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Weddings > Ideas & Advice > The 12 Month Wedding Calendar

The 12-Month Wedding Calendar

The average wedding takes a year to plan, and you'd be surprised at how quickly that year will pass when you're the one planning! This 12-month countdown calendar is just the thing to save the day-and your sanity! To have a wedding as stress-free as possible print it out and check off to-do's as you go.

9-12 Months Before

Note: Allow up to two years for planning in major cities with large populations or for popular dates such as Valentine's Day or any Saturday in June

  • Send out announcements (optional)
  • Decide on a tentative wedding date (venue availability may determine exact date)
  • Estimate the number of guests for the wedding
  • Find a venue for the wedding and reception
  • Research marriage laws in your venue city
  • Find an officiant for the wedding

6-9 Months Before

  • Choose members of your wedding party
  • Determine your guest list
  • Start shopping for a wedding dress
  • Choose a photographer and/or videographer
  • Choose a florist
  • Choose a caterer (if the venue does not provide its own)
  • Shop for bridesmaid dresses
  • Make honeymoon travel plans

5-6 Months Before

  • Reserve accommodations for out of town guests
  • Select music and/or reserve a DJ
  • Order groom and groomsmen attire
  • Order wedding cake
  • Order wedding rings

4-5 Months Before

  • Order stationery and anything else to be printed
  • Register for gifts
  • Shop for accessories, veil, etc.
  • Shop for mother's attire
  • Finalize guest list

3-4 Months Before

  • Go in for dress fittings (if any)
  • Schedule time off work for wedding and honeymoon
  • Write vows
  • Choose readings
  • Make bar arrangements (if any)
  • Mail wedding invitations

2-3 Months Before

  • Obtain a marriage license at your local county office
  • Update any legal documents with new information
  • Shop for attendants' and wedding party gifts
  • Shop for any ceremonial accessories
  • Shop around for a hair stylist and try a mock styling

1-2 Months Before

  • Finalize all fittings for dresses
  • Make a hair stylist appointment
  • Make a make-up appointment
  • Confirm reservations with all vendors such as florist, photographer, etc.
  • Complete name change (if any)
  • Shop for party favors (if any)
  • Arrange transportation for the bride and groom

3 Weeks Before

  • Write toasts and speeches for the rehearsal dinner and reception
  • Assemble party favors or other personalization needed

2 Weeks Before

  • Notify venue of final head count
  • Make preparations for the honeymoon

1 Week Before

  • Begin packing for the honeymoon
  • Make nail salon appointments

The Day Before

  • Get nails done
  • Make a list of vendors to contact in case they get lost, etc.
  • Rehearsal dinner
  • Try and get a good night's sleep, you'll need it!

The Big Day

  • Get hair and makeup done
  • Make sure the wedding party knows what each is responsible for
  • Take a deep breath and smile!