Planning a wedding is a few hundred small decisions in the right order. This timeline puts them in that order, so you always know what's next and what can wait. It works for a 12-month plan, and you can compress it if you have less time.
12+ months out
- Set a working budget and decide who's contributing
- Draft a guest-count range (it drives venue size and cost)
- Pick a season and 2–3 possible dates
- Shortlist and tour venues; ask what's included (tables, chairs, catering rules, end time)
- Book the venue and get the contract in writing
- Start a shared planning folder and a guest-list spreadsheet
9–11 months out
- Book the photographer and/or videographer
- Book catering if your venue doesn't include it
- Choose your wedding party
- Book an officiant
- Send save-the-dates for destination or holiday weekends (or plan to at 6–8 months)
- Reserve a hotel room block for out-of-town guests
6–8 months out
- Shop for attire; ask about alteration timelines
- Book music (band or DJ) and florist
- Create your registry
- Send save-the-dates if you haven't
- Plan the rehearsal dinner: who hosts, where, guest list
- Book transportation if guests need it
4–5 months out
- Order invitations (or design printables)
- Choose the menu and schedule a tasting
- Order the cake or dessert
- Plan the ceremony outline with your officiant
- Decide who's giving speeches and ask them now
2–3 months out
- Mail invitations (about 6–8 weeks before)
- Book hair and makeup trial
- Buy rings
- Confirm vendor arrival times
- Check marriage license rules where you're marrying (requirements and waiting periods vary by state and county)
1 month out
- Final guest count to caterer and venue
- Seating chart
- Write a day-of timeline and share it with vendors and the wedding party
- Final fittings
- Pick up the marriage license within its valid window
- Speech-givers: first full practice out loud
The week of
- Confirm every vendor (time, address, contact on the day)
- Pack an emergency kit (sewing kit, stain pen, pain reliever, snacks, phone charger)
- Hand off the timeline to your day-of point person
- Prepare tips and final payments in labeled envelopes
- Rest. Delegate anything that isn't yours to carry
After the wedding
- Send thank-you notes (aim for within about 3 months)
- Return rentals
- Preserve your attire or bouquet if you want to
- Update your name on documents if you're changing it
- Back up your photos in two places
Who speaks when (and for how long)
Rehearsal dinner. Host (often a parent or the couple) welcomes everyone; 1–3 short toasts from family or close friends; the couple thanks everyone last.
Reception, common order. 1. Welcome from the host or a parent · 2. Maid or matron of honor · 3. Best man · 4. The couple thanks everyone (optional, usually last).
How long. Most toasts run about 2–4 minutes. That's a common guideline, not a rule. Shorter almost always lands better than longer.
When. Many couples do toasts right after guests sit for dinner or between courses, so guests are seated and the room is quiet.
Questions
How long should a best man speech be? About 2–4 minutes is common. That's roughly 300–500 words spoken at a relaxed pace.
Who gives the first toast? Often the host or a parent, then the wedding party. There's no single right order; tell your DJ or emcee the plan.
Can the couple speak? Yes. A short thank-you from the couple, usually last, is a nice close.
When should we send invitations? Commonly about 6–8 weeks before the wedding, earlier for destination weddings.
What if we're planning in less than a year? Use the same order, just compress it: venue and date first, then photographer and catering, then everything else.