Whether you’re newly engaged and planning that post-pandemic wedding or long-engaged and way behind on wedding planning, it’s totally possible to plan a wedding in three months or less! We’ve put together this 3 month timeline that accounts for a 12 week lead-in to your big day. Here’s how to stage your dream wedding faster than you can say “I do.”

3 Months Before Your Wedding

Week 12:

  • Set a date and a few alternatives. Don’t worry if you don’t get your first choice and be willing to be flexible on the day of the week. Keep an open mind and consider renting out a restaurant or your best friend’s backyard.
  • Establish a budget and nail down your guest list simultaneously.
  • Get referrals for your venue, food, wedding pros, honeymoon and everything else. Begin to set up appointments with venues and potential vendors for the next two weeks.
  • Start thinking about a theme or at least a color palette. Choose a style you like and let the rest fall into place.

Week 11:

  • Book your ceremony and reception venues and as many wedding vendors as you can – photographer, florist, entertainment, caterer, a planner if you need one.
  • If you’re having a bridal party, now’s the time to ask!
  • Block out hotel rooms for out-of-town guests.
  • Book your honeymoon trip (check your passports and arrange vaccinations if required).
  • Order invitations and send out save the dates! Leave the snail mail save-the-dates in the past and opt for super-easy emails or a pretty and informative wedding website.

Week 10:

  • Hire any remaining vendors.
  • Since you don’t have time to order a gown from a bridal salon, you can visit sample sales, trunk shows, vintage shops, upscale consignment stores, and even look at the racks at department stores — you’ll be surprised at what you find once you start looking.

Week 9:

  • Send invitations. Sending Paperless Post invites is also an option if you’re down to the wire — they’re sent instantly via email and you can choose from some gorgeous designs!
  • Start researching stationery and where that fits into your big day.

2 Months Before Your Wedding

Week 8:

  • Register for gifts.
  • Book wedding day transportation.
  • Arrange a hair and makeup trial and make bookings

Week 7: 

  • Meet with the officiant to plan the ceremony. Book ceremony music with your entertainer.
  • Choose a date and start planning your bachelor and bachelorette parties if any.

Week 6:

  • Meet with the caterer to taste foods and plan the menu
  • Order your wedding cake. If you can’t order a cake on time, you can always opt for a standard cake from a bakery and add a unique cake topper (Etsy has a great selection)!

Week 5: 

  • Create a music list and forms from your vendors.
  • Get your marriage license – the most important item of the day. Get down to the courthouse at least a week before your big day to get your paperwork in order.

1 Month Before Your Wedding

Week 4: 

  • Have a dress fitting and make sure you have your accessories.
  • Work on your vows and readings with your officiant.
  • If you have a wedding party, give them a nudge—make sure they’ve ordered all necessary attire.

Week 3:

  • Pick up rings.
  • Now’s a good time to have your bachelor and bachelorette parties.
  • Order wedding favors for your guests. If you’re going the DIY route, keep them simple so you’re not pulling your hair out trying to finish them in time.

Week 2:

  • Contact guests who haven’t responded to your invite
  • Make reception seating arrangements.
  • Finalize and confirm the menu with your caterer, shot list with your photographer, song list for ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception with your DJ and/or band/musicians, who’s giving the toasts.
  • Finalize ceremony booklets and on-the-day stationery and book restaurant for the night before/lunch the day after. It’s getting real…

Week 1: 

  • Pick up the dress and finalize your outfit from shoes to accessories. Do last-minute beauty prep.
  • Make a plan for setting up and taking down your wedding.
  • Make an on-the-day timeline and give to wedding party and suppliers.
  • Review final RSVP list and call any guests who have not yet responded.
  • Pack for your honeymoon.
  • Give caterer final headcount.
  • Organize gifts for family, wedding party or any helpers. Complete any DIY or craft projects.

The Day Before Your Wedding

  • Drop off place cards, table cards, menus, favors, table plan, and décor to reception coordinator.
  • Ensure the cake is on track to be delivered to the reception venue – have someone else look after this one!
  • Assign someone to pack up your gifts/belongings after the reception (including the top tier of your cake!).
  • Take deep breaths. Stop to appreciate your soon-to-be husband or wife because the day you’ve been waiting for is finally here.
  • Get a good night’s rest!

Don’t forget to enjoy the moment! The past few months and weeks have probably just flown by, so be sure to savor these last special moments with your partner! If you follow our checklist, you’ll be well-prepared and stress-free on your wedding day! And if you need help with any or all of these, DLG Events is here to make your wedding day dreams come true regardless of how soon your plans are for. Contact me to plan the wedding of your dreams!