Planning a wedding is an exciting journey that requires careful organization and attention to detail. Creating a comprehensive timeline helps ensure that everything runs smoothly, from the moment you get engaged to the day you say “I do.” Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the wedding planning process with ease. As a Columbus, Ohio wedding photographer the only thing I recommend deviating from with this timeline is booking your vendors much sooner. If you have preferred vendors I recommend reaching out at least a year before your wedding date as people book up fast. I’m not sure about other cities but Columbus, Ohio wedding photographers book up fast! I typically book up 12-20 months before wedding dates!

Here’s a post that might help if you need tips on a stress free wedding planning experience!

12-18 Months Before the Wedding

1. Celebrate Your Engagement

• Announce Your Engagement: Share the happy news with friends and family.
• Engagement Party: Consider hosting an engagement party to celebrate with loved ones.
• Here’s a link to 6 stunning engagement party dresses!

2. Set Your Budget

• Determine Your Budget: Discuss with your partner and any contributors to establish a budget.
• Track Expenses: Use a spreadsheet or wedding planning app to keep track of your spending.

3. Draft Your Guest List

• Create a Preliminary List: Start with a rough list of potential guests.
• Estimate Size: Determine the size of your wedding to help with venue selection.

4. Choose a Date and Venue

• Select a Date: Consider seasonal availability and any significant dates.
• Tour Venues: Visit potential venues and book your preferred location.

5. Hire a Wedding Planner

• Research Planners: Find a wedding planner if you need assistance with organizing the event.
• Book Early: Popular planners can book up quickly, so secure your planner as soon as possible.

9-12 Months Before the Wedding

6. Choose Your Wedding Party

• Select Bridesmaids and Groomsmen: Decide who you want by your side on your big day.
• Ask Early: Give your wedding party ample time to prepare and make arrangements.

7. Start Dress Shopping

• Research Styles: Look for inspiration online and in bridal magazines.
• Here’s a post for the most flattering bridesmaids dresses!
• Schedule Appointments: Visit bridal shops and start trying on dresses.

8. Book Key Vendors

• Photographer/Videographer: Book a professional to capture your special moments.
• Caterer: Arrange tastings and select your menu.
• Entertainment: Hire a band, DJ, or other entertainers.
• Florist: Discuss floral arrangements and book a florist.

9. Send Save-the-Dates

• Design Save-the-Dates: Choose a design that reflects your wedding theme.
• Send to Guests: Mail them out so guests can mark their calendars.

6-9 Months Before the Wedding

10. Plan Your Ceremony

• Meet Officiant: Discuss the ceremony format and any personal touches.
• Write Vows: Start thinking about and writing your vows.

11. Finalize Guest List

• Review List: Finalize your guest list to prepare for invitations.

12. Book Transportation

• Arrange Transport: Book transportation for the wedding party and guests, if needed.

13. Shop for Bridesmaid Dresses and Groomsmen Attire

• Choose Styles: Select and order dresses and suits.
• Schedule Fittings: Arrange for fittings and alterations.

14. Create a Wedding Website

• Design Site: Include essential information like the schedule, venue details, and accommodation options.
• RSVP Management: Use it to track RSVPs and communicate with guests.

3-6 Months Before the Wedding

15. Send Invitations

• Design Invitations: Finalize and order your wedding invitations.
• Mail Invitations: Send them out at least six months before the wedding.

16. Plan the Honeymoon

• Research Destinations: Choose a location and book travel arrangements.
• Check Passports: Ensure passports and

other necessary documents are up to date.

17. Organize Rehearsal Dinner

• Book Venue: Choose a location for the rehearsal dinner.
• Send Invitations: Inform your wedding party and close family members.

18. Schedule Hair and Makeup Trials

• Research Artists: Find hair and makeup artists and book trials.
• Try Different Styles: Decide on the look you want for the big day.

