Guides · October 8, 2026
Wedding planning timeline: what to do, and when
The order matters more than the exact month. Book what fixes your date first, then what books up early, then everything that depends on a final guest count.
12 months or more
- Agree on a total budget
- Draft the guest list
- Choose a season and two or three possible dates
- Decide whether to hire a planner
- Start a wedding website
10 to 12 months
- Book the venue, which fixes the date
- Book the photographer and caterer
- Start shopping for attire
- Reserve hotel room blocks
7 to 9 months
- Book the florist, music and officiant
- Send save-the-dates
- Choose wedding party attire
4 to 6 months
- Look up your county's marriage license rules
- Book hair and makeup
- Choose and order invitations
- Arrange transportation
- Plan the honeymoon
2 to 3 months
- Mail invitations no later than six weeks before
- Buy rings
- Have the first fitting
- Write the photo shot list
- Confirm menus and the ceremony plan
The last month
- Get the marriage license
- Follow up on missing RSVPs
- Send the day-of timeline to every vendor
- Give the final headcount, usually about two weeks before
- Finish the seating chart
- Make final payments and prepare tip envelopes
The dates sources agree on, and the ones they do not
| Item | What published guides say |
|---|---|
| Save-the-dates | Zola's checklist: 6 to 8 months. WeddingWire: 4 to 8 months, closer to 8 if many guests travel. Destination weddings: 8 to 12 months. |
| Invitations | About 6 weeks before (WeddingWire); no later than 6 weeks (Zola). |
| RSVP date | Zola: one month before. WeddingWire: 2 to 4 weeks before. |
| Dress | Kleinfeld advises ordering 9 to 12 months ahead, with alterations finished 2 to 3 months before. |
| Final headcount | About 2 weeks before (WeddingWire). Your catering contract sets the real date. |
Sources:
General information for planning, not legal or financial advice. My Wedding Plan is independent and not affiliated with the sources cited.