Planning a wedding is not for the faint of heart, but it’s easier if you have a good game plan. We consulted the best in the Dallas wedding industry to come up with the ultimate 12-month timeline and checklist to guide you along the way.
12 Months Before:
☐ Determine your budget.
☐ Make your guest list.
☐ Hire a planner.
☐ Reserve your date and venues.
☐ Book your officiant.
☐ Research vendors.
☐ Ask your wedding party.
Eight to 10 Months Before:
☐ Book the entertainment.
☐ Hire your photographer and videographer.
☐ Buy a dress.
☐ Meet with caterers.
☐ Reserve hotel-room blocks for out-of-town attendees.
☐ Register.
☐ Create your wedding website.
Six to Seven Months Before:
☐ Send save-the-dates.
☐ Buy your invitations.
☐ Book a florist.
☐ Order bridesmaids dresses.
☐ Start planning your honeymoon.
Four to Five Months Before:
☐ Book the rehearsal-dinner venue.
☐ Order your cake and groom’s cake.
☐ Shop for menswear.
☐ Begin dress fittings.
☐ Select songs for first dances and work on song list for band or DJ.
☐ Get/renew passports if needed.
Three Months Before:
☐ Rent menswear.
☐ Finalize the order of the ceremony and the reception.
☐ Purchase wedding bands.
☐ Order favors.
☐ Print menu cards and programs.
☐ Book hair and makeup artists and complete trial runs.
Two Months Before:
☐ Mail invitations.
☐ Scout locations with photographer if needed.
☐ Purchase gifts for bridal party, parents, and each other.
One Month Before:
☐ Get your marriage license.
☐ Mail rehearsal-dinner invitations.
☐ Complete final dress fitting.
☐ Determine seating arrangements.
☐ Send in final payments.
☐ Confirm times with vendors.
Two Weeks Before:
☐ Give photographer your shot list.
☐ Give DJ or band your final song list.
☐ Complete any skin or hair treatments.
☐ Check with invitees who haven’t RSVPed.
☐ Send the final guest list to the caterer and venues.
Week Of:
☐ Reconfirm times with vendors.
☐ Send day-of timeline to the bridal party and family.
☐ Pick up your dress.
☐ Put together welcome baskets and distribute.
Illustration by Carrie & Seash.
