Wedding Planning Checklist: A Month-by-Month Timeline for Couples

The first question most couples ask is “where do we start, and how long does it take?” Ideally, start 9–12 months before the big day. This checklist breaks the work into stages so you can tackle it one step at a time.

9–12 months before

• Agree on the total budget and who contributes what
• Decide the format — morning ceremony, evening reception, or both in one day
• Draft a rough guest list to estimate venue size
• Book your venue and date (popular dates fill fast)

6–9 months before

• Book your photographer, planner, florist and band or DJ
• Choose wedding outfits and book hair and makeup
• Set a colour theme and guest dress code

3–6 months before

• Finalise the guest list by bride's side, groom's side and mutual
• Design and send invitations with an online RSVP link
• Do the menu tasting

1–2 months before

• Follow up with guests who haven't replied
• Start the seating chart from confirmed RSVPs
• Write the day-of timeline and share it with every vendor

1–2 weeks before

• Lock the seating chart and give the venue your final headcount
• Prepare a QR code so guests can find their own table
• Rehearse and confirm timings with every vendor

PlannerNova keeps your guest list, RSVPs, seating chart, timeline, menu and dress code in one place — and guests see it all from one link on their phone. Start free for 14 days.