Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist: A 12-Month Countdown Guide

Begin by defining your overall vision and setting a realistic budget. This is the time to draft an initial guest list and research potential venues to secure your preferred date.

Tour and book your ceremony and reception locations. Once the venue is confirmed, consider hiring a wedding planner to help manage logistics and professional vendor referrals.

Start booking key professionals who can only handle one event per day, such as photographers, videographers, and high-demand caterers or musical entertainment.

Begin shopping for wedding attire. Ordering early is crucial to allow for shipping and multiple rounds of professional alterations to ensure a perfect fit.

Finalize your guest list and send out save-the-date cards. This is also a great time to launch your wedding website and set up your gift registry for guests.

Meet with florists and designers to choose your color palette and floral arrangements. Reserve any rental items like linens, chairs, or lighting needed for the venue.

Choose your officiant and begin discussing the ceremony structure. Select your wedding party attire and start planning the honeymoon travel arrangements.

Order your formal wedding invitations and schedule menu tastings with your caterer. Finalize the cake design and select your wedding bands.

Schedule hair and makeup trials to finalize your look. Arrange for wedding day transportation and finalize the timeline for the rehearsal dinner.

Mail your formal invitations. This is also the time to write your vows, purchase wedding party gifts, and finalize the ceremony readings and music.

Apply for your marriage license and begin working on the seating chart as RSVPs arrive. Confirm all final details and delivery times with your vendors.

Confirm the final guest count with your caterer. Have your final attire fitting, break in your shoes, and prepare tip envelopes for your vendors.