The Complete Wedding Planning Timeline: Month-by-Month Guide for 2026

The early months of your engagement are when you make the biggest decisions—the ones that shape everything else. Focus on establishing your budget, guest count, and securing your venue before diving into smaller details.

Set Your Wedding Budget. Before you tour a single venue or meet any vendor, you and your partner need to have an honest conversation about finances. How much can you contribute from savings? What can you realistically save between now and the wedding? Are family members contributing, and if so, do those contributions come with expectations? Use our Budget Calculator to create a realistic breakdown based on your total. Remember to build in a 5-10% buffer for unexpected costs—they always arise.

Determine Your Guest Count. Your guest count is the single biggest driver of wedding costs, affecting venue size, catering costs, stationery quantities, and more. Work with your partner (and families if they're contributing) to create three lists: A-list guests you can't imagine celebrating without, B-list guests you'd love to include if budget allows, and a final "maybe" list. Be realistic—every additional guest adds $150-$300 to your total. Use our Guest List Calculator to understand the full cost impact.

Book Your Venue. This is the most time-sensitive task. Popular venues, especially in major cities, book 12-18 months ahead for prime dates. Start by determining your priorities: outdoor vs. indoor, ceremony and reception in one location vs. separate venues, local vs. destination. Tour at least 3-5 venues before deciding. When you find "the one," be prepared to put down a deposit (typically 25-50% of the venue fee) to secure your date.

• Hire a wedding planner if using one (they're most valuable when involved early)
• Celebrate your engagement with an announcement and party if desired
• Start a wedding email address dedicated to vendor correspondence
• Create shared folders for contracts, inspiration, and planning documents
• Research marriage license requirements in your state (especially for destination weddings)

With your venue secured, it's time to book the vendors who'll bring your vision to life. These professionals book quickly, so prioritize based on your personal must-haves and local demand.

Book Photography and Videography. Your photos and video are the only lasting tangible memories of your wedding day, so invest in professionals whose style you love. Review full galleries (not just portfolio highlights), read reviews, and ask about their approach to the day. Most photographers require a 25-50% deposit to book. If videography is a priority, many couples book both from the same company for better coordination. Use our Photography Calculator to plan your coverage needs.

Secure Your Caterer. Unless your venue provides catering, this is your next booking priority. Schedule tastings (a delicious planning perk!) and get detailed quotes that include all fees, service charges, and gratuity. Discuss menu options for guests with dietary restrictions. Catering typically accounts for 30-40% of your total budget when combined with beverages. Plan your bar service with our Alcohol Calculator.

Book Entertainment. Whether you prefer a live band or DJ, book now. Great wedding bands often book 9-12 months out. When meeting with potential musicians, discuss your must-play songs, do-not-play list, and how they handle requests. Ask about their equipment needs—some venues have sound restrictions or specific requirements.

• Hire your officiant and discuss ceremony personalization
• Book your florist after sharing your venue photos and style preferences
• Set up your wedding website with basic information
• Start your registry at 1-3 stores across price points
• Research hotel blocks for out-of-town guests
• Select your wedding party and officially ask them

The heavy lifting of vendor booking is behind you. Now focus on the details that bring your vision together—your look, your paper goods, and your menu.

Shop for Wedding Attire. Wedding gowns typically require 4-6 months for ordering and production, plus 1-2 months for alterations. Start shopping now, even if you don't purchase immediately. Bring only 1-2 trusted opinions—too many voices create confusion. Don't forget the groom's attire, bridesmaids' dresses, and accessories. Consider the season and venue when selecting fabrics and styles.

Send Save the Dates. Six to eight months before your wedding is the sweet spot for save-the-dates—enough time for guests to plan, especially for destination weddings or holiday weekends. Include your wedding website URL where guests can find more details. For destination weddings, consider sending save-the-dates even earlier (9-10 months out) to give guests time to plan travel.

Schedule Menu Tastings. This is one of the most enjoyable parts of wedding planning! Work with your caterer to finalize your menu, considering seasonality, dietary restrictions, and your venue's kitchen capabilities. Discuss service style (plated, buffet, family style) and timing. Our Catering Calculator helps you plan appropriate quantities.

• Book hotel room blocks and add details to your wedding website
• Schedule cake tasting and review design options
• Research hair and makeup artists and book trials
• Start planning honeymoon logistics and book travel if needed
• Order your cake after finalizing design—use our Cake Calculator
• Purchase wedding rings allowing time for sizing adjustments

It's time to get serious about stationery, transportation, and the logistics of getting everyone where they need to be. This phase involves a lot of communication and coordination.

