Wedding planning checklist by month (12-month timeline)
Planning over about a year? Here's what to tackle in each window so nothing piles up at the end. Every couple's pace differs — treat this as a guide, not a deadline.
12 months out
- Set your budget and decide who's contributing
- Draft the guest list (it drives almost everything)
- Book your venue and lock the date
- Hire a planner if you're using one
9 months out
- Book the big vendors: photographer, videographer, caterer, band/DJ
- Shop for wedding attire
- Send save-the-dates
- Start the honeymoon plan
6 months out
- Book florist, officiant, and a hotel room block
- Order invitations
- Plan the menu and schedule a tasting
- Register for gifts
3 months out
- Finalize the ceremony and reception details
- Mail invitations and set your RSVP deadline
- Buy wedding bands
- Confirm the timeline with vendors
Month of
- Chase down missing RSVPs and confirm the final headcount with your caterer
- Create the seating chart
- Final dress/suit fitting
- Pay remaining vendor balances
Week of
- Delegate day-of tasks and share the run-of-show
- Pack for the wedding night and honeymoon
- Rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
- Pick up attire and prepare vendor tips
Track it without the spreadsheet
Agape & Co. comes with this exact checklist built in — organized by month, with progress bars, so you always know what's next. It's tied to your budget, guest list, and seating in one place.