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
By 3 months before
- 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)
What to simplify with six months
- Pick the venue first: it fixes the date and the guest count, and many venues come with catering or a list of vendors they work with.
- Be flexible on the day: a Friday, a Sunday or a quieter month opens dates and vendors that a June Saturday doesn't.
- Order attire straight away; made-to-order outfits and alterations can take months. Ready-to-wear and sample sales are quicker.
- Send save-the-dates now — you are already in the usual window — and invitations 8 to 6 weeks before.
- Keep the guest list tight: every name you don't add is a seat, a meal and a reply you don't chase.