Wedding planning process
A step-by-step wedding process that books the big pieces first, then layers in the details.
Start my wedding plan free →Step by step
- 1
Foundation
12+ months out- ✓Set a total budget and guest estimate
- ✓Pick a date range and season
- ✓Tour and book the venue
- ✓Book photographer and planner (if any)
- 2
Core vendors
9–6 months out- ✓Book caterer, DJ or band and florist
- ✓Send save-the-dates
- ✓Shop for attire
- ✓Reserve hotel room blocks
- 3
Details
5–2 months out- ✓Send invitations (8 weeks out)
- ✓Plan ceremony and order of events
- ✓Book hair, makeup and rentals
- ✓Finalize menu and cake tasting
- 4
Lock it in
Final month- ✓Confirm final headcount and seating
- ✓Share day-of timeline with every vendor
- ✓Pay final balances
- ✓Pack emergency kit
Pros you'll need
Sample day-of timeline
- 2:00 PMVendor load-in & setup
- 4:00 PMCeremony begins
- 4:45 PMCocktail hour
- 6:00 PMDinner service
- 7:30 PMToasts & first dance
- 8:00 PMOpen dance floor
- 10:30 PMSend-off
Tips
- Book the venue before anything else — every other date depends on it.
- Keep a 5–10% budget buffer for surprises.