The 12-Month Wedding Checklist
Ivory House Co. · hello.ivoryhouse@gmail.com · (951) 365-9490
12+ Months Out
- Set your engagement announcement and share
- Decide on wedding vision, mood, and rough guest count
- Set the overall budget (and who's contributing)
- Choose your date range and destination
- Book planner or coordinator
- Tour and book the venue
- Book the photographer
- Start your guest list spreadsheet
9–11 Months Out
- Book officiant, band/DJ, videographer, florist
- Choose wedding party and share dates
- Book hotel room blocks
- Order save-the-dates
- Book hair and makeup trials
- Begin dress and suit shopping
6–8 Months Out
- Send save-the-dates (add 8 weeks for destination)
- Book rentals, transportation, and stationery
- Register for gifts
- Book rehearsal dinner venue
- Order wedding attire
- Plan honeymoon and passports
3–5 Months Out
- Order invitations and mail 8 weeks out
- Finalize menu, cake, and bar
- Buy or rent groom/wedding-party attire
- Purchase wedding bands
- Confirm all vendors and deposits
- Book any pre-wedding events
6–8 Weeks Out
- Final dress fittings
- Confirm final headcount and seating
- Finalize timeline and vendor run of show
- Write vows
- Apply for marriage license
- Assemble welcome bags
Wedding Week
- Rehearse and rehearsal dinner
- Deliver welcome bags to hotels
- Final vendor confirmations
- Pack overnight bag and emergency kit
- Get sleep, eat well, hydrate
- Enjoy your wedding — hand it off