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No idea where to start with your wedding planning timeline?

We’re here to help you every step of the way with our free printable wedding planning checklist! That’s why we’ve literally put together a step-by-step guide to planning your wedding from start to finish. Perhaps you’ve seen our best-selling wedding-planner? This DIY wedding planning checklist will give you a little taste of what’s inside.

Want to get started right away? Below you’ll find a 1 year Wedding Planning Timeline. It lists what to do and when to do it; plus our best tips & tricks to save money along the way!

Want a free printable version of our DIY Wedding Planning Checklist?


Wedding Planning Timeline + Wedding Checklist

The following timeline gives you a general overview of your wedding tasks based on a year-long engagement. If you’re having a shorter engagement, your timeline will be much shorter so you will have to accomplish more in a shorter period of time. If you’re having a long engagement, you can spread these items out over time!

We will add and update this list over time, so be sure to pin this page to bookmark it for future reference! Before you begin, I recommend checking out our post The Key to Being Budget Savvy – it will help guide you along the way!

When you first get engaged…

First things first, do these things ASAP!

  • Take a moment to soak in your joy before you start down the rabbit hole of DIY wedding planning!
  • Share your happy news with your family and friends – announce your engagement or have an engagement party!
  • Grab a copy of our book, The Budget-Savvy Wedding Planner & Organizer to keep yourself on track!
  • Sit down with all contributing parties and have the dreaded wedding budget conversation.
  • Brainstorm with your future spouse about what is most important to you about your wedding day. (Setting priorities.)

10-12 months to the wedding day

Getting started:


WedSafe Insurance

8-10 months to the wedding day

Got the basics? On to Phase 2:


6-8 months to the wedding day

Getting down to business:


4-6 months to the wedding day

Details, details:

  • Reserve any rental items you need for your day.
  • Arrange room blocks at local hotels for your guests and update your wedding website with that info.
  • Decide on decor for your ceremony and reception. If you haven’t begun your DIY projects, now is a good time to start.
  • Communicate with your officiant about the order of your ceremony, and lock in the people you’d like to do readings at the ceremony.
  • Reserve your rehearsal dinner location, and your accommodations for your wedding night.
  • Arrange for wedding day transportation.
  • Make final decisions on floral choices for bouquets, boutonnieres, centerpieces, and additional decor. Place a wholesale flower order if DIYing your wedding flowers.
  • Make final honeymoon decisions and book your trip! See if you can get a deal via Hotel Planner.
  • Visit a jeweler to try on and purchase your wedding bands.

3-4 months to the wedding day

Odds and Ends:

  • Finalize ceremony details and readings with your officiant. If you’re planning to write your own wedding vows and ceremony, consider starting now! Need help getting started? Check out the tools available from Provenance to craft personal, meaningful vows and ceremony script. (PS- you can get 10% off their tools with code BSB at checkout!)
  • Purchase or DIY your wedding invitations. (Check out our printables or choose a vendor from our resource list.)
  • Are you doing wedding favors? Secure them now or begin DIYing them!
  • Make sure you have all of your wedding day accessories, like veil, shoes, jewelry, undergarments, etc.
  • Begin your wedding beauty prep regimen.
  • Purchase or make bridal party gifts and make day-of getting ready arrangements for the bridal party.
  • Select music for ceremony and reception playlists. Share with musicians or DJ.
  • Considering a photo booth? Choose your provider or gather the items for a DIY photobooth.

2 months to the wedding day

Getting Close! Here’s what to do in the meantime… 

  • Address and send out wedding invitations.
  • Create and print wedding programs and other paper goods. (Wedding programs, signage, directions, menus, place cards, etc.)
  • Set aside time to write thank you notes for gifts you’ve received at showers or early wedding gifts that are arriving.
  • Make day-of getting ready arrangements for the bridal party.
  • Select your wedding perfume.
  • Gather your send-off items such as sparklers, bubbles, or ribbon wands.
  • Purchase or DIY accessories for ceremony and reception. (Think flower girl baskets, ring pillows, card box, guest book and pen, toasting flutes, cake cutters, sand ceremony/unity candle items, etc)
  • Schedule dress fittings and alterations.
  • Begin drafting the day-of timeline and schedule with your coordinator (if you have one.)

