Wedding planning checklist by month: what to do and when
A wedding planning checklist by month gives you a simple timeline for what to do and when—so you book key vendors early, stay on budget, and avoid last-minute surprises.
Use it as a planning “backbone”: lock the big decisions first (date, budget, venue), then move into invitations and RSVPs, then finalize details like seating, timelines, and vendor confirmations.
Wedding planning checklist by month (what to do and when)
12–10 months before
Choose a date range and set a realistic budget.
Draft a guest list estimate (this drives venue size and catering cost).
Book your ceremony/reception venue(s).
Book your top-priority vendors (photographer/videographer, planner, band/DJ).
9–7 months before
Finalize your wedding style and key details (indoor/outdoor, formal/casual).
Shortlist and book catering if it is not included with the venue.
Start attire shopping and schedule fittings.
Plan accommodations and transportation if many guests are traveling.
6–4 months before
Send save-the-date messages if you have not already (especially for destination weddings).
Choose invitation wording and collect addresses/phone numbers.
Book florist and rentals (chairs, tables, lighting) if needed.
Plan the ceremony structure and key people (officiant, readings, music).
3–2 months before
Send invitations and open RSVPs with a clear deadline.
Track responses and follow up with non-responders.
Plan seating approach (tables vs. open seating) and start the draft chart.
Confirm menu choices and any dietary requirements.
6–4 weeks before
Confirm final headcount with vendors.
Finalize the day-of timeline (setup, ceremony, photos, reception milestones).
Confirm music selections and special moments (first dance, entrances).
2–1 weeks before
Do a venue walkthrough and confirm logistics (parking, rain plan, access times).
Finalize seating and share it with the coordinator/venue.
Send final guest updates and reminders.
Benefits
A month-by-month timeline reduces stress by turning a complex project into small, timed decisions.
It also protects your budget: you commit to big-ticket items early and avoid expensive last-minute choices.
Planning by milestones helps you coordinate vendors smoothly—each supplier gets the right information at the right time.
It makes RSVP management easier because you set deadlines, follow up on time, and confirm the final headcount without panic.
Timeline variations
Destination wedding: send save-the-dates earlier (often 9–12 months out) and set RSVP deadlines sooner to allow travel planning.
Small wedding (micro-wedding): you can compress the schedule, but still book venue and photography early to secure availability.
Outdoor wedding: plan the weather backup early (tent/indoor option) and confirm the rain plan with the venue 2–3 weeks before.
Tracking RSVPs: once invitations go out, use Save This Date Rsvp Digital Invitation to track attendance, guest count, dietary notes, and follow-ups. Save This Date supports online RSVP collection and can be shared by link, SMS, or WhatsApp.
Quick Picks
If you want a traditional ceremony, reserve the venue within the first month to secure a prime date.
If you prefer a destination wedding, book travel and accommodation for guests two months in advance.
If you have a limited budget, consider a weekday ceremony to take advantage of lower venue rates.
If you're worried about RSVP timing, send invitations exactly six weeks after the save-the-date notice.
If you're prone to last-minute decisions, create a daily task list and check it each week.
If you want to save money on flowers, choose seasonal blooms and a local florist that offers wholesale rates.
If you're concerned about timing, use a shared calendar with key vendors so everyone sees the schedule in real time.
Checklist
Print the wedding date on all stationery.
Book the venue and sign a contract.
Confirm catering menu and dietary options.
Draft the music playlist or book a live band.
Order rings and schedule a ring delivery date.
Secure the photographer and review the shot list.
Design and send save-the-date digital invitation by Whatsapp or Sms.
Prepare a guest list and send invitations.
Request RSVPs and set a deadline.
Arrange floral arrangements and choose a color scheme.
Arrange transportation for guests and the bridal party.
Create a seating chart for the reception.
Prepare a contingency plan for bad weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I book my wedding venue?
As early as possible—often 10–12 months before the date for popular venues and peak seasons.
When should I send invitations?
Commonly 8–12 weeks before the wedding. For destination weddings, send earlier so guests have time to book travel.
When should the RSVP deadline be?
Typically 3–4 weeks before the wedding, so you can finalize catering headcount and seating without rushing.
What should I track in RSVPs?
Attendance (yes/no), guest count (plus-ones/children), dietary restrictions, and any special notes like accessibility needs.
Final Notes
Take control of your wedding planning by starting with a wedding planning checklist by month what to do and when. Use this guide to set realistic deadlines, manage your budget, and keep every milestone on track.
Begin today by listing the key decisions for the first month, and build a structured path toward your special day.
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