{ 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!