Order and Send Invitations. Formal invitations should arrive 6-8 weeks before the wedding (8-10 weeks for destination weddings). Since printing and assembly take time, order invitations 4-5 months before your wedding date. Include clear RSVP instructions and deadline (typically 3-4 weeks before the wedding). Calculate quantities with our Invitation Calculator.

Arrange Transportation. Consider how the wedding party will get from getting-ready locations to the ceremony, and how you and your guests will move between ceremony and reception if at different venues. Book limousines, party buses, or shuttles now. Don't forget about parking arrangements if your venue has limited spots.

Finalize Rehearsal Dinner Plans. The rehearsal dinner traditionally happens the night before the wedding and includes the wedding party, immediate family, and often out-of-town guests. Book a restaurant or venue, plan the menu, and coordinate with your officiant on rehearsal timing. Some couples use this dinner for toasts, allowing the reception to focus on dancing and celebration.

• Book honeymoon flights and accommodations if not already done
• Arrange any rentals (linens, furniture, specialty items) not provided by venue
• Schedule dress fittings and first alterations appointment
• Plan welcome bags for out-of-town guests
• Create a day-of timeline draft to share with vendors
• Purchase wedding party gifts

Your wedding is taking concrete shape. Focus on final fittings, legal requirements, and all the personal touches that make the day uniquely yours.

Complete Dress Alterations. Most brides need 2-3 fitting appointments spread over several weeks. Your final fitting should be about two weeks before the wedding. Practice walking, sitting, and dancing in your dress. Break in your shoes by wearing them around the house. If you're wearing a veil or accessories, bring them to fittings to ensure everything works together.

Obtain Your Marriage License. Requirements vary by state—some require both partners present, others require blood tests or waiting periods. Research your state's specific requirements well in advance. Most marriage licenses are valid for 30-90 days, so plan timing carefully. Keep the license in a safe place and bring it to your ceremony for the officiant to complete.

Write Your Vows. If you're writing personal vows, start drafting now. Don't wait until the week before when stress is highest. Aim for similar length and tone to your partner's vows—you may want to share word counts without revealing content. Practice reading them aloud to work on delivery and timing.

• Conduct hair and makeup trial and take photos in similar lighting to your venue
• Begin seating chart as RSVPs arrive
• Finalize ceremony details with officiant (readings, vows, unity ceremony)
• Create emergency kit (sewing kit, stain remover, pain relievers, etc.)
• Confirm all vendor contracts and payment schedules
• Prepare playlists and must-play lists for DJ/band

The countdown is on. This phase focuses on confirming every detail, making final payments, and ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.

Confirm All Vendors. Contact every vendor to reconfirm arrival times, setup requirements, and contact information for the day-of. Create a vendor contact sheet with names, phone numbers, and addresses to share with your planner or point person. Discuss load-in times, parking, and vendor meals with your venue.

Submit Final Guest Count and Seating Chart. Most caterers require final head counts 1-2 weeks before the wedding. Finalize your seating chart and create place cards or a seating display. Use our Seating Calculator to ensure optimal table arrangements. Account for vendor meals when submitting your count.

Make Final Payments. Review all contracts for remaining balances. Most vendors require final payment 2-4 weeks before the wedding. Prepare tip envelopes with cash—calculate amounts with our Tip Calculator. Assign a trusted person to distribute tips on the wedding day so you don't have to think about it.

• Finalize day-of timeline and distribute to all vendors
• Complete rehearsal dinner planning and send any invitations
• Confirm honeymoon reservations and finalize packing list
• Schedule any necessary beauty appointments (haircut, waxing, manicure)
• Confirm transportation pickup times for wedding day
• Prepare wedding day emergency contacts list

Your wedding week has arrived. Focus on rest, delegation, and wrapping up final details. This is not the time for major decisions or last-minute additions.

Pack for Your Honeymoon. Get your honeymoon bags ready early in the week so you can focus on the wedding itself. Gather all travel documents, confirm any necessary visas, and arrange for someone to handle your house, pets, or mail while you're away. Set out-of-office messages on your email.

Delegate Last-Minute Tasks. Create a list of day-of tasks and assign them to trusted friends or family members. This includes things like transporting gifts to your home, handling vendor tips, gathering leftover cake, and coordinating the send-off. Brief each person on their specific responsibilities.

Attend Your Rehearsal. Walk through the entire ceremony with your wedding party and officiant. Cover processional order, where to stand, when to move, and any special moments. Keep it light and fun—this isn't the time for stress. Follow with your rehearsal dinner to celebrate with your closest people.

• Break in your wedding shoes by wearing them around the house
• Gather all items for the venue (decor, programs, guest book, card box)
• Confirm delivery and pickup times for all rentals
• Prepare day-of bag with touch-up makeup, snacks, phone charger
• Get adequate sleep—aim for 8 hours nightly this week
• Practice self-care: exercise, eat well, stay hydrated