The Ultimate Wedding Planning Timeline: Your Month-by-Month Guide to Sanity

by Hannah Elder | Co-Owner of Alexander Events | Your Vision. Our Obsession.

Let’s be real—wedding planning is a magical time full of excitement, champagne toasts... and mild panic attacks. We totally get it. Whether you’ve been planning your big day since you were ten or just started a Pinterest board last night, this guide will walk you through every step, one month at a time. No spreadsheets required (unless you’re into that—we don’t judge).

So grab your coffee (or mimosa, we support both), and let’s plan this thing together.

12+ Months Before: The “Holy Crap, We’re Getting Married!” Phase

You’re engaged! Cue the ring selfies, group texts, and maybe a few happy tears. This is when you dream big. First things first—set a budget. We know, it’s not sexy, but it’s necessary unless you have a secret royal inheritance. Next, start your guest list. This helps you avoid booking a venue that fits 50 when your aunt has already invited 200 of her closest friends.

Speaking of venues—book that ASAP. The good ones go fast, and this locks in your date. This is also a great time to hire your wedding planner (ahem that’s us). We’ll help bring your vision to life without the emotional breakdowns. Hopefully.

9–11 Months Before: Dress, Drama, Decisions

Time to get serious. You’ll want to start shopping for your dress now. Yes, even if you think you’re “just browsing.” Bridal timelines are wild and that dreamy gown might take months to arrive. While you’re at it, start booking your major vendors: photographer, caterer, entertainment, florist. Basically, the people you’ll text more than your fiancé.

You can also start thinking about your style—modern glam? Rustic chic? Disco ball in a barn? No wrong answers. And yes, now’s a good time to create your wedding website and registry. That way, you won’t get five toasters from well-meaning relatives.

6–8 Months Before: The Pinterest Overload Period

By now, your phone is probably 90% screenshots of flower arrangements and seating chart inspo. Welcome to the chaos! Send your save-the-dates, finalize your color palette, and start narrowing down all those ideas into one cohesive look. This is when you book things like hair and makeup artists, rentals (we’ve got you covered there), and transportation—because no one wants to Uber in heels.

Planning your honeymoon? Go ahead and book that tropical escape. You’ve earned it.

4–5 Months Before: Lock It In, Baby

Things are getting real. Time to order your wedding invitations and finalize the details that make the day you. Are you writing your own vows? Organizing a first look? Planning a donut wall? Now’s the time to map it out.

You’ll also want to confirm all your vendors, pick a rehearsal dinner spot, and start thinking through the timeline of the day. If that sentence just made your blood pressure rise, breathe—we do this all the time. Let us take that off your plate.

2–3 Months Before: Crunch Time (But Make It Cute)

Your dress should be in for fittings, and your guest list is probably locked. Time to get serious about seating charts and playlists. Order those wedding bands, get your makeup trial done, and make sure your day-of emergency kit includes things like safety pins, blotting paper, and snacks. Trust us on the snacks.

Also, if your partner hasn’t started writing their vows yet... now’s a good time for a gentle nudge.

1 Month Before: The “Is This Real Life?” Month

You’re in the home stretch! Pick up your marriage license (don’t forget this—it’s kind of the whole point), do a final walk-through at your venue, and make sure every vendor has your final headcount. We’ll be working behind the scenes to make sure every napkin is folded and every candle is lit.

Start packing for your honeymoon now. You don’t want to be throwing swimsuits in a suitcase the night before your wedding.

1 Week Before: You’re Basically Beyoncé

At this point, you’re either floating on a cloud or clutching your to-do list like a life raft. Either way, you’ve got this. Do a final dress fitting, confirm arrival times with vendors, and enjoy your rehearsal dinner. Don’t forget to eat, hydrate, and maybe get a massage. You’re about to have the best day of your life.

Wedding Day: The Main Event

Take a deep breath. Your only job today is to show up, say “I do,” and soak in every magical, love-filled moment. We’ll be behind the scenes making sure everything goes off without a hitch (except, you know, the getting hitched part).

At Alexander Events, we’re not just here to plan your wedding—we’re here to obsess over every detail so you don’t have to. From rental coordination to full-scale planning, we’ve got your back from “Yes!” to “I do.”

Need help planning your wedding without losing your mind (or your deposit)?
📩 Reach out today—we’ll bring the vision, and maybe some snacks.