Wedding planning often starts 12 to 18 months in advance, especially if you have a particular venue, date, or vendors in mind. This stage sets the foundation for everything that follows, so getting organized now can make the rest of the planning process much easier.
Set Your Wedding Vision and Budget
Start by thinking about what you want your wedding to feel like. Formal or relaxed? Indoor or outdoor? A big celebration or something more intimate?
Once you have a general vision, build a realistic budget. Factor in any contributions from family along with what you are personally comfortable spending. This will help guide nearly every decision moving forward.
Get Organized Early
Choose a system for keeping your wedding information in one place. That might be a folder, spreadsheet, planning app, binder, or a combination of several things.
Keep track of things like:
- Vendor information
- Inspiration photos
- Contracts and notes
- Important dates
- Planning timelines
You can also start gathering ideas from real weddings, Pinterest, social media, and other sources to help figure out what you like and, just as importantly, what you don’t.
Choose Your Date and Venue
Pick a few potential wedding dates and check availability with the people and places that matter most.
That may include:
- Ceremony and reception venues
- Your officiant
- Key family members or guests you want to make sure can attend
If you have a specific venue or date in mind, this is the time to start checking availability. Once you find the right fit, secure your ceremony and reception locations.
Book Your Officiant
After locking in your venue and date, begin making arrangements with your officiant, especially if you have someone specific you want to perform the ceremony.
Start Building Your Guest List
Begin creating your guest list and keeping the information somewhere easy to update.
You may eventually want to track:
- Names and contact information
- RSVP status
- Meal selections
- Notes or special considerations
You don’t need all of that information yet. Right now, getting a realistic idea of your guest count is the important part because it can affect your budget, venue, catering, and many other decisions.
Choose Your Wedding Party
If you’re having a wedding party, this is a good time to start deciding who you want standing with you.
Choosing them early also gives everyone plenty of time to prepare for attire, travel, and anything else they’ll need to be part of the wedding.
Begin Researching Vendors
Start looking into the vendors who will play an important role in your wedding.
Depending on your plans, that might include:
- Photographer
- Videographer
- DJ or band
- Wedding planner or coordinator
- Florist
- Caterer
You don’t have to book every vendor immediately. But if there is someone you specifically want to work with, don’t assume you need to wait until a certain point on a planning checklist. Check their availability and book them when you’re comfortable moving forward.
Consider an Engagement Party
An engagement party is completely optional, but it can be a fun way to celebrate with family and friends early in the planning process.
If you decide to have one, keep your eventual wedding guest list in mind when deciding who to invite.
What Comes Next
Once your date, venue, and basic wedding plans are beginning to take shape, the next stage focuses more heavily on securing your vendor team and making some of the larger decisions for the wedding.
Planning 12 to 9 Months Before Your Wedding