1 month to the wedding day

Almost time! 

  • Collect RSVPs and get a final guest count. Most importantly, report your guest totals to the venue, rental company, caterer, baker and other necessary vendors.
  • Finalize ceremony and reception seating plan and share with all appropriate vendors.
  • Make sure you and your future spouse’s wedding outfits fit you comfortably.
  • Get your marriage license. (It’s getting real!)
  • Work on your wedding reception playlist if you’re gonna DIY in lieu of a DJ.
  • Choose your special songs for the reception: couple’s first dance, mother/son dance, father/daughter dance, etc.
  • Discuss and confirm wedding ceremony music with whatever musicians or recordings to be used.
  • Put the finishing touches on your wedding vows. Still need help? Use the tools or get guidance from the professional writers at Provenance. (PS- get 10% off their Ceremony Builder and Vow Builder with code BSB at checkout!)
  • Create a wedding day timeline for yourself, vendors, and all of your wedding party. (Here’s some ideas and tips for creating a wedding timeline.)
  • Determine any wedding day to-do’s for members of the wedding party, and make lists to keep them informed.
  • Have your last dress fitting!!
  • Purchase a gift for your partner and write a personal note/letter to be read on the wedding day.
  • Confirm with special loved ones who will be giving speeches or toasts.
  • Providing your own alcohol? Purchase the wine/beer/liquor you need. (Here’s a great post with info about DIYing your wedding bar.)

2 weeks to the wedding day

The nitty-gritty. In short, get your ducks in a row!

  • Confirm final payment totals with all vendors and prepare checks ahead of time. Place in envelopes with cash tips and designate someone to distribute on the day of.
  • Further, confirm location, date, and time with the photographer; create your “must-take” photo list.
  • In addition, confirm delivery locations, times, and final arrangement count with the florist.
  • Organize all decor items, craft projects, etc for easy transport and setup on the day-of. Designate who will be responsible for these items’ delivery and pickup.
  • Pack a wedding day emergency kit with items you might need like stain remover, aspirin, mints, etc.
  • In the meantime, make sure to plan a date night with your future spouse. Just enjoy being together and DON’T talk about the wedding! This is an important step in avoiding pre-wedding dress!
  • Finally, confirm week and day-of beauty appointments!

1 week to the wedding day

So close…

  • Put together an overnight bag for your wedding night (toothbrush, next day’s clothes, etc.) and designate someone to deliver it to the hotel for you.
  • Get manicure/pedicure and complete any other beauty appointments.
  • Designate someone to collect the wedding gifts (and any cash) brought to the party.
  • Leave a copy of your honeymoon itinerary with someone in case of emergency.
  • Get your wedding dress steamed/pressed.
  • Break in your wedding day shoes! Practice walking and dancing in them. (Good stress reliever!)
  • Pack your honeymoon bag!! (Here’s a list of must-haves for a beach honeymoon.)
  • Begin name change paperwork and submit your change-of-address form to the local post office.
  • Confirm with people who you expect to give/lead toasts at the reception.

Wedding Day!

Hip Hip Hooray!

  • Above all, be sure to be present, and take in all the special moments.
  • Take a moment to thank your parents and tell them you love them.
  • Relax, smile, and enjoy yourself!
  • Give your partner a good “first kiss”!
  • Dance your tail off!
  • Ride off into the sunset with your new spouse! You’re officially a Mrs!

After the Wedding

Finally, bask in married bliss!

  • You’re married!! Congrats!
  • Meanwhile, get outta here and enjoy your honeymoon!
  • Make sure all vendor bills have been paid in full.
  • Have your wedding dress cleaned or preserved.
  • Confirm when you can expect to receive your wedding photos and/or video.
  • Within two months of your wedding, be sure to send all thank-you notes for gifts and favors and help provided for your wedding.
  • Submit your wedding to be featured on The Budget Savvy Bride!

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