Wedding planning checklist and timeline (12 months to the day)
Updated 2026-10-17
Short answer
Twelve or more months out, set the budget, draft the guest list and book the venue. At 10–12 months book the photographer, caterer and officiant. Send save-the-dates around 8–10 months, invitations around 2–3 months, chase RSVPs at 1–2 months and give final numbers to the venue 2–4 weeks before.
12+ months
- Agree the total budget and who is contributing
- Draft the guest list (A-list and B-list)
- Tour and book ceremony and reception venues
- Consider a planner and wedding insurance
10–12 months
- Book photographer, videographer, caterer and officiant
- Choose your wedding party
- Make a wedding website
6–10 months
- Shop for outfits
- Book music, florist, hair and makeup, transport and cake
- Send save-the-dates and book hotel blocks
2–6 months
- Order invitations and rings; book rentals
- Menu tasting and finalise drinks
- Send invitations (about 2–3 months out)
- Check marriage licence rules where you live
The last month
- Chase missing RSVPs and give final numbers to the venue and caterer
- Finish the seating plan; send the day-of timeline to vendors
- Prepare tip envelopes; confirm every arrival time
Date it to your wedding
The Sorted Budget wedding planner includes 55 tasks that date themselves back from your wedding day, flag what’s overdue and show the next five on the dashboard.
Questions
When should we send invitations?
Around 2–3 months before the wedding is common; destination weddings often go earlier.
When is engagement season?
In the US, December is the most popular month to get engaged, and many couples start planning in the new year.
Sources
Last checked 2026-10-17.