12-month wedding checklist
With 12 months to your wedding, the first three moves are booking the venue, signing your photographer, and setting the guest list that drives both. Save-the-dates go out around 8 months, the registry and wedding website by 6 months, and the marriage license in the final 30–60 days.
This checklist walks the whole plan from engagement to the big day. Print it, check things off — or move it into the planner, where due dates track themselves.
12 months before the big day
- Book your venue and lock the datePeak Saturday dates book out 12–18 months ahead — nothing is real until the deposit clears.
- Draft the guest listHeadcount drives the venue and 40–50% of the budget — list first, contracts second.
- Set the budget by category
11 months before the big day
- Book your photographer and videographer
10 months before the big day
- Book the caterer and the band or DJ
9 months before the big day
- Start wedding dress shoppingMade-to-order gowns take 4–6 months plus alterations.
8 months before the big day
- Send save-the-dates
- Launch your wedding websiteTravel details, hotel blocks, and the registry link all live here.
7 months before the big day
- Reserve hotel room blocks for out-of-town guests
6 months before the big day
- Set up your registryGuests start shopping as soon as save-the-dates land — have it live before invitations.
- Order invitations; book florist and cake tasting
4 months before the big day
- Mail invitations with an RSVP deadline
- Book hair and makeup; schedule the trial
3 months before the big day
- Chase RSVPs and firm up the headcount
2 months before the big day
- Build the seating chart
- Confirm the vendor day-of timeline
The final month
- Get the marriage licenseRules vary by state — some licenses expire in 30–90 days, so time it.
- Give the final headcount and seating chart to the venue
Frequently asked questions
When should we send save-the-dates?
Around 8 months before the wedding — earlier (10–12 months) for destination weddings or holiday weekends so guests can book travel.
When should we set up our wedding registry?
By 6 months out, and definitely before invitations mail. Guests start shopping the moment save-the-dates arrive, and engagement-party gifts come even earlier.
When do we get the marriage license?
In the final 30–60 days. Requirements vary by state and county — some have waiting periods, and many licenses expire 30–90 days after issue.