Stay organized and stress-free with this month-by-month wedding planning checklist—from setting your budget and booking a venue to final details, honeymoon prep, and the big day.
Getting engaged is thrilling—but once the excitement settles, many couples are left wondering, “Where do we even begin?” Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re balancing vendors, guest lists, budgets, and countless little details. That’s why having a structured, month-by-month guide can be a total game-changer.
This ultimate wedding planning checklist breaks your to-do list into manageable phases, so you stay on track and stress less—from engagement to honeymoon. Whether you're planning a grand celebration at a wedding venue in Idaho or something intimate and relaxed, this timeline works for nearly every couple.
Immediately After Getting Engaged (12+ Months Out)
- Celebrate your engagement!
- Announce the news to family and friends
- Start dreaming up your ideal wedding (theme, size, vibe)
- Set a rough budget and determine who’s contributing
- Draft a preliminary guest list
- Hire a wedding planner (if using one)
- Tour and book your wedding venue
- Choose your wedding date and time
Venue Tip: Popular Idaho wedding venues like Millhouse in Rigby can book out fast—especially for peak seasons. Secure your spot early!
10–12 Months Before the Wedding
- Lock in major vendors (caterer, photographer, videographer, band/DJ)
- Research and schedule dress shopping appointments
- Finalize your guest list
- Choose your wedding party and notify them
- Create a wedding website
- Take engagement photos
- Send out save-the-dates (if applicable)
- Start brainstorming honeymoon destinations
8–10 Months Before
- Order your wedding dress
- Begin planning ceremony and reception details
- Research florists, bakers, and rental companies
- Book officiant (especially if faith-based or personal)
- Start booking hotel blocks for out-of-town guests
- Register for gifts
- Plan your engagement party or shower (if applicable)
6–8 Months Before
- Finalize vendor contracts (florist, cake, rentals, makeup/hair)
- Begin designing invitations and signage
- Schedule tastings for catering and cake
- Choose bridesmaid dresses and order them
- Plan transportation for the day-of
- Start planning honeymoon logistics (passports, flights, booking)
4–6 Months Before
- Finalize décor plan and event theme
- Book rehearsal dinner venue
- Order groom/groomsmen attire
- Confirm timeline with photographer and venue
- Schedule hair and makeup trials
- Shop for wedding rings
- Order wedding invitations
- Plan ceremony details (readings, unity rituals, etc.)
2–4 Months Before
- Mail out invitations (at 8–10 weeks before the wedding)
- Track RSVPs as they come in
- Write or finalize your vows
- Plan seating arrangements
- Finalize song selections with DJ or band
- Purchase accessories: shoes, veil, jewelry
- Apply for marriage license (timing depends on your state)
1 Month Before
- Confirm final guest count with caterer and venue
- Print programs, place cards, menus, and signage
- Have final dress fitting
- Break in your wedding shoes
- Confirm all vendor details and arrival times
- Prepare welcome bags or wedding favors
- Pack for honeymoon (if leaving soon after the wedding)
- Create a wedding day emergency kit
1–2 Weeks Before
- Provide final headcounts to all vendors
- Give seating chart to your venue or planner
- Have rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
- Drop off décor or supplies to your venue (if allowed)
- Write thank-you notes for early gifts
- Delegate wedding day tasks (gifts, guest book, vendor payments)
- Confirm honeymoon bookings and double-check travel docs
Wedding Week
- Get a manicure/pedicure
- Steam your dress and attire
- Pick up tuxes/suits
- Confirm transportation and vendor arrival times
- Rehearse ceremony with officiant and wedding party
- Relax, hydrate, and soak it all in!
The Big Day
- Eat something before getting ready
- Follow your day-of timeline (and let someone else manage it!)
- Enjoy every moment—it's your day!
After the Wedding
- Return rentals and attire (tuxedos, décor, etc.)
- Send thank-you cards (ideally within 2–3 months)
- Leave reviews for vendors
- Preserve your dress or bouquet
- Change your name (if applicable) and update important documents
- Relive the magic with your wedding photos and video
Bonus Tip: Customizing the Timeline
Every couple is different, and your timeline may need to shift depending on your engagement length, cultural traditions, or destination wedding requirements. If you’re planning a wedding in Idaho, talk with your venue and vendors early to confirm lead times, especially for rentals or seasonal considerations like weather and guest travel.
Final Thoughts
With this month-by-month checklist, you’ll never feel lost in the planning process. The key is to break it down, start early, and lean on your venue and vendors for support. From touring venues to your final send-off, each step is a chance to build excitement and bring your vision to life.
If you’re looking for a wedding venue in Southeast Idaho that blends beauty, charm, and flexibility, Millhouse in Rigby is the perfect place to start your planning journey.
