Your Wedding Timeline: A Month-by-Month Planning Guide

Getting engaged is exciting, but figuring out where to start with planning can feel overwhelming. The good news? With a solid timeline, you can tackle everything step by step without the stress. Here's your month-by-month guide to planning a wedding, whether you have 12 months or 18.

12+ Months Before

This is the big-picture phase. You're setting the foundation for everything that comes next.

Key tasks:

• Celebrate! Take a moment to enjoy being engaged
• Set your budget and have honest conversations about finances
• Create your guest list (this affects almost every other decision)
• Choose your wedding date or narrow it down to a few options
• Start researching and booking your venue
• Hire a wedding planner if you're using one

Pro tip: Your venue and date need to be locked in before most other planning can happen. Many popular venues book 12-18 months out, so don't delay on this one.

9-11 Months Before

With your venue secured, it's time to start building your vendor team.

Key tasks:

• Book your photographer and videographer
• Start shopping for wedding attire
• Send save-the-dates
• Research and book your caterer (if not included with venue)
• Book your DJ or band
• Start thinking about your wedding party

Pro tip: The best vendors book up quickly. Don't wait to reach out, even if you're not ready to commit immediately.

6-8 Months Before

Now you're getting into the details. This is when your wedding starts to really take shape.

Key tasks:

• Book your florist
• Order your wedding dress or suit
• Book officiant
• Reserve room blocks for out-of-town guests
• Register for gifts
• Plan your honeymoon
• Book hair and makeup artists
• Hire a rental company for any extras (furniture, linens, etc.)

Pro tip: If you're ordering a custom dress, give yourself at least 6 months. Alterations can take another 2-3 months after that.

4-5 Months Before

Time to finalize the details and get the word out to your guests.

Key tasks:

• Send formal invitations
• Order wedding cake or desserts
• Plan rehearsal dinner
• Purchase wedding rings
• Book transportation
• Finalize ceremony details with your officiant
• Create your wedding website

Pro tip: Send invitations 6-8 weeks before the wedding, but order them now to allow time for addressing and any fixes.

2-3 Months Before

You're in the home stretch. Focus on confirming details and tying up loose ends.

Key tasks:

• Follow up on RSVPs
• Finalize seating chart
• Confirm all vendor details and timelines
• Final dress fitting
• Get marriage license
• Write your vows
• Create day-of timeline
• Break in your wedding shoes

Pro tip: Create a contact list with every vendor's phone number and share it with your wedding party and planner.

1 Month Before

Almost there! This month is about confirming everything and preparing yourself mentally.

Key tasks:

• Confirm final headcount with caterer
• Final walkthrough with venue
• Prepare tips and final payments for vendors
• Pack for honeymoon
• Finalize playlist or song requests
• Arrange final beauty appointments
• Delegate day-of tasks to wedding party

Pro tip: Write out your day-of timeline hour by hour and share it with everyone involved.

Week Of

The final countdown. Try to wrap up tasks early in the week so you can relax.

Key tasks:

• Confirm arrival times with all vendors
• Hand off tips and payments to someone you trust
• Get manicure and any final beauty prep
• Rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
• Pack overnight bag for wedding night
• Charge your phone
• Get a good night's sleep!

Pro tip: Designate a point person (not you!) to handle any last-minute issues on the wedding day.

Day Of

This is it! Your only job today is to get married and enjoy every moment.

Key tasks:

• Eat breakfast
• Follow your timeline
• Trust your vendors and wedding party
• Take moments to step back and soak it all in
• Marry the love of your life!

Staying on Track

The key to stress-free wedding planning is staying organized. Use a tool like Juna to track your timeline, set reminders for deadlines, and keep all your details in one place. When you can see everything laid out clearly, the whole process feels much more manageable.

Remember: every wedding is different. This timeline is a guide, not a rulebook. Adjust it to fit your engagement length, priorities, and personal style. The goal is to enjoy the journey, not just the destination.

Happy planning!