Even though you may not have 12 months left of wedding planning, I thought it would be good to start the new year off with everything you’d need to know about keeping pace with the wedding day! And, if you had any friends who got engaged over the holidays, feel free to share this with them!

P.S: Scroll to the bottom to download this checklist!

12 months

• Decide your budget
• Book your venue and set your date
• Go dress shopping
• Choose your bridesmaids and groomsmen
• Start a guest list
• Reserve a block of hotel rooms for out of town guests

11 months

• Plan out your ceremony and reception decor
• Set up an appointment with a florist
• Book a caterer
• Plan an engagement party

10 months

• Finalize the guest list
• Register for wedding gifts
• Search for an officiant, or ask the person you’d like to officiate
• Choose the ceremony and reception music

9 months

• Order your gown and get any alterations scheduled
• Hire a photographer and videographer

8 months

• Order your hair accessories and veil
• Plan and book your honeymoon if you’ll be traveling outside of the country
• Launch your wedding website

7 months

• Choose and order your wedding invitations
• Shop for bridesmaid dresses
• Arrange transportation

6 months

• Start gathering ideas for your wedding day hair and makeup
• Send out Save the Dates if you will have a lot of out of town guests
• Start on a day of timeline

5 months

• Book rehearsal and rehearsal dinner venues
• Make arrangements for any rental items you need to get
• Arrange for any additional sound equipment you may need to provide
• Select and order a cake
• Choose music

4 months

• Choose the groom’s attire and schedule any necessary alterations
• Purchase any other bridal accessories you’ll be wearing on the wedding day like shoes, lingerie, garter, etc.
• Plan and book your honeymoon if you’ll be travelling within the country
• Send out Save the Dates if most of your guests are local
• Send your guest list to the host of your shower

3 months

• Plan and book accommodations for your wedding night
• Finalize your flower choices
• Order favors
• Finalize the readings and toasts
• Print menu cards and programs
• Purchase the rings

2 months

• Address, stamp, and mail the wedding invitations
• Finalize the menu with the caterer
• Touch base with all your vendors
• Review the playlist with the DJ
• Plan the bachelorette party

1 month

• Get in touch with any RSVP’s you haven’t received
• Get your marriage license
• Meet with the photographer
• Schedule your last dress fitting
• Confirm arrival times with vendors
• Email and print directions for transportation drivers
• Finalize seating chart
• Purchase bridesmaid and parent gifts
• Write vows
• Get your hair cut and colored

Week of the wedding

• Reconfirm arrival times with vendors
• Delegate small wedding tasks
• Send the timeline to the bridal party
• Pick up your dress
• Check in one last time with the photographer and videographer
• Set aside checks for any vendors
• Book some spa time
• Send the final guest list to the caterer
• Break in your shoes
• Pack for your honeymoon

Do you have any questions about planning your wedding? Comment below or email hello@alaynaparker.com!

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