Wedding planning is one of the most rewarding experiences in a lifetime. Still, it definitely comes with its ups and downs, as well as a lot of little details that are easy to overlook. One of the most important aspects of wedding planning is to have a well-planned timeline. We want to walk you through a simple wedding planning timeline to provide you with resources for starting your wedding planning.

1 | Set Your Budget: 12 to 8 months out

First, before you do anything else—besides maybe scouring the internet for inspo—set your budget. This step is essential so that you know what sort of wedding you will throw. Is it going to be a 550-person, over-the-top, 4-day celebration, or a lovely ceremony and reception with 20 of your best friends? A lot of that decision will depend on how you envision your day and the budget that you have. Approximately 45% of couples exceed their budget when planning their wedding. By taking the time to set your budget and allocating 10%-15% extra for inevitable hiccups along the way, you will be able to mitigate a significant portion of those extra costs.

2 | Make a List of Priorities: 12 to 8 months out

Every couple is different, and it’s essential to discuss with your partner the things that are most important for each of you on your wedding day. Are there any culturally significant traditions that are essential to either of you? Do you have a large family or group of friends that you’d like to include on your special day? How high is that disco ball on your list of must-haves? A list of wedding priorities will not only help you know where to allocate funds from your wedding budget, but also allow you to envision how much time you’ll need to do all the things you want to do on your wedding day.

3 | Create your guest list: 12 to 8 months out

This is your next step. Writing down your guest list will provide even more insight into how much you can afford to spend per person and how much money you have left over for the venue, drinks, decor, etc.

4 | Find Your Venue and Date: 8 months out

Depending on where you are hosting your wedding, this timeline is flexible. In a small town, you may be able to book a venue a few months in advance. In places that are destinations, such as San Diego County, 8 to 14 months’ notice is typically required to secure your dream date. This is especially true if you want to get married in the peak wedding season (May-October). It is essential to have a few dates in mind for your wedding when looking at venues. That way, if your first date is taken, you have a few to fall back on. You can start this process on one of the many free wedding planning apps that are helpful to use while planning your wedding.

 5 | Select Your Caterer: 8 months out

Now that you have your venue and date stapled down, you can start to think about what you will feed your guests. Some venues require you to work with an in-house or preferred caterer, while others offer options but also allow you to select your own caterer. You will need to decide on things like tray pass, buffet, or plated meals, as well as desserts and other options. It is a fun process and even comes with a few yummy tasting opportunities while you decide on this important meal!

6 | Select Entertainment & Photographer: 7 months out

Leaving your entertainment bookings until the month of could mean missing out on your favorite DJ, musician, photographer, videographer, and the like. Getting these important contracts signed early will ensure that you have the best possible people working together to make your big day perfect. 

7 | Choose Wedding Attire: 8-10 months out

Get ready for the fun to begin. Picking out your wedding dress, tuxedos, bridesmaid gowns, or any other attire needed is a fun process. It starts to really bring your wedding to life. Giving yourself about 10-8 months will provide you with time to make alterations and changes before your big day. The suggested time to purchase your wedding dress is about 9 months before.

8 | Send Out Save The Dates: 6 months out

Be sure to give your guests plenty of time to request your wedding day off work and coordinate any travel to your celebration. At about six months out, you should have a good idea of where your wedding will be and at what time, which means it is the perfect time to send out your save-the-dates.

9 | Choose Wedding Attire: 6 months out

Get ready for the fun to begin. Picking out your wedding dress, tuxedos, bridesmaid gowns, or any other attire needed is a fun process. It really brings your wedding to life. Allowing yourself about half a year will provide you with sufficient time to make alterations and changes before your big day. Some people even suggest getting your wedding dress as early as 9 months before.

10 | Hire Florist and Decorations: 5-6 months out

Just as you want the best possible entertainment, you will also want the best possible florist and decor for your wedding. Once you know the colors you want to use and the overall style of your wedding, it is a great time to reach out to vendors for help with florals and decor. 

11 | Test Out Hair and Makeup: 3 months out

If you need some makeup and hair assistance, it is a great idea to try things out a few months before your wedding. It is essential to consult with your makeup artist and hairstylist so that they are aware of your dream look. They can then provide you with pointers on when to schedule your final haircut or even how to plan any facials before your wedding. 

12 | Organize Transportation and Hotel Discounts: 3-6 months out

Your out-of-town guests will more than likely want to stay close to your venue. This way, they can easily get from their hotel to your wedding. So, start calling local hotels or ask your venue if they have any hotel partnerships. This is also a great time to consider your transportation needs and how you and your guests will travel from point A to point B.

13 | Send Out Invites: 6-8 weeks out

Six to eight weeks will give your guests a reasonable amount of time to prepare and provide a gentle reminder of the earlier save-the-dates. Remember to include any additional details. Guests will appreciate an overview of the events surrounding your wedding weekend, as well as recommendations for great places to stay or explore near your venue, and other important details such as parking, directions, and even dress code information.

14 | Have A Blast

There are several steps to wedding planning, but this timeline should help you get an idea of everything that needs to be done. A wedding planner is a perfect option if you can have one to ensure all of the details are taken care of, vendors are paid, your rings arrive on-site, etc. If not, there are hundreds of lists and resources online. If you would like to start your wedding planning journey, contact us to talk about our modern Escondido wedding venues. We have contemporary indoor spaces, outdoor venues with a view, and everything in between. Our team is here to help you plan the wedding of your dreams.