At this stage, your major vendors are likely secured, and now the focus shifts to logistics, guest communication, and refining the details that will shape your day.
If you are earlier in the planning process, start here:
Planning 12 to 18 Months Before Your Wedding
Planning 12 to 9 Months Before Your Wedding
Plan Your Ceremony Details
Meet with your officiant to begin outlining your ceremony. This includes:
- Ceremony structure
- Readings or special moments
- Required documents based on your location
If your DJ is not handling ceremony audio, now is also the time to book ceremony musicians such as a string quartet, soloist, or organist.
Finalize Your Wedding Party Attire
Order bridesmaid dresses and any remaining wedding party attire. This allows enough time for production, delivery, and alterations.
Book Your Florist
Now that your overall vision and color palette are clearer, you can confidently book your florist and begin discussing design direction.
Send Save the Dates
Send your save the dates, especially if:
- You are planning a destination wedding
- Your wedding falls during a busy travel season
- You have many out-of-town guests
This helps guests plan travel well in advance.
Plan Your Invitations
Select and order your invitations. If you plan to have them professionally addressed, allow extra time for that process.
Secure Rentals and Event Needs
If your venue does not provide everything, now is the time to finalize rentals, including:
- Chairs and tables
- Lighting
- Tents
- Specialty items
For outdoor weddings, this may also include backup plans such as tenting or additional coverage.
Arrange Transportation
Book transportation for the wedding day if needed. This may include:
- Shuttle buses for guests
- Transportation for the wedding party
- End-of-night transportation
Start Planning Your Honeymoon
Begin organizing your honeymoon plans. Make sure passports are up to date and schedule any necessary appointments or travel requirements early.
Begin Building Your Timeline
Start outlining your wedding day timeline. At this stage, it does not need to be final, but you should begin mapping out:
- Ceremony timing
- Cocktail hour
- Reception flow
This will continue to evolve as your wedding gets closer, but having a working version now will help guide future decisions.
What Comes Next
As your wedding approaches, planning becomes more detailed and focused on final confirmations.