1. Six to nine months before the wedding:
This is typically when couples start planning their wedding in earnest. During this time, they will want to start locking down dates, booking vendors and planning out the overall scope of their wedding.
2. Five months before the wedding:
During this time, couples should finalize their guest list and send out invitations, choose and book a venue, hire any necessary vendors, and begin working on their budget.
3. Four months before the wedding:
Couples should solidify the details of their wedding ceremony and reception, order bridal party attire, choose and order wedding rings, and book hotels for out-of-town guests.
4. Three months before the wedding:
This is when couples should confirm all of their vendor services, send out thank you cards for RSVPs, purchase any necessary decor or props for the wedding day, and start practicing their first dance.
5. Two months before the wedding:
This is when couples should have all of their final paperwork in order (including marriage license), make sure that everyone who needs it has a copy of the guest list, plan transportation for guests and vendors on the big day, and taste test all of their catering options.
6. One month before the wedding day:
Couples should finalize all of the details for their wedding day - including hair & makeup appointments for themselves and the bridal party, pick up any rented items like chairs or tables and make sure that they have arranged for someone to take care of pets or plants during the ceremony/reception.
7. Two weeks before the wedding day:
This is when couples should give their final headcount to their caterer/venue so that they can prepare food/seating arrangements accordingly, make sure that they have packed everything they need for their honeymoon, double-check that they have paid all of their vendors, and arrange transportation for themselves and any leftover guests after the reception ends.
8. One week before the wedding day:
This is when couples should do a final check of all of their plans - making sure nothing has been forgotten - and delegate any last-minute tasks to friends or family members who are helping them get ready for the big day.
9. The day before the wedding:
This is usually a low-key day where couples spend time with family and close friends, getting ready for the wedding day. They may want to do a final walk-through of the ceremony/reception site to make sure everything is in place and pack any last-minute items they need for the big day.
10. The wedding day:
This is the big day! Couples should make sure that they have everything they need, including their marriage license, and be prepared to enjoy every minute of their special day. Congratulations!