Planning a wedding can seem like climbing Mount Everest with all the to-dos and decisions that have to be made.

If you’re anything like me, I like to break my tasks into smaller more doable items. I love feeling accomplished when I get to check something off my list.

Here is a twelve month wedding planning checklist to get your preparations on the easy track!

12 Months:

• Set a date.
• Select your color palette and wedding style.
• Set a budget.
• Create your guest list
• Hire a wedding planner.
• Select your bridesmaids and groomsmen.
• Book your ceremony and reception venues.
• Hire your officiant.

9+ Months:

• Book your photographer.
• Take your engagement photos.
• Book your caterer.
• Book your florist.
• Send out your save the date cards. Many couples use photos taken from their engagement session to design these.

6+ Months:

• Find and buy your wedding dress.
• Pick your bridesmaids dresses.
• Find and book a wedding cake baker.
• Book your ceremony and reception entertainment. Orchestra, Violinist, DJ, or band.
• Create a bridal registry.

4+ Months:

• Hire a calligrapher.
• Order your wedding invitations.
• Book your honeymoon.
• If buying formal wear, do this now. Otherwise, rent it seven days from the wedding date.
• Reserve any rental equipment for use to decorate the ceremony and reception sites.

3 Months:

• Mail out invitations.
• Finalize and purchase wedding party gifts.
• Finalize the rehearsal dinner.
• Book your hair and makeup artist.
• Finalize the wedding day timeline

1 month:

• Final gown fitting.
• Bridal shower.
• Bachelorette party.
• Bachelor party.

1 week: 

• Get your marriage license.
• Check in with all your vendors to finalize and confirm all the details.
• Rent your formal wear.
• Rehearsal dinner.

Whew! There you go. It’s a big comprehensive list, but when it’s tackled in bite-sized pieces, it’s so doable.

HAPPY PLANNING!!!!

Grab your free ideal wedding day timeline here!

If you like this, you may also like:

The Ultimate List of Austin Texas Wedding Venues

Angie and Dash