Months 12-10: Dream, Budget & Book the Big Stuff

12 Months Before

• Set your overall wedding budget and discuss priorities with your partner
• Create your preliminary guest list (you’ll refine this later)
• Choose your wedding date and start researching venues
• Begin following wedding inspiration accounts for ideas

11 Months Before

• Visit and book your ceremony and reception venues
• Hire your wedding planner or coordinator (if using one)
• Start interviewing and booking your photographer and videographer
• Research and select your wedding theme or color palette

10 Months Before

• Book your caterer or confirm venue catering
• Reserve your band or DJ
• Shop for and order your wedding dress (alterations take time!)
• Begin looking at florists and décor options

Months 9-7: Secure Your Team & Finalize Details

9 Months Before

• Book your florist and finalize floral arrangements
• Hire your wedding cake baker or dessert vendor
• Order bridesmaid dresses
• Start planning your honeymoon

8 Months Before

• Book hair and makeup artists for your wedding day
• Arrange transportation for the wedding party
• Send save-the-dates to your guests
• Order or design your wedding invitations

7 Months Before

• Finalize and order your wedding invitations
• Book accommodations for out-of-town guests
• Shop for and order groomsmen attire
• Register for wedding gifts

A well-organized wedding timeline template helps you track all these vendor bookings, payment schedules, and deadlines in one place—no more juggling multiple documents or sticky notes.

Months 6-4: Polish the Details

6 Months Before

• Finalize your guest list and start addressing invitations
• Plan and book your rehearsal dinner venue
• Schedule dress fittings and alterations
• Order wedding rings if not already done

5 Months Before

• Mail your wedding invitations (6-8 weeks before the wedding)
• Plan ceremony details: readings, music, vows
• Book ceremony musicians if separate from reception entertainment
• Order wedding favors and décor items

4 Months Before

• Follow up with guests who haven’t RSPD’d
• Create your seating chart as responses come in
• Finalize menu selections with your caterer
• Schedule final dress fitting

Months 3-1: Final Touches & Countdown

3 Months Before

• Apply for your marriage license
• Finalize ceremony script with your officiant
• Create day-of timeline and share with vendors
• Order wedding programs and any printed materials

2 Months Before

• Have your final venue walkthrough
• Confirm final guest count with all vendors
• Break in your wedding shoes
• Plan your wedding day emergency kit

1 Month Before

• Confirm all vendor arrival times and details
• Have your final dress fitting
• Assign wedding day responsibilities to your wedding party
• Pack for your honeymoon
• Practice your first dance

The Week Before

• Deliver final payments to vendors
• Confirm pickup/delivery times with rental companies
• Create a timeline for your wedding party
• Get plenty of rest and enjoy the excitement!

Why Use a Bride Planner Spreadsheet?

While this checklist gives you the framework, a digital bride planner spreadsheet takes it to the next level by offering:

Task automation that checks items off your list and updates your progress

Vendor management with contact info, contracts, and payment tracking in one place

Budget integration so you see how planning decisions affect your finances

Customizable timelines you can adjust based on your unique wedding date

Collaboration features to share tasks with your partner, wedding party, or planner

The Dream Wedding Planner includes all these features plus pre-built templates for guest lists, seating charts, vendor comparisons, and more—everything you need in one organized Google Sheets file.

5 Frequently Asked Questions

What should be included in a wedding planning checklist?

A comprehensive wedding planning checklist should include month-by-month tasks covering all major areas: venue booking, vendor hiring, attire shopping, invitation timelines, guest list management, and day-of logistics. The best checklists also integrate budget tracking and vendor contact information.

How far in advance should I start using a wedding timeline template?

Start using your wedding timeline template as soon as you’re engaged and have set a date. Even if your wedding is 18+ months away, beginning early helps you secure popular vendors, take advantage of early booking discounts, and spread out tasks so you’re never overwhelmed.

Can I customize a Google Sheets wedding planner for my timeline?

Yes! Google Sheets wedding planners are fully editable and customizable. You can adjust timelines for shorter or longer engagement periods, add or remove tasks based on your specific needs, and personalize categories to match your wedding style and priorities.

What’s the difference between a wedding checklist and a wedding planner spreadsheet?

A wedding checklist is a simple list of tasks to complete, while a bride planner spreadsheet is a comprehensive system that includes checklists plus budget tracking, vendor management, guest lists, seating charts, timelines, and automated calculations—essentially your entire wedding command center.

Is 12 months enough time to plan a wedding?

Yes, 12 months is plenty of time to plan a beautiful wedding when you follow a structured timeline. The key is starting immediately with venue and major vendor bookings, then systematically working through details month by month. A wedding planning checklist ensures you stay on pace.

Start Planning Your Dream Wedding Today

You don’t have to feel overwhelmed by wedding planning. With a clear month-by-month roadmap and the right organizational tools, you can enjoy every moment of this special journey.

The Dream Wedding Planner is your all-in-one solution, combining a detailed wedding planning checklist, budget tracker, vendor manager, and timeline creator in a single, easy-to-use Google Sheets template.

For just $49, you get lifetime access to a professional planning system that has helped thousands of brides stay organized, on budget, and stress-free throughout their wedding journey.

Get Your Google Sheets Wedding Planner Now and transform your wedding planning from chaotic to calm.

Your dream wedding starts with a plan—let’s make it happen together.