What to Prioritize & When

Your engagement should be filled with excitement—not endless lists and unnecessary stress. While every wedding looks a little different, having a clear timeline can help you move through the planning process with confidence and ease.

Think of this as your roadmap to knowing what deserves your attention now—and what can wait.


12–18+ Months Before

Begin with the foundation.

  • Set your budget
  • Choose your date
  • Secure your venue
  • Book your photographer
  • Choose your wedding party
  • Begin your guest list

Hire your wedding coordinator or planner (Ask me for my referred vendor list!)


9–12 Months Before

Build your dream vendor team.

  • Florist
  • DJ or band
  • Caterer
  • Hair & makeup artist
  • Videographer
  • Transportation
  • Order your wedding dress
  • Plan your engagement session


6–9 Months Before

Begin bringing your vision to life.

  • Send save-the-dates
  • Choose wedding party attire
  • Book your honeymoon
  • Finalize your floral and décor vision
  • Create your wedding website


3–6 Months Before

Refine the details.

  • Send your invitations
  • Plan your ceremony
  • Finalize décor and music
  • Schedule dress alterations
  • Begin thinking about what you want your wedding-day experience to look like


1–3 Months Before

Everything begins to come together.

  • Confirm your vendors
  • Finalize your guest count
  • Create your seating chart
  • Finalize your wedding-day timeline
  • Confirm hair & makeup
  • Create your family photo list
  • Share special photo requests with your photographer
  • Begin gathering your wedding-day details


I provide all of my couples with a family photo list template to make this part a little easier.

This is also the perfect time to sit down with your photographer and create a timeline that allows your day to feel beautiful, intentional, and unrushed.


One Week Before

The planning is done. Now, enjoy it.

Confirm your final details, make sure vendors have received their payments, pack your wedding-day essentials, and delegate anything you can.

Then take a breath.

You've done the planning. Now it's time to be present.


Your Wedding Day

Your timeline is there to guide the day—not control it.

Something may run a few minutes behind, and something may not go exactly as planned. That’s okay!

Slow down, take it all in, and be present with the people you love.

The details will fade, but the memories will last a lifetime.

Plan thoughtfully, enjoy the process, and remember what you’re really celebrating: the beginning of your marriage!