T&P

Getting ready for the big day

Our planning checklist.

12 Months Out

  • Set the budget and who's contributing

    Target: September 20, 2026

  • Pick the wedding date (or a short list of dates)

  • Draft the guest list

    Rough headcount drives everything else.

  • Book the venue(s) — ceremony and reception

  • Hire the “big three”: photographer, videographer, caterer

    Top vendors book out a year+.

  • Choose a wedding party

  • Start a Pinterest/mood board for style and colors

  • Consider a wedding planner/coordinator

9 Months Out

  • Book remaining major vendors: florist, DJ/band, officiant

    Target: December 20, 2026

  • Start dress/suit shopping

    Formal gowns can take 6+ months to order and alter.

  • Book a room block at nearby hotels for out-of-town guests

  • Register for gifts

    Registries take time to fill in.

  • Send save-the-dates

  • Book the honeymoon

    Prices are usually better booked early.

6 Months Out

  • Order invitations

    Target: March 20, 2027

  • Finalize the menu and cake/dessert tasting

  • Book hair and makeup trial

  • Buy the wedding rings

  • Plan the rehearsal dinner

  • Arrange transportation (limo/shuttle for the day)

  • Finalize the wedding party's attire

4 Months Out

  • Mail invitations

    Target: May 20, 2027

    Aim for 6–8 weeks before the date.

  • Finalize ceremony details/readings with the officiant

  • Buy or finalize gifts for the wedding party and parents

  • Schedule dress/suit fittings

  • Book any additional rentals (chairs, tents, lighting, linens)

3 Months Out

  • Apply for the marriage license

    Target: June 20, 2027

    Check your state's timing window — some expire!

  • Finalize the seating chart draft

  • Confirm music picks

    First dance, processional, recessional, do-not-play list.

  • Write vows

  • Final dress/suit fitting

2 Months Out

  • Track RSVPs and follow up with non-responders

    Target: July 20, 2027

  • Confirm final headcount with caterer/venue

  • Break in wedding shoes

  • Plan the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner details

1 Month Out

  • Final dress fitting and alterations pickup

    Target: August 20, 2027

  • Finalize seating chart and print place cards

  • Confirm all vendor arrival times and payments/tips

  • Get the marriage license

    If your state requires close-to-date filing.

  • Pack for the honeymoon

1-2 Weeks Out

  • Final venue walkthrough

    Target: September 6, 2027

  • Give final headcount to the caterer

  • Delegate day-of tasks

    Who's holding rings, cueing music, handling the emergency kit.

  • Confirm hotel arrangements for wedding party/family

  • Pick up the dress/suit

Day Of

  • Eat breakfast, stay hydrated

    Target: September 20, 2027

  • Assign someone to handle vendor payments/tips

  • Assign someone to bustle the dress, hold the rings, manage the timeline

  • Enjoy it

    This is the one thing on the list that isn't a task.