Wedding Planning: 1 Year Timeline

Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, but with a well-structured timeline, you can break it down into manageable steps. Here’s a comprehensive 1-year wedding planning timeline, broken up month-by-month, to ensure your big day is perfect.
Wedding Tablescape

This timeline serves as a general overview of the common components involved in wedding planning. However, every couple’s journey is unique, and it’s important to adjust this timeline based on what works best for you, your personal timeline, and the type of wedding you’re envisioning. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, feel free to adapt these steps to fit your specific needs and preferences, ensuring that your wedding day is a true reflection of your love story.

12 Months Before

Choose a Wedding Aesthetic

Start by gathering inspiration from magazines, Pinterest, Instagram, movies, art, music, etc. Think about what you liked and disliked. Include colors, themes, styles, and anything that resonates with your vision.

For more information, see my post about this HERE.

Set a Budget

Do some research before setting your budget. Make sure you have a good idea of all the things to account for. Try to have some understanding about pricing in the wedding industry. This will help you make a realistic budget. It is most common for couples to go over budget when wedding planning because they don’t know how much everything actually costs, since it’s most likely their first time shopping for these items.

Then, discuss with your partner and families to determine a realistic budget. Allocate funds for each category (venue, catering, attire, etc.) and leave room for unexpected expenses.

Make a Guest List

Draft a preliminary guest list to estimate the number of attendees. This will influence your choice of venue and help with your budget. Categorize guests into groups (family, friends, colleagues) to help with prioritization.

If necessary, have a “must-have” and “nice-to-have” list that can be finalized after you find your venue.

Choose Your Date

Select a few potential dates and check them against key family and friends’ availability. Consider the season, weather, and any significant events that could clash. Ultimately, you may have to make the final decision after touring a few venues and deciding on your favorite.

Book a Venue

Visit multiple venues to compare their offerings and pricing. Consider capacity, amenities, and location. Secure your preferred venue with a deposit and confirm the booking in writing.

For more details, read my post about the 15 questions to ask when choosing a wedding venue HERE.

Book a Photographer

Research photographers whose style you love and check their availability. Meet with potential photographers to review their portfolios and discuss packages.

Now that the big stuff is out of the way, you can breathe a little!

10 Months Before

Book an Officiant

Whether you’re having a religious or secular ceremony, make sure to book your officiant early to avoid any last-minute stress. Meet with them to discuss the ceremony details, script, payment, and any personal touches you’d like to include.

For more details, read my post about the 12 questions to ask when choosing a wedding officiant HERE.

Book a Caterer

Decide on the type of cuisine you want and secure a caterer who can deliver. Schedule tastings to ensure quality. Discuss menu options, dietary restrictions, and service details.

Book a Band/DJ

Music sets the tone for your celebration. Choose a band or DJ who can cater to your musical tastes and keep the party going. Review their playlists and ensure they can play your preferred songs.

Book Transportation

Arrange for any necessary transportation, including limousines, party buses, or vintage cars, to ensure everyone gets to the venue on time. Confirm the schedule and routes with the provider.

Choose Your Wedding Party

Select the members of your wedding party such as your bridesmaids, groomsmen, maid of honour, and best man. Inform them of their roles and responsibilities and make sure to give them ample time to prepare.

If your budget and timeline allows it, it is common to have a celebration when announcing your wedding party with thoughtful and personalized gifts for each member.

Start Dress/Suit Shopping

Begin browsing for your wedding attire. Bridal gowns, in particular, can take several months to order and alter. Visit multiple stores, bring your friends and family, try on different styles, and make a decision as soon as you can to avoid any added stress. This process should be exciting!

If you’re opting for a custom dress or suit, it is even more imperative to start as early as possible to give ample time for the creation.

8 Months Before

Order Save the Dates

If you’re sending a save the date, it is best practice to mail them six months before your wedding, and order them two months before that.

If you’re having a destination wedding, it is best to mail them 10-12 months before your wedding to allow guests to make the proper accommodations.

If you’re having your stationery custom made, ensure you book your designer well in advance so they can deliver your items in time to meet these timelines. Interested in custom stationery? Find out more HERE.

Book a Tasting

Schedule tastings with your caterer to finalize your menu. Sample various dishes and beverages to ensure they meet your expectations.

Book a Cake Vendor

Choose a cake vendor and schedule a tasting to select your favorite flavors. Discuss design options, dietary restrictions, and delivery details.

Book Hair and Makeup

Secure stylists for your wedding day. Book a trial run to ensure you’re happy with the look. Discuss your desired style and provide photos for inspiration.

