"I Just Got Engaged! Now What?" | A Guide to Wedding Planning Timelines
- Madison Neumann
- Nov 22, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 15
The most common question I see in bridal groups is, "I just got engaged! Now what?"
After the big proposal, it's not long before questions from family and friends start rolling in...
"When's the wedding?" "Where are you getting married?" "When are you going to start planning?"
Needless to say, it can be a bit overwhelming. Between my 10 years as a wedding photographer in the Philadelphia area, planning my own wedding, and researching for wedding tip videos to share across my social media pages, it's safe to say I've become a bit of an expert on the topic.
Here is my recommended wedding planning timeline to help guide your next steps.
Before I start, remember that everyone's wedding planning timeline is different.
This guide will be structured around a general timeframe of around 12+ months - if you're working on a tighter timeframe, around 9 months or less, you can always modify this guide to tackle each task a bit faster.
Either way, I highly recommend taking the information from this guide and creating a master checklist
(like this one) for you and your fiancé to follow along to.
My husband and I worked with an 18 month timeframe and spaced each of these tasks out pretty greatly, about one task per month in the beginning of our planning experience, which really helped with that initial overwhelming feeling.
First Steps - Newly Engaged
Plan and Host Your Engagement Party - Not everyone has an engagement party, but especially if you're expecting a "longer" engagement (18+ months,) I totally recommend having one. My husband and I knew we were a few years away from our actual wedding, so hosting a celebration fresh off of the proposal gave us something fun and wedding-related to plan in the meantime.
Search for a Wedding Planner - If you know you want to leave the wedding planning to the professionals, the first vendor you book should be your planner. They will be able to provide a ton of help and insight right at the start of your experience!
Organize a General Guest List - You'll need an idea of your guest list before you begin touring venues to ensure they can accommodate your guest count. This list will also help as you start gathering quotes from venues and caterers so you can start to set your budget.
Search for a Wedding Venue - Schedule venue tours and set your date once you find "the one!" Your entire timeline will fall into place from here.
9-12+ Months Out
Begin Booking Vendors: When it comes to booking wedding vendors, the earlier, the better. There's a higher chance that your dream vendors will be available for your date, and in some cases, you can snag early pricing. Some vendors would include your photographer, engagement photo session, videographer, florist, caterer (if not included with venue,) band/DJ, hair and makeup, etc.
Start Honeymoon Planning: You should have your honeymoon destination decided in this phase so you can budget accordingly. You may want to hire a travel agent to take the planning off your plate, but planning can be spaced out over the next few months.
Start Searching for the Dress: Did you know the average bridal boutique recommends having your dress order in by a minimum of 10 months prior to your wedding date? Dresses can take months to come in, and then your seamstress will need at least a few weeks to make the perfect finishing touches. Plan accordingly! I started shopping about 12 months out so I would have 2 months to look freely without feeling the pressures of a time constraint. However, if you're already under the 10 month mark, don't worry! Make the boutiques you are visiting aware of your wedding date and they should be able to ensure that you're trying on options that will be in on time for your big day.
Send out Your "Save the Dates:" If your wedding will require any travel accommodations, it is recommended you let your guests know your date at least 10-12 months out.
6-9 Months Out
Handle Decor Rentals
Select Your Wedding Bands
Book Your Officiant
Plan Wedding Weekend Events: Rehearsal dinner, after party, brunch, etc.
Set up Guest Accommodations: Hotel room blocks, transportation, etc.
Select Wedding Party and Family Dresses: Similar to ordering your wedding dress, bridesmaid dresses, mother of the bride dresses, etc. are typically made to order and take some time to come in. Ordering at least 6 months prior is recommended.
3-6 Months Out
Cake Tasting
Invitations
Suit/Tux Ordering
Alterations
