Planning
Wedding timeline checklist — 12 months out
Track what to book and when — from engagement through the big day. Enter your wedding date in the checklist below to see calendar ranges on each phase. This is your planning timeline, not the same as your hour-by-hour day-of schedule.
Wedding planning checklist
Your wedding date
Choose "Save as PDF" in the print dialog to keep a copy.
Optional — add your date to see calendar ranges on each phase.
When to do what — community reference
Timing windows from real wedding planning discussions. Your venue, season, and location may shift these — use as a sanity check, not gospel.
| Task | Typical window | |
|---|---|---|
| Book major vendors (venue, photographer, caterer) | 12–24 months | ASAP in peak season |
| Bridal gown shopping | 9–14 months | — |
| Ask wedding party | 6–12 months | — |
| Mail save-the-dates | 6–12 months | Earlier for destination weddings |
| Bridesmaid dress shopping | 4–8 months | — |
| Suit purchase or rental | 4–8 months | — |
| Create wedding website | Before first mail | Before save-the-dates or invites |
| Set up gift registry | Before shower/invites | Before shower or wedding invitations |
| Bridal gown alterations | 1–3 months | — |
| Engagement party | ASAP after engagement | — |
| Bridal shower | 1–4 months before | — |
| Bachelor / bachelorette party | 1–4 months before | — |
| Mail wedding invitations | 6–12 weeks before | — |
| Finalize day-of timeline | 4–6 weeks before | Share vendor copy 2+ weeks out |
| RSVP deadline | 3–4 weeks before | — |
| Final headcount to caterer | 1 week before | — |
See a real planning order
One couple's 16-month timeline from venue tour to marriage license — March wedding, off-season. Compare with your own dates.
Read the March wedding example →Planning guides
Deep dives on invitations, dress shopping, RSVPs, and your first steps after getting engaged.
- Just engaged — what now?Read →
You don't need a wedding planner on day one. You do need a clear order so you don't book things backwards or panic about dates.
- Wedding invitation timelineRead →
Stationery timing affects RSVPs, catering headcount, and seating charts. Mark these dates early.
- Wedding dress shopping timelineRead →
Custom gowns take months. Off-the-rack still needs alteration time — especially in peak summer season.
- Wedding RSVP timelineRead →
Late RSVPs stress couples and caterers. Set a firm deadline and build reminder touchpoints.
Common questions
- When should I start wedding planning?
- Begin venue research within a few weeks if you want a popular season. Major vendors often book 12–24 months out.
- When should I send save-the-dates vs. invitations?
- Save-the-dates: 6–12 months before (earlier for destination weddings). Invitations: 6–8 weeks before with RSVP 3–4 weeks out.
- When should I finalize my day-of timeline?
- About 4–6 weeks before the wedding. Share the vendor copy with photographer, DJ, and caterer at least 2 weeks before.
Ready for day-of?
About 6 weeks out, switch to the hour-by-hour editor — timeline check, vendor export, and party schedule included.
Open day-of editor →