Soirees
{ Brides 1-Year Wedding Planning Timeline }
Okay, so you just got engaged! Now it’s time to plan the wedding of your dreams! Where in the world do you start? Everyone has most likely felt the stress of getting every single detail in order for their perfect day. Don’t procrastinate in getting these details and stressing out when your big day comes sneaking up on you. Although we have done a recent post about the wedding planning timeline, this post is more in depth and gives you the exact timeline to follow one year prior to your wedding. Follow this yearlong timeline month by month to stay on track and relaxed when your wedding day comes near!
6-12 Months Ahead
Announce your engagement
Set the wedding date and send “Save The Date” cards
Create a wedding budget
Determine your wedding style (formal/informal)
Decide on the number of guests you will invite
Have your family and the groom’s family prepare the invitation list
Hire a wedding consultant (if desired)
Decide who will perform the ceremony
Choose a location for the ceremony and reception
Choose your attendants
Start shopping for your dress and accessories
Start looking for a caterer, florist, DJ/band, photographer, and videographer
If you are getting married in a church or synagogue, meet with the officiate to discuss the ceremony and to arrange pre-marital counseling, if needed.

4-6 Months Ahead
Order the invitations, announcements, programs, and thank-you cards
Book calligrapher for the invitations, if using one
Select and order bridesmaid's dresses and shoes
Urge your mother and future mother-in-law to shop for their dresses
Decide what the groom and his attendants will wear
Register for gifts
Plan your honeymoon and make reservations
Purchase wedding rings
Buy stockings and special lingerie that your dress requires
Choose reception favors
Choose gifts for attendants and your groom
Make a hotel reservation for your wedding night
Make hotel reservations for your out of town guests
Book hairstylist and makeup artist for your wedding
Take dance lessons

2-4 Months Ahead
Meet with caterer and decide menu
Attend cake tasting and decide on wedding cake and groom's cake
Discuss service with the officiate
Choose readings and music for the ceremony
Write your wedding vows, if you choose
Schedule your rehearsal time and dinner
Make arrangements for rehearsal dinner
Have your first dress fitting
Mail invitations

1-2 Months Ahead
Write thank you notes as gifts arrive
Make arrangements of transportation for the two of you from the wedding site to the reception
Buy a guest book and select someone to preside over it at the reception
Have programs printed
Obtain marriage license and request certified copies
If you intend to change your last name, prepare the necessary documents
Have trial run with hairstylist and makeup artist, with veil and accessories
Set wedding day appointments with your stylist and manicurist
Send change of address information to the post office, if necessary
Have your final dress fitting with your alterations
Send wedding announcement to the local newspaper

2-3 Weeks Ahead
Have your final dress fitting with accessories and lingerie
Draw up seating plan for the reception and make card for the head table, if necessary
Notify caterer of guest count
Write toasts for rehearsal dinner and wedding reception
Address announcements
Break in wedding shoes at home
Confirm your honeymoon travel arrangements
Designate someone to look after your home and pets while on your honeymoon
Confirm accommodations for out of town guest

1 Week Ahead
Confirm transportation arrangements for ceremony and reception
Go over final details with the reception site coordinator, florist, cake baker, DJ/Band, photographer, and videographer
Be sure that attendants have everything they need for the wedding, such as jewelry, shoes, and stockings
Finalize reception seating plan, if necessary
Pick up wedding dress
Confirm details with caterer
Assign specific responsibilities, such as handing out corsages and boutonnieres to members of your wedding party
Pack for honeymoon
Make sure that attendants know what time to be at the rehearsal and ceremony

1 Day Ahead
Write checks to all vendors, put in envelope, and give to your Maid of Honor or Best Man to pass out
Pack everything that you will need for the ceremony
Give announcements to an attendant for mailing after the wedding
Make arrangements with the Best Man to return all tuxedo rentals
Have manicure and pedicure
Rehearse ceremony
Hold rehearsal dinner and give gifts to attendants and parents to show your appreciation for their support, if you desire

The Wedding Day!
Eat something for breakfast - this will be a long day ahead
Give your Maid of Honor and Best Man the wedding bands
See your hair stylist and makeup artist for final preparations
Gather your dress and accessories and head to the ceremony
GET MARRIED!

Be on the lookout for our upcoming blog on the Groom's 1-Year Wedding Checklist!