Creating a wedding planning timeline is crucial to ensuring that you stay organized throughout the planning process and don't become overwhelmed. Here are some steps to follow:

  1. Determine your wedding date: Start by determining the date of your wedding day. Once you have that locked in, you can work backward to create a timeline. The timeline should start from 12-18 months away from the wedding date.
  2. Reach out to vendors: Reach out to your desired vendors (such as caterers, florists, photographers, and DJs ) as early as possible to schedule appointments and finalise any packages.
  3. Make a list of tasks: Make a comprehensive list of all the tasks you need to complete before your wedding day. Break them down into smaller steps to ease the planning process.
  4. Prioritize tasks: Prioritize the tasks that are most important and must be completed before the less


Set the Date


Determine your wedding date: Start by determining the date of your wedding day. Once you have that locked in, you can work backward to create a timeline. The timeline should start from 12-18 months away from the wedding date.


EARLY bird


Reach out to vendors: Reach out to your desired vendors (such as caterers, florists, photographers, and DJs ) as early as possible to schedule appointments and finalise any packages.


The LIST


Make a list of tasks: Make a comprehensive list of all the tasks you need to complete before your wedding day. Break them down into smaller steps to ease the planning process.


Prioritize


Prioritize tasks: Prioritize the tasks that are most important and must be completed before the less


Wedding bouquet and blush pink sandals arranged on a rustic wooden barrel in a forest setting.
Wedding ring box and floral crown displayed on wooden barrel top at outdoor ceremony.
Wedding rings artistically photographed with delicate pink flowers and daisies in natural lighting.
Elegant place settings with greenery and menu cards on wooden tables for wedding reception.
Rustic wedding reception setup with green chairs, white bunting, and long wooden tables.
Wooden wedding arch decorated with pink and white flowers in a forest clearing.
Floral robes worn during wedding preparation outside rustic wooden cabin.
Forest wedding ceremony site with wooden benches and white aisle runner among tall trees.
Rustic centerpiece with pinecone and foliage in mason jar on wooden slice with doily.
Group wearing matching pink floral robes pose casually against rustic wooden wall.
Wedding party in pink floral robes getting ready in front of mirror.
Bridal party in pink floral robes posing outdoors in natural woodland setting.
Group photo of bridesmaids wearing matching pink floral robes in forest setting.
Wedding party in matching pink robes dancing and celebrating in wooded area.
Portrait of person in floral robe wearing flower crown against tree trunk.

Here's a possible timeline to help you plan your wedding:


12-18 months before the wedding day:

  • Select a wedding date
  • Set a budget for your whole wedding
  • Create a budget tracker
  • Confirm the size of your guest list
  • Reserve venue for the ceremony and reception
  • Book officiant and research licenses and permits
  • Start working on the guest list
  • Choose your wedding planner if you decide to have one
  • Book your venue and choose your wedding date
  • Reserve your ceremony and reception locations
  • Choose your bridal party, plan engagement photo shoot, and start shopping for your wedding attire
  • Confirm the size of your guest list
  • Start searching for and booking vendors; photographer, videographer, wedding planner/coordinator, and florist, caterers.
  • Reserve venue for the ceremony and reception
  • Book officiant and research licenses and permits


Bride in lace dress holds beautiful bouquet on rustic wooden deck.
Bride in fitted lace gown poses on wooden deck surrounded by forest.
Close up portrait with delicate flower crown and spring wedding bouquet.
Bridal portrait on rustic deck with natural flower crown and bouquet.
Wedding party in peach-colored bridesmaid dresses and white lace gown pose on rustic wooden deck in forest setting.
Wedding group wearing peach dresses and white lace stand together holding floral bouquets on outdoor porch.
Bridal party in coral dresses gather close holding beautiful wildflower bouquets on wooden deck.
Bridal party in peach gowns pose playfully with bouquets during outdoor forest photo session.
Wedding party in coral and white dresses stand on rustic covered porch surrounded by tall trees.

