Wedding Planning Timelines

It can take up to one year to plan a wedding, depending on when and where it is to be held.

One year before

First, a date must be set for the wedding. If it is to be held in the most popular months, May, June, July or August, a year ahead is not too early to start reserving the church, and lining up the members you wish in the wedding party. Establish the budget. If you are using a florist, start getting estimates of floral arrangements for tables and church. You will also need to decide styles of corsages, boutonnières and whether or not to have a flower girl with rose petals to strew in the bride's path. Decide on a theme for your wedding.

Six to Nine Months before

Reserve a banquet hall and hire a band. You will need to enter into a legal contract with the band so you will not find yourself without music at the last minute. Make arrangements for your soloist for your wedding ceremony. Locate a photographer and establish numbers of pictures desired. It is time to shop for your wedding dress and bridesmaid's dresses, and start getting estimates on tuxedo rentals.

Three to Six Months before

Decide on the number of guests to be invited. Contact various printers in your area to get prices and decide on the style of invitations. Order your invitations. Contact the tuxedo rental store to make a commitment to rent from them. Contact the florist you have chosen and make a commitment to purchase from them. Decide on the banquet menu and get estimates from caterers. Make a commitment to the chosen one. If you need to have a bakery provide the cake, it is time to get that ordered also.

Two to Three Months before

Register at your favorite stores. Shop for the wedding accessories you will need, such as wedding guest books, wine glasses for the ceremonial toast, cake knife, gifts for wedding party, wedding favors and table centerpieces. Pick up your invitations from the printer and get them addressed. Check in with your florist, caterer, photographer, church, band, etc. to be sure all is on track. Solve any problems. Try on dresses to see if alternations are needed. Try on tuxedos.

One Month before

Make arrangements for rehearsal dinner. It is time to mail the wedding invitations. Arrange for wedding rehearsal with church and minister. Attend showers.

One Week before

It is time for the rehearsal. After the rehearsal, enjoy the company of the wedding party at dinner.

One Day before

Gather all dresses, tuxedos, reception decorations, etc. and deliver them to the church or banquet hall. Get hairdos. Tomorrow is the big day.