Vogue’s Wedding Planning Checklist by Month

Create your wedding website.

Consider sending an informal “mark the weekend” via email or announce the date on your wedding website. It is helpful to send a ‘mark the weekend’ and collect updated addresses early on given the competition for dates,” Cole says.

6-8 months out

“It is time to layer on the personality and build on your moodboards. At this point, you should have a good sense of your budget having committed to some fixed costs, and you will want to move into confirming your key culinary and creative partners,” Cole says.

Select your caterer, cake, florist, decor team, and your videographer.

Choose your wedding dress. “On the fashion front, hopefully you have started on your dress. If not, time to hop on it!” Cole says.

Pick your bridesmaids dresses. “It is also a good time to chat with your bridal party about their fashion, especially if they are going to shop ready-to-wear in a certain palette,” Cole says.

Send out the save-the-dates at the six month mark (or even earlier). “Save the dates should be mailed no later than six months. In today’s era, I am seeing save the dates being mailed much earlier, around 9 months,” says Cole.

3-6 months out

“This is the time to bring it all to life and make final decisions!” Cole says.

Schedule your menu tastings.

Plan your design presentation. “This is where you get to see a sample table and sign off on the overall vision,” Cole explains.

Design and taste your cake.

Finalize invitations and send out your invites around three months before the wedding. “This will allow plenty of time for replies given the slower mail system. Digital RSVPs are totally fine too, but I do recommend going all paper or all digital,” Cole says.

Write your vows. The personal process usually takes longer than you think. Getting started three to six months ahead ensures you have plenty of time to put together your heartfelt thoughts and practice.

2 months out

“Focus on your health and beauty!” Cole says.

Consider your skincare plan.

Chat about the personal touches of the weekend. “The personal touches may include narrowing in on your set list for the band, any special dances, your ceremony, and who will be toasting during the weekend events,” says Cole.