Wedding Timeline

You can't afford NOT to
have a Wedding Timeline

A detailed timeline is simply a countdown of things to do before your wedding day. By following this timeline and checking off these items weekly, you'll have peace of mind knowing that nothing was forgotten on your wedding day.

Bride didn't use a wedding timeline Have you ever just wanted to pull your hair out from being so stressed with all you had to do? (although don't pull too much you'll need beautiful hair for your wedding day)

I was one of those stressed out brides that felt like there were too many decisions to make and not enough time to get everything done, but I also didn't have a wedding timeline like this either.

But when you closely follow a wedding timeline and use the wedding planning checklist as your shopping list, while staying within your predetermined wedding budget, your wedding planning will go much easier with less stress.

You’ll find this wedding timeline purposely simple and without much explanation on how to accomplish these tasks here, but be sure to follow the text links if you'd like to read more on that subject.

12 or more months before your wedding day

The Knot Ultimate Wedding Planner

Start planning early by collecting pictures and articles on beach ceremony ideas.

Think about the wedding colors you want to have. Collect sample colors that interest you (paint chips, fabric swatches) and see what wedding color schemes you would like.

Will your ceremony be at the beach or a restaurant nearby?

Talk to city officials regarding any regulations or needed permits if you plan on having your ceremony and/or reception on a beach.
Decide on the size and formality of your wedding.
Determine your wedding budget and who is paying for what.
Reserve the ceremony and reception locations as soon as possible.
Meet with and hire the wedding officiant or clergy who will be performing the ceremony.
Write down initial guest list.
Choose your wedding rings.
Sign up for your own personalized wedding website where you can post information about your wedding. Some of these wedding websites are really helpful in keeping your wedding planning organized and it's a great way to keep in touch with your guests.

9-12 months before

Decide if you and your fiance want to have the beach wedding reception on the beach, a restaurant or hotel nearby
Choose your wedding party and ask them individually.
Order from your choices of beach wedding dresses.
Order all your bridal party's beach wedding attire.
Meet with various caterer or restaurant chefs/ taste test.
Reserve your caterer.
Book your photographer and videographer early as they can book up well fast. As you visit the wedding vendors, remember to bring your wedding timeline along with your wedding organizing binder filled with any favorite beach wedding ideas you've collected. It helps them get a picture of what you're looking for.
Meet with and reserve your florist, be sure they capture your vision for your wedding flowers.
Book your live music entertainment or DJ.
Visit various bakers and take any pictures with you to see if they can recreate the look.
Taste test and order your beach wedding cake.(fun part!)
Register gift choice selections at your favorite registry.
Reserve any rental items for your beach wedding.
Out-of-town guests? Research hotels for them.
Begin planning your honeymoon.

6-9 months before

Choose your ceremony music (from the prelude, solos, processional etc.)
Unity candle being used?
Remarriage? Are there children that will be in the wedding? Discuss what their roles should be to make them feel included in the day. If yours will be a remarriage, be sure to read our wedding etiquette section on remarriage, you'll find some helpful advice from etiquette experts.
Finalize your guest invitation list.
Book your honeymoon plans. For a destination wedding plans can be made even earlier.
Needing Passports/visas?
Choose and order your beach wedding invitations. Another money saving tip is do it yourself wedding invitations. This is a definite trend now and there are many options for a DIY wedding invitation.
Finalize decision on your reception menu.
Reserve your limousine service or other transportation.
Check to see if Mother of the bride and Mother of the groom have chosen their dresses.
Check marriage license requirements.
Check with city officials and receive a permit for your outside beach wedding, if it is necessary.

3-6 months before

Order your beach wedding favors for personalized favors, order at least 6 months ahead
Finalize floral and bouquet designs with your florist. Be certain all items are covered on your list: coursages, boutennire and flower arrangements
Reserve the groom and groomsmen wedding attire.
Set up a trial run with your hairdresser/take pictures.

2 months before

Begin writing your own wedding vows, if desired.
Address & Mail your invitations.
Confirm any wedding details with musicians, clergy, and photographer.
Have wedding ceremony programs printed.
Make appointments for your nails and hairstylist.
Purchase gifts for bridesmaids, groomsmen and parents.
Order or put together a wedding survival kit.

It's a good idea to go back through your wedding timeline and make sure you haven't forgotten anything.

1 month before

Plan your rehearsal dinner, make reservations if it will be in a restaurant.
Apply for marriage license.
Draw up a reception seating plan.
Consult caterer or restaurant regarding any change in menu plans or amount of people attending.
Ask a trusted person to be in charge of setting up the "wedding stuff" at the wedding. (guest book, basket of sunblock, water bottles, etc)
Determine group of people (groomsmen?) who can set up any rental equipment (chairs, arch etc…) an hour or two before the wedding.
Organize a plan B in the event of rain or other unexpected weather conditions.

2 weeks before

Finalize reception plans and details
Call any guests who did not RSVP.
Have a party for the attendants.
Deliver any song lists or play lists to DJ or musicians.
Make final phone calls to all vendors confirming your wedding day on their schedule and any other information they may need.

1 week before

Finalize seating arrangement and write out the beach wedding place cards.
Confirm out of town guests accommodations.
Pick up groomsmen attire.
Confirm the final numbers with your caterer.
Have your rehearsal.
Determine the order of the procession.
Finalize plans with the person who will be in charge of picking up and returning any rental items.
Deliver your marriage license to the wedding officiant.
Write any checks for various vendors required for the wedding day.
Pack for your honeymoon.

How's that wedding timeline looking now? Almost there!

The wedding Day!

Give wedding rings to the best man and ring bearer before the ceremony.
Give the best man the pre-written checks that need to be given out during the day.
Be sure to have your “Wedding Survival Kit” handy with your maid of honor.
Have your make-up and hair done.
Remember to be flexible, take a deep breath and enjoy your special wedding day.

Home from the honeymoon

Send thank you notes to suppliers and attendants.
Write out a gift list and mail your thank-you notes.
Arrange for preservation of your wedding gown.

Feel free to print this wedding timeline if needed. These checklist will help you plan out all the tasks for your wedding with an easier way. Or you can buy The Knot Ultimate Wedding Planner - This book filled with easy to follow checklists and worksheets, contract guides, planning wedding timelines, important questions to ask vendors, contract checklists, budget spreadsheets and tips, attendant cheat sheets, and much more are included in this thoroughly modern, must-have wedding planning resource. 200 pages.