Right away, in your first days
- Set wedding budget
- Pick wedding date
- Draft initial guest list
- Choose wedding party
- Book venue
- Book photographer
- Book videographer
- Book caterer
- Shop for wedding attire
- Book entertainment (DJ/band)
- Book florist
- Plan honeymoon
- Send save-the-dates
- Book transportation
- Order wedding cake
- Book officiant
By 4 weeks before
- Buy wedding rings
- Send invitations
- Plan rehearsal dinner
- Schedule hair & makeup trials
By 8 days before
- Final dress/suit fittings
- Apply for marriage license
- Final venue walk-through
- Confirm final guest count
- Write vows
The day before
- Confirm details with all vendors
- Pack honeymoon bags
- Pick up wedding attire
- Get manicure & pedicure
On the day
- Relax and enjoy your day!
After the wedding
- Send thank you notes
- Preserve wedding dress
- Review vendors online
- Update name (if applicable)
How to make three months work
- Spend the first week on bookings: venue, officiant, photographer and caterer. Ask venues for their open dates instead of picking a date first.
- Choose a venue with in-house catering and furniture: one booking instead of four.
- Skip save-the-dates. Send the invitations themselves as soon as the venue is confirmed, or at the latest 6 weeks before.
- Use online RSVPs: replies arrive in days, not weeks, and the head count keeps itself.
- Check the marriage requirements where you marry now: documents and waiting periods can take longer than the rest of the plan.
- Buy attire ready to wear and leave time for one round of alterations.