timeline

What Should I Be Doing and When?

When it comes to planning a wedding, one of the most crucial aspects is creating a timeline. A wedding planning timeline is an essential tool that helps you stay organized and on track throughout the planning process. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at what a wedding planning timeline looks like and the key elements to include.

12+ Months Before the Wedding:

  • Set a budget and determine who will be contributing financially to the wedding.

  • Choose your wedding date and venue.

  • Book your wedding planner and/or wedding coordinator.

  • Start building your guest list.

  • Choose your wedding party.

  • Start shopping for your wedding dress and attire.

9-12 Months Before the Wedding:

  • Hire vendors such as caterers, photographers, and florists.

  • Begin designing and sending out save-the-dates.

  • Choose your wedding theme and color scheme.

  • Reserve hotel blocks for out-of-town guests.

  • Start planning the ceremony and reception details.

6-9 Months Before the Wedding:

  • Purchase your wedding rings.

  • Start planning your honeymoon.

  • Choose and order bridesmaids' dresses.

  • Schedule dress fittings and alterations.

  • Book your wedding transportation.

4-6 Months Before the Wedding:

  • Choose and order your wedding invitations and stationary.

  • Plan your wedding ceremony and reception music.

  • Schedule hair and makeup trials.

  • Plan your wedding menu and cake.

  • Start planning the wedding day timeline.

2-4 Months Before the Wedding:

  • Finalize the wedding day timeline.

  • Order wedding favors and any other wedding details.

  • Attend pre-wedding events like the bridal shower and bachelorette party.

  • Confirm details with all vendors.

1 Month Before the Wedding:

  • Final dress fittings and alterations.

  • Obtain your marriage license.

  • Confirm the guest count and seating chart.

  • Send out the final timeline to vendors and the wedding party.

  • Pack for your honeymoon.

1 Week Before the Wedding:

  • Confirm all details with vendors.

  • Finalize payments with vendors.

  • Break in your wedding shoes.

  • Pack for the wedding day and honeymoon.

On the Wedding Day:

  • Get ready for your big day!

  • Allow ample time for hair and makeup.

  • Follow the wedding day timeline.

  • Enjoy the special moments and take it all in.

Planning a wedding can be a stressful process, but a wedding planning timeline can help alleviate some of the stress. By following a detailed timeline, you can stay on track, keep organized, and ensure that everything runs smoothly on your special day. A wedding planner or coordinator can be an excellent resource to help you create and follow a timeline that suits your needs and preferences. With careful planning and organization, you can enjoy a stress-free wedding day that is everything you've dreamed of.

What is a typical Wedding Day timeline look like?

A wedding day is one of the most special and memorable days of a couple's life. A well-planned timeline is essential to ensure the ceremony and reception run smoothly and on time. Here's a suggested timeline for a wedding ceremony and reception:

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Wedding Party Preparation Bridesmaids and groomsmen get ready, hair and makeup, and dress up for the wedding ceremony.

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: First Look and Photos The couple can do a first look and take photos with the wedding party before the ceremony.

3:00 PM - 3:30 PM: Wedding Ceremony Seating Guests start to arrive and find their seats.

3:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Wedding Ceremony The ceremony begins, including the processional, vows, ring exchange, and the kiss!

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Cocktail Hour While the couple takes formal photos with family and the wedding party, guests can enjoy appetizers and drinks.

5:00 PM - 5:30 PM: Reception Grand Entrance The wedding party and the newlyweds make their grand entrance into the reception.

5:30 PM - 6:00 PM: Dinner Guests are served dinner.

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Speeches and Toasts The speeches and toasts from the maid of honor, best man, and other loved ones take place.

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: First Dance and Dancing The newlyweds take the floor for their first dance, followed by dancing for all guests.

8:00 PM - 8:30 PM: Cake Cutting and Dessert The couple cuts their wedding cake, and guests enjoy dessert.

8:30 PM - 9:00 PM: Bouquet and Garter Toss The traditional bouquet and garter toss takes place.

9:00 PM - 11:00 PM: Dancing and Farewell The DJ plays the last few songs, and the newlyweds say their goodbyes to guests and leave for their honeymoon.

This timeline can be adjusted to fit the couple's preferences and the venue's availability. It's always essential to work with your wedding coordinator or planner to ensure that everything runs smoothly and stress-free on your special day.