19. Plan Your Registry

• Create a Registry: Choose a variety of gifts at different price points.
• Share with Guests: Include registry information on your wedding website.

2-3 Months Before the Wedding

20. Finalize Details with Vendors

• Confirm Arrangements: Reconfirm all details with your vendors, including timelines and specific requests.
• Make Final Payments: Settle any remaining balances.

21. Plan Your Seating Chart

• Organize Tables: Assign guests to tables based on your final guest list.
• Create Place Cards: Order or make place cards for each guest.

22. Write Your Speeches

• Prepare Speeches: Write and practice your speeches or toasts.
• Coordinate with Others: Ensure your wedding party knows the order of speeches.

23. Have Final Dress Fitting

• Try on Dress: Ensure your dress fits perfectly and make any last-minute adjustments.
• Break in Shoes: Wear your wedding shoes around the house to avoid discomfort.

1 Month Before the Wedding

24. Obtain Marriage License

• Apply for License: Check the requirements in your state and apply for your marriage license.
• Keep it Safe: Store it in a safe place until the wedding day.

25. Confirm RSVP Count

• Follow Up: Contact any guests who haven’t responded.
• Provide Final Count: Give the final headcount to your caterer and venue.

26. Finalize Timeline

• Create Detailed Schedule: Outline the schedule for the wedding day and distribute it to your vendors and wedding party.
• Share with Key People: Ensure everyone involved knows their roles and timing.

1-2 Weeks Before the Wedding

27. Pack for Honeymoon

• Create a Packing List: Ensure you have everything you need for your honeymoon.
• Pack Early: Get your bags ready in advance to avoid last-minute stress.

28. Confirm Transportation

• Recheck Details: Confirm pick-up times and locations with your transportation provider.
• Share Schedule: Ensure the wedding party knows the transportation plan.

29. Delegate Tasks

• Assign Responsibilities: Give trusted friends or family members specific tasks for the day.
• Provide Contact Information: Make sure they have contact details for all vendors.

Day Before the Wedding

30. Rehearse Ceremony

• Conduct Rehearsal: Go through the ceremony with your officiant and wedding party.
• Review Roles: Ensure everyone knows their positions and responsibilities.

31. Relax and Prepare

• Pamper Yourself: Schedule a relaxing activity, like a massage or spa treatment.
• Get a Good Night’s Sleep: Ensure you rest well before the big day.

Wedding Day

32. Enjoy Your Day!

• Stick to the Schedule: Follow your detailed timeline to keep everything on track.
• Stay Present: Enjoy every moment and trust that

all your planning will pay off.

33. Capture the Moments

• Work with Your Photographer: Your Columbus, Ohio wedding photographer will document the special moments throughout the day. Be sure to take time for portraits, candid shots, and group photos.

34. Emergency Kit

• Prepare an Emergency Kit: Include items like safety pins, pain relievers, snacks, and makeup touch-ups to handle any last-minute issues.

35. Have Fun

• Celebrate: Dance, laugh, and enjoy the celebration with your loved ones.

Post-Wedding

36. Send Thank-You Notes

• Express Gratitude: Send personalized thank-you notes to your guests and vendors.

37. Preserve Your Dress

• Clean and Store: Have your wedding dress professionally cleaned and preserved.

38. Share Photos and Videos

• Distribute Memories: Share your wedding photos and videos with family and friends. Collaborate with your Columbus, Ohio wedding photographer to create albums and prints.

39. Reflect and Relax

• Enjoy Newlywed Life: Take time to relax and reflect on your beautiful wedding day and enjoy the start of your new journey together.

By following this comprehensive timeline, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable wedding planning process. Each step, from celebrating your engagement to the final moments of your wedding day, is crucial in creating a memorable and stress-free experience. Happy planning!

Caroline Stiers is a Columbus, Ohio wedding photographer, NYC wedding photographer and destination wedding photographer specializing in curating a joyful experience while delivering candid, romantic, emotional imagery with an editorial flare.