Book a Florist

Find a florist who can create beautiful arrangements within your budget. Share your moodboard for inspiration. Discuss your floral preferences, bouquet designs, and venue decorations.

Book a Videographer

A professional videographer can help capture your wedding in a memorable way. Make sure to review their previous work and discuss your vision for the video and any specific moments you want captured.

6 Months Before

Shop for Wedding Party Attire

Go shopping with your wedding party for dresses and suits. Schedule fittings well in advance. Coordinate colors and styles to match your wedding theme.

Book Decor Rentals

Arrange for any necessary rentals, including chairs, linens, and decor items. Confirm delivery and pickup times with the rental company.

Purchase Wedding Bands

Take the time to choose your wedding bands that you’ll love wearing every day. Consider engraving a personal message or your wedding date.

Purchase Accessories

At this time, you’ll want to purchase things like a veil, shoes, jewelry, handkerchiefs, perfume, a new watch, or any other accessories to complement your wedding attire.

Book Hair and Makeup Trial

Schedule a trial run for your hair and makeup to avoid any surprises on the big day. Test different looks and finalize your choice.

Meet With Your Officiant

Discuss the ceremony details and any personal touches you’d like to include. Review the script, order of service, and any readings or vows.

4 Months Before

Order Invitations

It is best practice to mail your wedding invitations two months before your wedding, and order them two months before that. These should include all the necessary details for your guests, such as date, time, location, how to RSVP, parking information, accommodation information, dress code, etc.

If you’re having your stationery custom made, ensure you book your designer well in advance so they can deliver your items in time to meet these timelines. Interested in custom stationery? Find out more HERE.

Order Wedding Day Stationery & Signage

Ensure you order your wedding day stationery and signage to elevate the guest experience such as seating charts, table numbers, welcome signs, place cards, menus, etc. The more cohesive these are to your invitations and wedding aesthetic, the more intentional and elegant everything will feel.

For a list of the options for wedding for stationery and signage, click HERE.

Alter Dresses and Suits

Schedule final fittings for your attire to ensure a perfect fit. Allow time for any necessary alterations. Make sure your bridal party has all their alterations done as well.

Make Tentative Wedding Day Schedule

Outline the timeline for your wedding day to keep everything running smoothly. Include key events such as the ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, speeches, cake, midnight table, etc.

Obtain Marriage License

Check the legal requirements in your area and apply for your marriage license. Ensure you have all necessary documents and witnesses for your big day.

2 Months Before

Pickup Dresses and Suits

Collect all attire to ensure everything is ready for the big day. Check for any final adjustments needed.

Schedule Beauty Treatments

Book facials, hair cuts, massages, and other treatments to look and feel your best.

Purchase Decorations and Accessories

Finalize and purchase any remaining decorations and accessories.

Coordinate Day-of Schedule with Vendors

Ensure all vendors have the wedding day schedule and understand their roles. Confirm arrival times and any specific instructions.

Provide Your DJ/Band With Song List

Share your finalized song list to ensure the right atmosphere is set. Include any special songs for key moments like your first dance.

Provide Photographer With Shot List

Give your photographer a list of must-have shots to capture your day perfectly. Include family groupings and any special requests.

Provide Videographer With Shot List

Ensure your videographer knows which moments are most important to you. Discuss any specific scenes or angles you prefer.

1 Month Before

Finalize Guest Count & Seating Chart

Reach out to any guests who haven’t RSVP’d and finalize your seating arrangements. Consider any family dynamics and group guests accordingly.

Write Wedding Vows

Take some time to write personal vows that reflect your journey and commitment. Practice reading them aloud to ensure they flow well.

Book Manicure and Pedicure

Schedule these treatments a day or two before the wedding for perfect nails.

Make Last Minute Pickups

Collect all your wedding signage and decorations to prepare for setup. Ensure they are organized and ready for display.

Conclusion

Wedding planning is a lot of work. But despite that, it should be fun and something the couple looks forward to. By following this timeline, you’ll be able to plan your wedding in an organized and stress-free manner. Enjoy the process and look forward to your beautiful day!


Interested in a custom-designed wedding brand brought to life through stationery and signage?

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About the Blog

Learn everything you need to know about wedding planning, wedding stationery & more. Enjoy tips for staying on budget, along with timelines, checklists, and complete guides to everything wedding!

About Unadorned

Unadorned Stationery is a custom-designed wedding stationery and signage business in Vancouver.

Why Custom Designs?

Bring your wedding aesthetic and unique love story to life at every guest touchpoint. With completely custom designs, get exactly what you envisioned, create a cohesive look, and prioritize the finer details of your celebration.

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