Our month-by-month guide to a smooth, stress-free celebration

Planning a wedding is exciting — but it can also feel overwhelming fast. With so many moving parts (and Pinterest boards!), it’s easy to lose track of what needs to happen when. That’s where a solid timeline comes in.

Whether you’re working with a full-service planner or just looking for some structure, here’s a comprehensive month-by-month breakdown to help you stay on track — and actually enjoy the process.

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12+ Months Before the Wedding

 Dream big, get grounded.

• Set your budget
• Draft your guest list
• Hire a wedding planner (hint: that’s us! 💍)
• Tour and book your venue
• Pick a date and secure your ceremony site
• Start browsing inspiration and defining your style

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9–11 Months Before

Book your key vendors.

• Hire your photographer + videographer
• Secure your caterer, florist, DJ/band
• Shop for your wedding dress
• Create a wedding website and engagement photos
• Decide on your wedding party

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6–8 Months Before

Details start to take shape.

• Order bridesmaid dresses and groomswear
• Finalize guest list and collect addresses
• Plan hotel room blocks for guests
• Design and order save-the-dates
• Start planning your honeymoon

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4–5 Months Before

Lock in the look + logistics.

• Schedule hair and makeup trials
• Order your wedding cake
• Confirm ceremony and reception décor
• Book transportation
• Begin timeline planning with your planner

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2–3 Months Before

It’s getting real!

• Send out invitations
• Schedule dress fittings
• Finalize menu and bar selections
• Write vows or ceremony script
• Create playlists or song selections

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1 Month Before

Finishing touches.

• Apply for your marriage license
• Final walk-through with your venue and planner
• Confirm vendor arrival times and details
• Create your seating chart
• Prepare favors, welcome bags, signage
• Pay final balances to vendors

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1–2 Weeks Before

It’s happening!

• Final dress fitting
• Confirm final guest count
• Pack wedding day emergency kit
• Break in your shoes
• Practice your ceremony and prep speeches

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Wedding Week

Soak it in.

• Attend your rehearsal + rehearsal dinner
• Delegate day-of tasks (or let us handle them!)
• Get plenty of rest, hydration, and downtime
• Get a manicure, massage, or whatever makes you feel good
• Celebrate — you’re getting married!

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Planning Feels Better With a Pro on Your Side

At Gather & Grove Events, we guide you through every step — whether you need full-service planning or day-of coordination. This timeline is a great starting point, but we tailor it to your wedding vision, your lifestyle, and your priorities.

Ready to plan a wedding that feels like you — and feels organized, too?
Let’s talk!

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