Congratulations on your engagement! Planning a wedding will be one of the most exciting journeys you ever take, but it can feel overwhelming without a clear plan. That’s why having a clear wedding planning timeline matters.
We’ll give you a clear wedding planning schedule that outlines everything you need to do, including when should wedding invitations be sent out, so you don’t miss critical booking periods or waste time on the wrong priorities.
Wedding planning timeline
Here’s your wedding preparation timeline to follow from the moment you get engaged to the moment you walk down the aisle.
12+ months before
Typical wedding timeline begins here: define budget, estimate guest count, choose wedding style, research venues, and secure your venue and date.
- Set budget: Agreeing on a total spend with your partner.
- Draft guest list: Just a target number to help you pick the right venue.
- Pick a style/theme: Are you thinking rustic, modern, or classic elegance?
- Research venues: Start exploring venues that align with your vision, guest capacity, and budget.
- Secure venue and date: Once you’ve found the right fit, secure both the venue and your wedding date.
This is also the ideal time to decide whether to hire a wedding planner. If you’re unsure about the cost, consider choosing a venue that includes day-of coordination.
9 to 11 months before
Your next priorities are booking vendors, confirming your wedding party, finalising guests, ordering attire, and planning your wedding ceremony and reception timeline.
- Book key vendors: Secure your photographer, florist, and entertainment.
- Confirm wedding party: Ask your closest friends or family to be your bridesmaids and groomsmen.
- Finalise guest list: The expected number of your guests should be much clearer now.
- Order wedding attire: Buy your dress or suit early, as ordering and alterations can take up to 9 months.
- Outline wedding list timeline: Start outlining your ceremony and reception flow, even if the details aren’t final yet.
6 to 8 months before
Now, your wedding preparation timeline focuses on guest communication, menu and drinks, beauty, timeline, and invitations.
- Send save-the-dates: Let your guests know the date early, especially if they need to book flights or accommodation.
- Plan menu and drinks: Finalise food and beverages with your caterer.
- Book hair and makeup artists: Popular artists fill up quickly, so book yours now.
- Refine timeline: Finalise event order from guest arrival to main events.
- Design invitation suite: Create and approve your wedding invitation design so it’s ready to send on time.
3 to 5 months before
By now, most of your big-picture decisions are in place. Next, focus on your invitations, rings, decor, and vows.
- Send formal invitations: Send them 2–3 months before the wedding and don’t forget to include the dress code for your guests.
- Order wedding rings: Allow at least 3-4 months for engraving and adjustments.
- Finalise decor and rentals: Confirm styling, table settings, and rented items.
- Write vows: Start early so you have time to refine them as you need.
1 to 2 months before
By this point, your wedding timeline should be fully structured and shared with all key suppliers.
- Complete final fittings: Try on your attire one last time to ensure everything fits perfectly and no more changes are needed.
- Apply for a marriage license: Research local laws and submit your paperwork.
- Finalise headcount: Confirm your total guest count with the caterer and assign everyone to a table.
- Reconnect with all vendors: Confirm arrival times and settle any remaining payments.
Two weeks before
By now, everything should be in place. Make sure all details are finalised so you can enjoy your last weeks with peace of mind.
- Confirm all RSVPs: Provide your venue with the final headcount.
- Share final timeline: Make sure your planner, photographer, and entertainment team all have the final schedule.
- Share music requests: Confirm must-play songs with your DJ or band.
- Schedule final beauty appointments: Book last-minute grooming, facials, hair treatments, or nail appointments.
- Complete vows: Finalise and print your vows.
The week of
This is the final stage of your timeline for planning a wedding. Finalise your ceremony flow with a rehearsal, confirm vendor schedules and payments, and ensure your wedding day essentials and overnight bags are packed.
The wedding day
Once the sun rises on your big day, the wedding planning timeline is officially complete. Just leave the rest to your wedding planner or day-of coordinator and be fully present on your special day.
Book your venue today and say ‘I do’ at DiVino Ristorante
Your wedding day should be about celebrating, not stressing. That’s why, at DiVino Ristorante, we provide everything you need for a seamless day.
Our owner and events manager, Sofia Moretti, handles every detail so you don’t have to. With stunning Yarra Valley views, exceptional Italian cuisine, and wines from e’Stellar Estate, we offer intimate celebrations in our Garden and Gazebo, while our Glass Room can host up to 120 guests.
Book a visit today to taste our menu, explore the spaces, and see how seamless your wedding day can be at DiVino Ristorante.
