Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be! With this 12-month wedding planning checklist, you'll stay organized and stress-free every step of the way. Whether you're a laid-back bride or simply want to streamline the planning process, this guide has got you covered (vetted by a bride herself)!
Download a detailed copy of our planning checklist for you to tick off as you go along. 👇
12 Months Before the Wedding
- Set a Budget: Determine how much you're willing to spend on your big day and allocate funds accordingly. This will guide your decisions throughout the planning process.
- Create Your Guest List: Decide who you want to invite to your wedding. This will help you choose a venue that can accommodate your guest count. Setting a budget will also help to limit the number of guests you can invite.
- Choose a Date and Venue: Select a date and book your venue early to secure your preferred location. Not all venues need to be sentimental, they can sometimes be very practical as well!
10 - 11 Months Before the Wedding
- Hire Vendors: Research and book essential vendors such as photographers, make-up & hair, caterers, florists, and entertainment. Book a wedding planner / coordinator here as well.
- Start Wedding Dress Shopping: Begin looking for your dream wedding dress. Give yourself plenty of time for alterations.
- Select your Bridal Party (if any): Let your bridesmaids and groomsmen know that they're part of the gang, and get them excited about what's to come!
8 - 9 Months Before the Wedding
- Create your Website / Send Save-the-Dates: Notify your guests about your upcoming wedding date. We like withjoy.com (it's completely free!).
- Decide on a Wedding Theme / Style: Will it be neutrals, colourful, shades of blue, or others, create a Pinterest moodboard to get started.
- Decide on your Bridal Party Outfits: If you have a bridal party and your wedding theme is chosen, now's the time to decide on the outfits and get everyone shopping!
6 - 7 Months Before the Wedding
- Order Physical Invitations / Send Digital Invitations: Design, order, and send your wedding invitations.
- Hire / Book an Officiant: If you're having someone officiate the wedding, whether it's an official one or a family member / close friend, get their confirmation for your wedding date.
- Plan Your Honeymoon: Start researching and booking your honeymoon destination, if you're going on one immediately after.
- Still can't decide on your Wedding Gown? You can shop from our Ready-to-Wear collection and receive it within 10 business days if we have it in stock, or get one made custom to your size within 3 months (with plenty of time for alterations needed)!
4 - 5 Months Before the Wedding
- Finalize Menu (and Cake): Work with your caterer to finalize your menu and cake design (if any).
- Settle Transportation Needs: Arrange transportation for you and your bridal party on the wedding day in advance.
- Start writing your Vows / Speeches: Don't leave it until the last minute as you will stumble! Prep and practice it ahead of time so you're comfortable saying what you have written out loud.
2 - 3 Months Before the Wedding
- Confirm Guest Seating Chart: Finalize your seating chart early so that you can send it to the venue and your wedding planner (if any) as soon as possible.
- Plan your Ceremony / Reception Program: Have an overview and detailed run-down of what's happening on the day so everyone is on the same page.
- Do your Makeup and Hair Trial: Test out looks and hairstyles before your big day and confirm with your makeup and hair artist on any additional requests for your bridal party / friends!
- For Last-Minute Brides: There's still hope! Shop our Sample Sale collection for a last-minute and very affordable gown.
1 Month Before the Wedding
- Final Fittings: Attend final dress fittings and ensure all attire is ready for the big day.
- Apply for Marriage License: Obtain your marriage license from the appropriate authority. (You can do this earlier depending on your government)
- Confirm Details and Headcount: Confirm timeline and all details with vendors and provide them with final guest counts.
1 - 2 Weeks Before the Wedding
- Prep your Wedding Outfits & Accessories: Get your gown and suit pressed / steamed, prep all your accessories, shoes, and jewelry on one side or pack them in one place so you don't forget.
- Get your Beauty Appointments in: Whether it's hair or nails for both the bride and groom, get it done and ready before the big day!
- Finalize Seating Chart: Create and finalize your seating chart for the reception.
1 Day Before the Wedding
- Relax and Rehearse: Take some time to relax and attend your wedding rehearsal.
- Delegate Tasks: Delegate any last-minute tasks to trusted friends or family members.
Wedding Day
- Enjoy Your Day: Finally, relax and enjoy your special day with your loved ones!
- Stay Present: Take moments throughout the day to soak in the joy and happiness of the occasion.
No matter where you are along the journey, hope the above checklist is helpful to get an overview of this 12-month or less journey (dependent on you as a bride!).
We have a more detailed version of our planning checklist below, with tasks leading up to your big day and what to do after the wedding. Download the checklist below! 👇
By following this fuss-free 12-month wedding planning checklist, you'll breeze through the planning process and have the wedding of your dreams without the stress. Happy planning, remember to have fun, and don't take yourself too seriously!
Love,
The Bone and Grey Team 🤍