Your Wedding Planning Timeline

The average engagement runs about fourteen months. That sounds like plenty of time until you realize bridal shops need six months for a dress and fall Saturdays book a year out. Here's the order that actually works.

12+ Months Out

Set the budget. Build the guest list (three tiers: must, hope, maybe). Start touring venues. If you find the right one early, book it. Good dates disappear fast, especially spring and fall.

9-10 Months Out

Start dress shopping. Bridal stores need four to six months for delivery, so this isn't early. Book your photographer and DJ. If your venue handles catering in-house, start the menu conversation. If not, start tasting.

6-9 Months Out

Send save-the-dates. Order invitations. Book your florist. Schedule hair and makeup trials. This is the window where the big creative decisions get made: colors, flowers, ceremony style, table layout.

2-4 Months Out

Mail invitations (six to eight weeks before the date). Schedule dress fittings. Finalize the ceremony order with your officiant. Confirm every vendor in writing.

1 Month Out

Apply for your marriage license. Final dress fitting. Write your vows if you're writing your own. Confirm the final guest count with your venue.

The Week Of

Final vendor confirmations. Deliver any personal items to the venue. Rehearsal dinner. Then stop planning. Spend time with the people you love. The week of your wedding isn't the week to optimize seating charts.