Just Got Engaged? Here’s Your Month-by-Month Wedding Planning Checklist!

First things first — congratulations on getting engaged! This is such an exciting time. Before diving into wedding planning, take a moment to celebrate in style. Pop that champagne, have a luxurious date night, and savor all the love and excitement. You’ve just entered one of the most thrilling (and let’s be real, slightly overwhelming) stages of your life.

 

With our 15 years as California wedding photographers, we’ve seen it all, from enchanting fairytale garden parties to sleek, modern glam celebrations. We’ve put together a month-by-month wedding planning checklist and timeline to help bring your dream day to life, with less stress and more excitement.

 

 

 

Quick PS: If you’re a list-loving couple like us, we’ve created a freebie for you, with additional items to look out for each month. The Perfect Wedding Planning Checklist is a comprehensive guide that you can download to keep everything organized and stress-free. You can get it here!

 

 

 

5 Things To Prioritize Before You Start Wedding Planning

Before we help you dive into the wedding planning process, take a pause. There are 5 major decisions you need to make as a couple. These decisions will lay the foundation for your entire wedding and will help you get on the same page about what you both want included on the big day.

 

1. Hire a CA Wedding Planner:

One of the best investments you can make (besides your wedding photographer, of course!) is hiring a professional wedding planner. A planner knows the ins and outs of designing unique experiences, finding the best vendors, negotiating contracts/prices, and how to personalize every detail. They allow you to delegate on your big day, removing stress and allowing you to enjoy the experience. If you haven’t booked yours yet, check out our list of our favorite California wedding planners in NorCal and SoCal who know how to design stunning weddings!

2. Set a Budget:

This is key, especially for high-end weddings with around 100-200 guests. Your budget will dictate everything, from floral arrangements to one-of-a-kind seating displays and custom lounges that bring your celebration to life.

3. Choose Your Ideal Date or Month:

Your vendors and venues will need to know your date! You might choose it based on the availability of your dream venue, like an iconic LA wedding venue or a lush Napa Valley garden.

4. Choose Your Dream Location:

California has so many picturesque wedding venues, that they tend to book out far in advance. You’ll want to start thinking about the city or general theme you want 12-18 months in advance. This helps narrow down venue options. Whether you envision a glamorous LA event or a whimsical Bay Area setting, we’ve captured hundreds of weddings across California for inspiration. From the Ebell of LA for a modern vibe to SSS Ranch for a fairytale garden feel, take a look at our blog for venue ideas.

5. Discuss How You’ll Make Decisions:

How do you envision making decisions together? Will you split tasks or both work on each choice? Creating your dream wedding is easier when you’re in sync.

 

Engagement Checklist for Stylish California Couples

Once you’ve got the big pieces in place, let’s get into the finer details that will make your wedding unforgettable. Here’s your wedding planning timeline for the key planning stages:

 

 

10-18 Months Out

This is when the major wedding planning kicks off. Your venue, wedding photographer, and planner (if you’re hiring one) are the most critical decisions you’ll make during this time. Venues and photographers book up 12-18 months ahead, so secure yours now to get your top choices. Once you have these vendors locked in, you can breathe a little easier knowing that the big pieces are in place. 

 

You can move on to the fun details, like dress shopping and creating your own personalized save-the-dates that match your unique style! Sending save-the-dates this early helps your guests plan their travel and helps you announce your engagement.

 

What to do when you get engaged:

• Book your venue
• Hire a wedding planner 
• Lock in your wedding photographer (check our availability here)
• Say yes to the dress
• Send save-the-dates

 

Want recommendations? You’ll also get access to a vetted list of our favorite California wedding planners, venues, and more in the Checklist too!

 

 

8-9 Months Out

With the biggest vendors secured, it’s time to secure the rest of your dream team, like your florist, caterer, your officiant, and start thinking about your honeymoon. By planning now, you can ensure your vision for the decor, floral designs, and cuisine can be personalized in time. 

 

Time to:

• Create your registry
• Hire a caterer (ask for their advice on trending food stations or interactive food experiences)
• Schedule your engagement photoshoot (Nervous about taking engagement photos? Read this blog!)
• Book your florist 
• Secure your officiant
• Hair and makeup trials
• Plan your honeymoon

 

 

 

 

6-7 Months Out

At this stage, it’s time to focus your wedding planning on some of the finer details that may not seem as urgent but are just as important. Choosing your wedding band is one of those fun tasks. You’ll also want to finalize any rentals needed for the rehearsal, ceremony, and reception. Consider unique seating arrangements or a cocktail display to wow guests and elevate you big day.

 

This is also a good time to start working on wedding party outfits. Whether you’re choosing bridesmaid dresses or groomsmen suits, give your wedding party enough time to get their attire in order. Plus, planning the rehearsal dinner and setting up guest accommodations (like a hotel block) should be on your radar now to keep everything running smoothly.

 

What to Plan:

• Pick out your wedding bands
• Your wedding planner will confirm rentals & coordinate with your vendors
• Choose wedding party outfits
• Plan your rehearsal dinner (think fun, themed experiences like Havana Nights, a Luau, an elevated Pizza Party in wine country, Fiesta, Rhinestone Rodeo/Cowboy theme)
• Guest accommodations (set up a hotel block for easy guest planning)

 

3-5 Months Out

As you inch closer to the big day, focus on personal details that will make your wedding feel luxurious and meaningful. Order your wedding cake and finalize your attire. Order any suits around the 5-month mark, if not earlier. By the 3 month mark, your wedding dress, bridesmaid dresses, and suits should be ready for any necessary alterations so everything fits and flows perfectly.

 

Fun tasks to do 3-5 before your wedding:

• Order the wedding cake
• Order suits
• Schedule fittings and alterations

 

 

2-3 Months Out

You’re almost there! This stage is all about tying up loose ends and prepping for the big day. If you’re feeling the pressure, don’t panic. We’ve got you!

 

One of the biggest pieces left is to get your marriage license and finalize your guest list You’ll need those final numbers for your caterer, seating arrangements, and other planning details. 

 

Time to:

• Get your marriage license
• Finalize RSVPs

 

 

1 Month Out

The final month is here! This is the time to ensure your day-of timeline is finalized with your venue, planner, and photographer. They’re typically in charge of creating the timeline, your job is to make sure it leaves room to capture the moments that matter most. (If that’s any pressure off your shoulders!) Having a well-organized schedule will keep things running smoothly, so make sure to communicate with everyone involved. This is also the perfect time to check in with your vendors one last time to confirm details.

 

Finally, and most importantly, prioritize self-care. Getting enough sleep might seem impossible with all the last-minute excitement, but it’s crucial to feel your best on the big day. Make time to relax, spend quality time with your partner, and mentally prepare for what’s to come. Remember, this isn’t just about getting to the finish line, this is about starting the next, exciting chapter in your lives. You deserve to enjoy it.

 

What to do one month before your wedding:

• Finalize day-of timeline
• Touch base with wedding vendors
• Spend quality time together
• Get plenty of sleep (you deserve to enjoy this time!)

 

12-Month Wedding Planning Checklist

Phew! You did it! With this 12-month wedding planning checklist, you can plan an extraordinary wedding that reflects your vision, style, and love story. Remember, this process is meant to be fun and exciting! 

 

 

For more tips, don’t forget to download The Perfect Wedding Planning Checklist — your ultimate guide to planning a wedding day as stylish and unique as you are (from people who spend every weekend at weddings).

Happy planning!