Wedding checklist: the complete 12-month timeline

Organizing a wedding means juggling dozens of tasks spread over more than a year. This reverse timeline gives you, month by month, everything you need to anticipate to approach the big day with peace of mind.

12 months before: the foundations

• Set your overall budget and how it will be financed (see our average budget guide).
• Determine the number of guests: this number conditions everything else (venue, caterer, budget).
• Choose a season and 2 or 3 possible dates.
• Book the reception venue: the most beautiful estates are booked 12 to 18 months in advance.
• Start scouting key vendors: photographer, caterer, DJ.

9 to 10 months before: the main vendors

• Book your photographer / videographer.
• Book the caterer and schedule a tasting.
• Book the music entertainment (DJ or band).
• If you are celebrating at the church, temple, or town hall, set the date for the ceremony.
• Start looking for the wedding dress (allow 6 to 8 months including alterations).

6 months before: your wedding identity

• Send the save-the-dates.
• Define the theme and decoration (colors, atmosphere, flowers).
• Book the florist and the decorator.
• Choose the outfits (groom, wedding party).
• Book accommodations for your guests if the venue is remote.

3 to 4 months before: the details that matter

• Finalize and send the invitations (RSVP requested 6 weeks before).
• Establish the final menu with the caterer.
• Book the hairdresser and makeup artist, with a trial.
• Order the wedding rings.
• Prepare the provisional seating plan.
• Think about entertainments (guestbook, photobooth, speeches).

1 month before: the final stretch

• Confirm all vendors (schedules, addresses, contacts).
• Communicate the final number of covers to the caterer.
• Finalize the seating plan.
• Prepare the day-of timeline hour by hour and share it with the witnesses.
• Do the final trials (dress, hair, makeup).

The wedding week

• Prepare an emergency kit (thread, needle, band-aids, makeup touch-up items).
• Delegate: entrust a witness or a wedding planner with the day-of coordination.
• Settle the balances owed to vendors.
• Rest: everything is ready.

The DreamWeds tip: book the venue, the caterer and the photographer first. These are the three most in-demand services — once they are secured, everything else is organized around them.

Ready to tick those boxes? Find verified vendors near you on DreamWeds.