8-10 months before the wedding:

  • Create and send out your save-the-date announcements
  • Book wedding transportation, hair and makeup artists, and other vendors, if you haven't already
  • Choose and order your wedding invitation suite
  • Plan your honeymoon and make travel arrangements
  • Start shopping for your wedding dress
  • Choose and order bridesmaid’s dresses
  • Reserve wedding cake bakery
  • Hire caterers for the reception and select the menu
  • Book entertainment/ DJ
  • Create your Invitations or wedding website
Groomsmen in suspenders and khaki pants stand in line on forest path.
Outdoor forest wedding ceremony with guests seated on wooden benches watching bridal party.
Wedding processional on carpet runner through forest with attendants in casual attire.
Wedding ceremony in progress on decorated forest path with guests watching.
Wedding procession along decorated runner through wooded ceremony site.
A rustic outdoor wedding ceremony takes place in a sun-dappled forest with pink and white floral decorations.
A wedding ceremony under a wooden arch decorated with pink and green florals in a serene forest setting.
Three groomsmen in suspenders and bowties stand in formation on a forest path.
Three bridesmaids in matching dusty pink dresses hold bouquets in a wooded setting.
A joyful moment during an intimate forest wedding ceremony under tall eucalyptus trees.
An outdoor wedding ceremony with attendees gathered on a forest path.
A wedding ceremony unfolds on a decorated forest path with natural lighting filtering through trees.

4-6 months before the wedding:

  • Schedule your dress fitting
  • Order bridesmaids and groomsmen attire
  • Finalize catering menu and review music playlists with your DJ/band
  • Order wedding favors, and gifts
  • Finalize the Guest List: By this time, you should have a tentative headcount of your guests, and it is time to make a final list. Confirm their attendance and respond to any doubts or questions they might have.
  • Send out Invitations: It is polite to send out formal invitations a few months in advance, so your guests will have plenty of time to RSVP.
  • Book Honeymoon Accommodation: If you're going on a honeymoon, you can start making accommodation reservations now to secure your preferred location and rooms.
  • Meet with Your Photographer and Videographer: Schedule a meeting with your photographer and videographer to discuss the wedding details, specific shots, and ideal photoshoot locations, preferences and discuss timelines.
  • Music: Be sure to clarify with your band or DJ about the choice of music for each part of the wedding ceremony, reception, and dancing. You can also plan songs that have sentimental value to you or your spouse.
  • Wedding Attire: Your wedding attire must be finalized around this time, make sure your wedding dress is ready from this point onward
An intimate forest wedding ceremony under a wooden arch adorned with pink and green florals.
A romantic forest wedding ceremony with attendees gathered on a natural dirt path.
A forest wedding ceremony with bridesmaids in pink dresses watching from behind.
A romantic woodland wedding ceremony with guests seated on rustic benches while a couple exchanges vows on a lace runner.
Close-up shot of hands exchanging wedding rings during an outdoor forest ceremony.
A couple exchanging rings during their forest wedding ceremony while standing on an ornate lace runner.
Exchange of rings during an intimate forest wedding ceremony with seated guests watching.
A wedding couple shares their first kiss under a wooden arch decorated with greenery in a forest setting.
Intimate forest wedding ceremony with guests seated on benches and a wooden arch backdrop.
Signing of marriage documents at a rustic wooden table during an outdoor forest wedding.
Newlyweds smiling while completing paperwork at their forest wedding ceremony.
Wedding party gathered around a wooden table during document signing at an outdoor forest ceremony.
Guests photograph a wedding ceremony signing moment in a sunlit forest setting.

2-3 months before the wedding:

  • Confirm details with all vendors
  • Plan and finalize rehearsal dinner menu and attendee list double check meals and rsvps all line up with right numbers
  • Purchase wedding bands and check for sizing on a hot day
  • Apply for marriage license and other documentation
  • Final Fittings: Attend your last wedding dress fitting, and make sure it fits correctly and decide on the altercations to be done, and the groom should also attend fittings.
  • Write Vows: Personal vows can add a profound touch to your wedding ceremony. Take some time to craft your own and recite them on the big day.
  • Make playlists for Reception and Ceremony: Select the music that will play during various parts of your wedding day celebrations and share several music selections with your DJ or band.
  • Confirm Final Details with the Wedding Venue: Double-check the details with the venue, such as arrival time, decorations, menu, parking, and other essential elements related to the wedding reception.
  • Finalize Seating Arrangements: Finalize the seating plan for the ceremony and reception. You can also create signage with the table numbers and guests' names.
  • Finalize Honeymoon Plans
  • Confirm and finalize ALL vendors at this time.
  • Assign all tasks to your bridal party members and family and friends to ensure everything runs smoothly when you are tied up getting hitched
A joyful wedding celebration in a sunlit forest with guests throwing confetti as couple walks down aisle.
Wedding ceremony in woody forest setting with guests lining path and bridesmaids in pink dresses.
Wedding couple walking through forest ceremony with guests in casual attire and rustic decor.
Woodland wedding ceremony with couple walking down aisle surrounded by standing guests.
Bride wearing lace dress and floral crown in forest wedding setting.
Wedding party walking through forest path with bridesmaids in pink dresses and rustic decor.
Intimate moment between couple during forest wedding celebration.
Wedding celebration embrace on wooden deck in forest setting with wildflower bouquet.
Wedding party group poses on wooden deck in forest setting.
Wedding celebration candid moment with group gathered in rustic venue.
Wedding party guests pose under flowering trees while displaying a selfie on a phone at an outdoor celebration.
Groomsmen in suspenders and bowties pose together while holding beers and a phone at an outdoor celebration.
A couple in wedding attire poses with beverages and a phone at an outdoor celebration.
Wedding party members pose together on a wooden deck in a forest setting.

