When should I get things done?


Let's start from the beginning

So, you're newly engaged. You have a general idea of the details but are not sure when you should be getting it done? Just know, there are NO RULES to planning your own wedding. While, some things should be done by a specific time, that does not mean that you won't be able to find the things you need last minute either. I do not recommend procrastinating, I am only saying you aren't "too late" nor are you "too early" when it comes to planning. You will always be able to find something that will suit your needs even if it isn't your first choice. That being said, lets get into it!

For the sake of this post, let's assume you have over a year to plan. You can definitely cut this in half & push this out in 6 months if you needed, just rearrange the dates as necessary.


12+ MONTHS OUT

This is pretty much the pre-planning, where you brainstorm all of your ideas, you discuss with each other your general ideas and expectations. If the thought of planning your own wedding is so overwhelming or you don't have time to put aside to do this, then this point of time is perfect to consider hiring a wedding planner to do the work for you!

  • Throw your engagement party!
  • Sign up and create your wedding website (the knot, minted, etc.)
  • Figure out your budget
  • Decide on your overall theme
  • Start putting together a guest list
  • Choose a date / time of year that you guys are wanting to get married
  • Start looking at venues, and maybe even book it if you found "the one"


11 MONTHS OUT

This is where you have a good idea of what you're wanting and NOT wanting for your special day. You should have narrowed down to a few venues and deciding which one would work best for your needs

  • Start looking into vendors that book out fast (DJ, photographer, videographer, live band, etc.)
  • Get your engagement photos done if you have your photographer
  • PROPOSE to your wedding party; bridesmaids / groomsmen
10 Months out

At this point, you're kicking into high gear, everything is starting to become REAL. Revel in this excitement, it is so easy to start drowning yourself in the planning.

  • Sit down together and put together your gift registry
  • Start shopping for your wedding dress & groomsmen attire
  • Book your HMUA (Hair + Makeup Artist)


9 months out

You're a whole pregnancy away ;)

  • Buy / order your dress
  • Order invitations & save-the-date samples
  • Block out hotel / reserve AirBNB dates (if applicable)
  • Start looking into your bridesmaid dresses
8 Months out

You should be solidifying the vendors and narrowing down all of the bigger decisions and bookings.

  • Finish up your gift registry list (if applicable)
  • Book your officiant
  • Reserve any rental equipment that is needed (chairs, linens, etc)
  • Plan your bridal shower
  • Plan your bachelor + bachelorette trips/festivities
  • Schedule your hair + makeup trial. It is recommended to schedule it on the same day as your engagement photos so you're all beatified


7 months out

All of the nitty gritty

  • Plan + book your honeymoon
  • Hire your ceremony musicians
  • Book rehearsal dinner (if applicable)
  • Order your bridal accessories (hair pieces, veil, jewelry, etc)
  • Order your invites + save-the-dates
  • Schedule fittings


6 months out

The hard part is *almost* OVER.

  • Look into booking your wedding cake
  • Hire your lighting technician (unless your venue or DJ includes it)
  • Send out the invites + save-the-dates
  • Write out a shot list for your photographer (important guests you want in the photos, or specific shots that you 100% must have)
  • Book florist
  • Book caterer (if you have not already through the venue)
5 Months out

Time to do the little things.

  • Book transportation for wedding party + guests (if applicable)
  • Start purchasing the "little things" (guest book, ring bearer pillow, flower basket, favors etc.)
  • Begin premarital counseling (if desired)
  • Verify that you have all things necessary for honeymoon ready (i.e passport and other travel documents if needed)
  • Book tastings (cake + caterer)


4 months out

The FUN part

  • Buy wedding bands
  • Create ceremony + reception floor plan
  • Create rehearsal dinner guest list
  • Purchase any final decor (candles, vases, aisle runner)
  • Dress alterations (if necessary)


3 months out

I am READY for planning to be over :P

  • Research state requirements for marriage license
  • Go over your vows + ceremony details with officiant
  • Book last minute rentals needed or desired (tables, chairs, photo booth)
  • Schedule dentist appointment if you're wanting your teeth whitened before your big day
  • Create your honeymoon packing list
  • Buy gifts for special attendees + wedding party (if applicable)
  • Send reminders to RSVP
2 Months out

60 days left. SO CLOSE.

  • Finalize all purchases necessary (big + small)
  • Make or buy a day-of emergency kit
  • Finalize song list for ceremony + reception
  • Book spa days + treatments for dates leading up to wedding
  • Book nail appointment
  • Update your wedding website and make sure ALL details are listed with clear directions and timelines
  • Prepare all legal documents for after wedding
  • Final dress fitting, and practice walking in your dress, veil + shoes


1 months out

The countdown is on. Headaches are NO MORE. Revel in the excitement! :)

  • Send venue finalized guest count
  • Put vendor tips aside
  • Pick up marriage license
  • Pay off all vendors
  • Refresh your hair color, get nails done + all the beauty things
  • Pack honeymoon bags
  • Contact florist to finalize small floral decor (boutonnieres, centerpieces, etc.)
  • Clean your ring
  • Put aside specific details for photographer detail shots


wedding day!

You made it! I know it's been such a long and daunting year, but I hope it was fun for you all the same. Now it's time to go enjoy your day! What are you still doing on here?


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