Wedding Planning Timeline: Month to Month Breakdown

Planning your wedding can feel like juggling sparklers—exciting, beautiful, and slightly chaotic. But don’t worry, lovebirds. With the right wedding planning timeline, you can ditch the overwhelm and enjoy every glittering step. Whether you’re planning a year out or condensing it into a few months, here’s a practical, month-to-month breakdown to keep you on track.

12 Months Out: Dream Big

This is the “pin it all” phase. Set your budget, draft your guest list, and lock in your venue. These three decisions shape your day’s entire vibe. Start researching vendors, especially photographers, planners (that’s where we come in), and caterers.

9 Months Out: Book the Core Crew

Secure your main vendors. Think: photographer, videographer, caterer, florist, and entertainment. Say “yes” to the dress and start thinking color palette, theme, and décor. It’s okay if you have NO IDEA what this would look like for yourself, at K.S. Otter Wedding Planning, we have a hands on dream team that cares deeply to bring your personality and dream to reality.

6 Months Out: Make It Official

To make it OFFICIAL! We must send save-the-dates, finalize your wedding party, and schedule your engagement shoot. Now’s also a good time to book your officiant and start planning the honeymoon (because yes, you’ll need that nap in paradise).

4 Months Out: Details, Details

Tastings, trials, and timelines. Finalize the menu, confirm rentals, order invitations, and schedule hair/makeup trials. This is the sweet spot for mapping out the day-of flow with your planner.

2 Months Out: Almost There

Mail out your invites and confirm with all vendors. Begin seating arrangements and draft your ceremony outline. Don’t forget your marriage license!

1 Month Out: Final Touches

Final dress fitting? Check.

Shot list for your photographer? Check.

Emergency kit packed? Almost.

Host your final venue walk-through and confirm your day-of schedule with your planner.

Wedding Week: Deep Breath

It’s happening! Delegate, stay hydrated, and soak up every second. You’ve followed the wedding planning timeline, and now it’s time to celebrate your love story.

At K.S. Otter Wedding Planning, we live for bringing order to the chaos and magic to your moments. Click the link so we make your timeline stress free, stylish and perfectly you.