1 month before the wedding:

  • Finalize seating charts and confirm all vendors one last final time, and send any updated details or last minute changes to them
  • Find an MC for your day to organize the speeches and traditions and timeline, as well as printing off your wedding day timeline for the MC
  • Create a list of contacts emergency based for who know what and assign bridal party members in charge of checking things on the day of.
  • Create a wedding day emergency kit to bring with you everywhere, and keep handy with a bridesmaid or groomsman.
  • Wedding shoes, and accessories can be gathered at this time.
  • Create a photo list for all your wedding guests to be included in the right family groupings, so you dont miss any important photos.
  • Double check you have your music sorted for your ceremony, with PA system, and aisle song, and a designated person to play it on time, or musicians set up and ready
A couple poses on a dirt path surrounded by tall eucalyptus trees.
A couple embraces on a forest path surrounded by tall eucalyptus trees.
Two people wearing floral crowns and lace dresses embrace while posing in a forest setting.
Wedding party poses for a group photo on a dirt path in a sunlit forest.
A couple poses together on a forest path during a wedding celebration.
Family members gather for a group photo on a forest path during a wedding celebration.
Wedding party poses together on a dirt path in a sunlit eucalyptus forest.
A couple stands together on a forest trail surrounded by tall eucalyptus trees.

One week before your wedding day is usually one of the busiest periods in your wedding planning. Here are some important things you should consider doing:

  1. Follow up with Vendors: Follow up with all your vendors to confirm that all the details are in place to avoid last-minute surprises.
  2. Pack your Wedding Essentials: Begin packing all the necessary items you will need on your wedding day, including wedding bands, wedding dress, shoes, and any other accessories.
  3. Confirm with the Wedding Party: Reconfirm the wedding party's involvement, previously chosen attire, and any necessary tasks they're responsible for.
  4. Confirm with Your Wedding Planner and Coordinator: Connect with your wedding planner/coordinator and go over the event timeline, all details and any new information that has developed over the past few weeks.
  5. Rehearse Ceremonies: Plan for at least one rehearsal, where you can rehearse the wedding ceremony and ensure that everybody knows their roles.
  6. Treat yourself to self-care: Reduce stress by treating yourself to self-care practices that can help you relax and unwind. Get a massage, do a spa day, or enjoy a drink with your friends.

Remember to delegate some tasks to close friends or family members to help take off some of the stress, and have a stress-free wedding day.

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Wedding reception guests seated at long tables decorated with greenery in rustic wooden barn venue.
Wedding party stands behind tables during reception celebration in rustic barn setting.
Couple cuts their wedding cake together at rustic barn reception with string lights overhead.
Happy couple shares a moment while cutting their wedding cake at rustic indoor reception.
Couple stands at dessert table during rustic barn wedding reception with string lights.
Couple slices their wedding cake together at rustic indoor reception with checkered floor.

The day before your wedding dayis an exciting time, and you should use it to relax and prepare for the big day. Here are some things to do on the day before your wedding:

  1. Get Some Rest: Make sure to get enough sleep, and try to avoid strenuous activities the day before your wedding day.
  2. Check-in with Vendors: Confirm arrangements with vendors again if there are any last-minute changes and make sure everyone is still on the same page.
  3. Enjoy a Rehearsal Night Meal: Typically, the rehearsal night before the wedding, family and close friends enjoy a celebratory meal. Spend time with your wedding party and enjoy the night whilst keeping speeches and overindulging to a minimum.
  4. Pack Your Wedding Day Essentials: Pack your wedding essentials including your wedding attire, shoes, and accessories in a designated bag so that it is easy to locate the next day.
  5. Pamper Yourself: Plan to de-stress by getting a relaxing massage, facial, or take a hot bath.
  6. Assign Duties to Bridal Party: Assign duties to your bridal party, so everyone knows their responsibilities on the day of the wedding.
  7. Get Organized: Sort out tips and cash or final payments for your vendors, write letters to read to your partner and loved ones on the big day.

Remember to take the time to enjoy this special period with your loved ones, relax as much as you can, and get ready to have the wedding of your dreams.

Three people pose together on forest trail with sun filtering through eucalyptus trees.