Planning

Wedding Planning Timeline: The Complete 12-Month Calendar

Madame Motta

Founder & wedding planner

Updated on 10 September 2026

2 min read

White roses, crystal glasses and a menu on an elegant wedding table

In brief

A wedding planning timeline ideally starts 12 months before the date: venue and date at 12-10 months, key suppliers at 9-8 months, outfits and invitations at 6-5 months, final adjustments at 1 month. For a prestige or destination wedding, allow 18 months.

12 to 9 months before: laying the foundations

Set the budget and the provisional guest list.
Choose the date and book the venue (the best go 12 to 18 months in advance).
Hire the wedding planner if you wish.
Book the caterer, the photographer and the videographer.

8 to 6 months before: building the world

Validate the theme, the palette and the floral scenography.
Book musicians, DJ and entertainment.
Choose the outfits (dress and suit, with fittings).
Send the save-the-dates, especially for a destination wedding.

5 to 3 months before: refining the details

Send the invitations and track the replies.
Organise guest accommodation and transport.
Hold the menu, hair and make-up trials.
Finalise the stationery: menus, seating plans, place cards.

Detail of a wedding table: roses, pampas grass and crystal glasses — Table details are locked in 3 months before the wedding day.

The last month: locking down the wedding day

Confirm the final guest count with the caterer.
Finalise the seating plan and the timeline of the day.
Hand the schedule to all suppliers.
Prepare the envelopes for tips and the remaining payments.
Rest: it is the best advice.

Going further

Estimate your budget with our luxury wedding budget guide and see how we support couples on the Services page.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should you plan your wedding?

12 months is a good minimum for a prestige wedding. For a destination wedding or a highly sought-after venue, allow 18 months.

What is the first thing to do when planning a wedding?

Set the budget and the provisional guest list, then book the venue and the date: these are the two decisions everything else depends on.

When should you send wedding invitations?

About 3 to 4 months before for a local wedding, and 6 to 8 months before for a destination wedding. A save-the-date goes out earlier.

Can you plan a wedding in less than 6 months?

Yes, with a wedding planner and adjusted expectations: venues and dates will be more limited, but a successful wedding remains possible.