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Create a Comprehensive Timeline for Wedding Planning: From Engagement to the Big Day

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

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

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.  

I’m a storyteller at heart, a mom to two incredible kids, and someone who’s endlessly inspired by connection, beauty, and meaning. I’ve spent the last decade building a life I love through photography, travel, and relationships that matter. Whether I’m documenting a wedding in Europe or exploring the world with my family, I’m always chasing the moments that make life feel full. I believe in showing up wholeheartedly, finding joy in the little things, and leaving people better than I found them.

-caroline

hi, i'm caroline

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