Your wedding planning timeline

Everything that needs doing, in the order it needs doing. Add your date and every job lands in a real month.

This is the whole checklist. Add your date to turn it into real dates.

  1. 10 months before

    • Set your budget together

      Agree a rough number — it makes every other decision easier.

    • Draft your guest list

      A first pass is fine; you can refine it later.

  2. 9 months before

    • Book your ceremony & reception venue

      The date often follows the venue.

  3. 8 months before

    • Choose your wedding party

      Who's standing beside you on the day?

  4. 7 months before

    • Book your photographer

      The good ones book out early.

  5. 6 months before

    • Book catering & the cake
    • Send save-the-dates

      Especially for guests who'll travel.

  6. 5 months before

    • Build your wedding website & share the link

      Add your story and details, and let guests RSVP online — go to Website.

    • Shop for outfits

      Allow time for fittings and alterations.

  7. 4 months before

    • Book music or entertainment
    • First dress fitting
      Date to hit

      Allow time for alterations after this one.

  8. 3 months before

    • Send the invitations
    • Invite your helpers & assign tasks

      Go to Members — give friends and family their own to-do list.

  9. 2 months before

    • Plan your run-of-show

      Map the day minute by minute so everyone knows their part — see Run of show.

    • RSVP deadline
      Date to hit

      Chase anyone who hasn't replied the week before.

    • Finalise the menu & numbers

  10. 1 month before

    • Create your seating plan

      Match guests to tables straight from their RSVPs — see Seating.

    • Final dress fitting
      Date to hit
    • Final payments to vendors
      Date to hit

      Most vendors want the balance a month out — check each contract.

  11. 2 weeks before

    • Confirm final details with all vendors

  12. The day before

    • Rehearsal
      Date to hit

Keeps your timeline, and lets you share jobs with whoever's helping.