize guest list and send out invitations
- Schedule final dress fitting and alterations
- Confirm details with all vendors (caterer, florist, photographer, etc.)
- Create a seating chart for the reception
- Order wedding favors
- Finalize menu and cake design
- Schedule hair and makeup trials
- Finish writing your vows
- Purchase wedding rings
- Obtain marriage license
- Finalize ceremony details with officiant
- Plan and book honeymoon
- Arrange transportation for the wedding day
- Begin writing thank-you notes for gifts received
- Start thinging about your a wedding day timeline
- Confirm wedding party attire is ordered and fitted
Month 2
You're in the home stretch now! With just two months to go, it's time to tie up loose ends and start focusing on the finer details of your big day. This is when everything starts feeling real as you send out invitations, have dress fittings, and finalize all the little touches that will make your wedding uniquely yours.
- Send out wedding invitations, including rehearsal dinner invites
- Have your first wedding dress fitting and schedule final alterations
- Meet with the officiant to finalize ceremony details and vows
- Purchase gifts for the wedding party, parents, and each other
- Review vendor contracts and confirm details with all suppliers
- Start crafting DIY items, if any, such as place cards or centerpieces
- Finalize your seating chart as RSVPs come in
Month 1
The big day is almost here! This final month is all about last-minute details and preparations. You'll be putting the finishing touches on everything from your attire to your reception layout. It's also time to take care of important legalities like obtaining your marriage license. Remember to take moments to relax and enjoy this special time with your partner amidst the excitement of your approaching wedding day. Here is your one month before wedding checklist:
- Have your final dress fitting and practice your first dance in your dress
- Break in your wedding shoes to ensure comfort on the big day
- Assign seating for the reception and finalize your seating chart
- Confirm final details with all vendors, including final guest count for the caterer
- Obtain your marriage license and keep it in a safe place
- Finalize your vows and toasts, and practice them out loud
- Have final venue walk-through and create a wedding day timeline
- Confirm honeymoon reservations and start packing
- Create a to-do list for the last week before the wedding
- Delegate last-minute tasks to your wedding planner or trusted family and friends
12 Month Wedding Checklist
By now you've seen a breakdown of the month by month wedding checklist. For ease, below is a snapshot of a 12 month wedding planning checklist for your reference.
- Determine overall budget and contributions (12 months out)
- Set wedding date (12 months out)
- Create initial guest list (12 months out)
- Research and book ceremony and reception venues (10-12 months out)
- Hire wedding planner, if desired (10-12 months out)
- Choose wedding party (10 months out)
- Start wedding dress shopping (10 months out)
- Research and book photographer and videographer (9-10 months out)
- Hire caterer and discuss menu options (9-10 months out)
- Book entertainment (band or DJ) (9-10 months out)
- Start planning honeymoon (9 months out)
- Send save-the-dates (8-9 months out)
- Meet with florist and choose wedding decor style (8 months out)
- Start shopping for bridesmaids dresses (8 months out)
- Research and book officiant (7-8 months out)
- Organize rentals (chairs, linens, lighting, etc.) (7 months out)
- Order invitations and other stationery (6-7 months out)
- Start planning ceremony structure and vows (6 months out)
- Arrange transportation for wedding day (5-6 months out)
- Book hotel rooms for out-of-town guests (5-6 months out)
- Choose and order wedding cake (4-6 months out)
- Buy wedding rings (4 months out)
- Schedule dress fittings and choose accessories (3-4 months out)
- Confirm menu and bar details with caterer (3 months out)
- Send wedding invitations (2-3 months out)
- Apply for marriage license (1-2 months out)
- Create seating chart and place cards (1 month out)
- Have final venue walk-through (2-4 weeks out)
- Confirm final details with all vendors (2-3 weeks out)
- Break in wedding shoes (2-4 weeks out)
- Finalize wedding day timeline (1-2 weeks out)
Want a more detailed version of this 12-month wedding planning checklist? Download our comprehensive guide by entering your email below. You'll receive a printable checklist with additional tips and tricks to make your wedding planning process smooth and enjoyable!
Planning a wedding in 12 months is easy with Loverly!
Whether you're planning a wedding in 11 months or 1 year, Loverly is here to make your journey to "I do" as smooth and stress-free as possible. Our comprehensive tools and resources are designed to keep you organized and inspired throughout the entire process of planning your wedding.
From our detailed wedding checklist tool to our handy wedding guest list planner, we've got you covered every step of the way. Need help managing your wedding vendors? Our wedding vendor management system keeps all your contacts and contracts in one place.
Looking for inspiration to create your wedding vision? Create your own wedding inspo board to visualize your perfect day.
Don't let the stress of planning a wedding overwhelm you. With Loverly by your side, you'll be walking down the aisle before you know it. Whether you're following our 9 month wedding checklist, our 6 month wedding checklist, or need a last-minute 3 month wedding checklist, we've got you covered. And when you're in the final stretch, don't forget to check out our one month before wedding checklist and this wedding planning advice to ensure everything is perfect for your big day.
Sign up today and let's make your wedding planning experience as joyful as your special day. With Loverly, you can tick off your list of things to do with ease and confidence, knowing you're on track for the wedding of your dreams!
Make Wedding Planning a Breeze with Our Wedding Checklist!Get Started
More like this
Plan your wedding like a pro.
Follow
Join our newsletter: