Wedding Planning Checklist | Month-by-Month Timeline

Wedding planning is manageable when you know what to tackle and when. The key is doing the big, hard-to-change things first (venue, date, guest list, budget) and leaving the smaller details for later. This checklist is organised by how far out you are from the wedding.

Start here:You don't need to follow every timeline exactly. Start from wherever you are and work forward. The most important thing is not to leave venue booking late — everything else follows from that decision.

As soon as you get engaged

Set a rough budget range (even a ballpark)
Agree on the approximate wedding size (intimate / medium / large)
Discuss any must-have elements (outdoor ceremony, church, destination)
Set a target year and season — summer, autumn, winter
Tell immediate family and close friends your plans

12–18 months before

Set your full budget— Total number, where it's coming from, any family contributions. Set this before anything else.
Build your guest list — A working list with three tiers (must-invite, want-to-invite, nice-to-have)
Research venues — Start with 5–8 venues that fit your style and budget; shortlist to 3–4 to visit
Book the venue — Sign the contract and pay the deposit. Until this is done, nothing else is fixed.
Set the date — Confirmed once venue is booked
Send save the dates — Especially important for summer Saturdays and any guests travelling from far away
Book your photographer — Sought-after photographers fill their calendars early; this is the second most time-sensitive booking
Research wedding insurance — Insure the deposit as soon as you pay it

9–12 months before

Book videographer (if you want one)
Book caterer (if separate from venue)
Research and shortlist bands or DJs
Start dress / suit shopping — lead times on wedding dresses can be 6–9 months
Research florists — shortlist 2–3 and get initial quotes
Set up your wedding email address — a dedicated address keeps all supplier communication in one place
Set up ForeverAfter — add your budget, guest list, and start tracking expenses
Research and book accommodation for wedding night
Plan honeymoon (if taking one soon after)

6–9 months before

Book band or DJ
Book officiant (registrar or celebrant) — register the date with your local register office if a civil ceremony
Book hair and makeup artists
Finalise florist and confirm initial brief
Order wedding dress and bridesmaids' outfits
Research wedding cake makers; book and confirm flavours
Book transport (wedding car, minibuses for guests)
Finalise honeymoon bookings
Start thinking about stationery design and invite wording

4–6 months before

Send formal invitations — 6–8 weeks minimum before the wedding; 10–12 weeks for destination weddings or many overseas guests
Order wedding rings
Book rehearsal dinner venue (if having one)
Finalise menu with caterer (including children's options)
Create a wedding day timeline draft
Research and book wedding favours
Book accommodation hotel block for guests (if applicable)
Start thinking about readings, vows, ceremony details

2–3 months before

RSVP deadline passes — Chase non-responders; confirm final headcount
Build seating plan once final numbers are confirmed
Order place cards and table names/numbers
Start dress fittings and alterations
Hair and makeup trial
Create your wedding day timeline — share with all key suppliers
Write and rehearse vows (if writing your own)
Confirm final details with all suppliers: timings, access, parking
Submit dietary requirements to caterer
Arrange currency and travel documents for honeymoon

4–6 weeks before

Submit final guest numbers to caterer (check their deadline)
Finalise and print seating plan and place cards
Prepare supplier payments schedule — know what's due and when
Prepare tip envelopes for suppliers (cash or bank transfer)
Create a point-of-contact list for the day (who calls whom for what)
Send final timeline to all suppliers
Confirm ceremony music / processional songs
Delegate day-of tasks to your bridal party

1–2 weeks before

Pick up wedding dress (final fitting complete)
Confirm all supplier arrival times one final time
Prepare an emergency kit (safety pins, stain pen, pain killers, phone charger)
Give a copy of the day's timeline to your best man/maid of honour
Prepare payments / envelopes for vendors due on the day
Pack for honeymoon
Organise the rehearsal (if having one)

The day before

Venue set-up (if allowed the day before)
Collect any hired items (suits, decorations)
Rehearsal dinner or quiet dinner with immediate family
Get an early night — you won't sleep as much as you want to, but try
Charge your phone
Leave your timeline, seating plan, and supplier contacts somewhere accessible

Frequently asked questions

What should you book first when planning a wedding?

The venue comes first — always. It sets your date, capacity, and budget envelope for everything else. As soon as the venue is booked, confirm your photographer (the second most time-sensitive booking). Everything else can follow at a more relaxed pace.

How long does it take to plan a wedding?

Most couples have 12–18 months between engagement and wedding. It's possible to plan a quality wedding in 6 months if you're flexible on date and venue — but popular venues and photographers fill early, and your options narrow significantly with less lead time.

What can you leave until last when planning a wedding?

Favours, table decorations (non-floral), programmes, chair covers, and other aesthetic details can be organised in the final 2–3 months without stress. The logistics (venue, catering, photography, music) need to be locked in early.

Keep your checklist in ForeverAfter

ForeverAfter's wedding planning checklist gives you a live task list connected to your budget and guest management. Tick off tasks as you go and see your overall planning progress in one place. Free to start.