Your Complete, Chronological Wedding Planning Checklist

Find out what needs to be done when planning your wedding with our month-by-month guide.

If you're just engaged, starting to envision your wedding and wondering about all the things you'll need to do—and when—then you're in the right place. 

Of course, there's no prescribed or exact timeline because everyone's engagements are different lengths—and you can successfully plan a wedding in as little as a few months if that's what you want to do. But we're here to give you a little snapshot of all your wedding to-dos to steer you in the right direction (especially if your engagement length fits the bill as "average," which is a little over a year). 

First, think "big picture."

(Hint: You're more than a year out, or just beginning the wedding planning process.)

Start by envisioning your wedding and determining your style. Next, draw up a budget.

Assemble your "planning team"—this may include hiring a wedding planner.

Once you pick your ideal wedding date and time (and select several options, just in case), check with your favorite venues, officiant and important guests (like family members) before finalizing. 

Once you have some venue options and your date down, you can start planning the guest list. Start officially booking your ceremony site and reception site.

Next, choose your wedding party—ask friends and relatives to be part of your day. 

This is totally optional, but now's the time to have an engagement party. We recommend registering beforehand for gifts.

Next, get a little more granular. 

(Hint: You're about 8 to 10 months out.)

If you're planning on wearing a wedding gown, start shopping so you have lots of time for alterations. 

Start envisioning what type of food you want at your reception. 

Decide what type of entertainment you want. A pianist for the cocktail hour, strolling violinists, a DJ or band? Your options are endless. 

Speaking of which, now's the time to really start researching, interviewing and booking your vendors: photographer, videographer, reception entertainment and florist. (Yes, it's time to start thinking about floral décor.)

Send save-the-date cards. Heck, send them even earlier (around 10 to 12 months out) if you're marrying during a tourist or holiday season or having a destination wedding.

You've hit the halfway mark. 

(Hint: You're about 6 to 8 months out.)

Now for some fun aspects of wedding planning: booking your ceremony musicians, ordering—or telling your wedding party to order—wedding party attire, and starting to plan that honeymoon, if you're aiming to jet off right after your wedding. 

Getting closer! 

(Hint: You're about 4 to 6 months out.)

Attend prewedding counseling, if required.

Shop for and order invitations and wedding rings.

Shop for formalwear, if necessary. 

Renew or get passports, if necessary.

Envision your wedding cake and research, interview and book a cake baker.

Only a few months to go!

(Hint: You're about 3 months out.)

Once you've found your cake baker, it's time to officially order your wedding cake. 

If you want your invitations professionally addressed, hire a calligrapher. 

Attend your shower! (It may be earlier, depending on when your hosts decide to have it.)

Rent the formalwear, if necessary. 

Hire wedding day transport (like limousines or party buses). Look into transportation sooner if you're considering renting streetcars or over-the-top travel.

It's right around the corner. 

(Hint: You're about 2 months about.)

Mail your invitations.

If you're writing your own vows, get started. 

Purchase gifts for parents, attendants and each other.

Book your hairstylist and makeup artist and go for a trial run with both. 

You have one month to go!

(Hint: You guessed it, you're one month out.)

Apply for a marriage license—check with the local bureau in the town where you'll wed.

If you're wearing a wedding dress, have your final fitting. Bring your maid of honor (or other wedding party members) along to learn how to bustle your dress. Have the dress pressed and bring it home.

Speaking of wedding party members, call them to make sure they have their outfits ready for the wedding.

Make last-minute adjustments with vendors, if necessary. 

Create a wedding program to hand out to guests at your ceremony. 

Order and plan in-room welcome baskets for out-of-town guests.