Where do you start? What comes first? We'll walk you through a complete wedding checklist with a 12-month timeline, so you won't forget a thing and always know what's coming up next.
12-10 Months Before: The Foundation
Set the date, define your budget and estimate a rough guest count. These three things are the foundation for everything that follows.
Tour and book your venue - popular venues are booked up 12-18 months in advance. Ask your best man and maid of honor.
9-7 Months Before: The Big Vendors
Book your photographer, DJ/band, officiant and caterer (if not provided by the venue). Again: the more in demand they are, the earlier you should inquire. Music tip: If you want to save money and still guarantee a great party, you can use a digital jukebox like the Jukebox 3000 (https://jukebox-3000.de/?utm_source=zweierteam&utm_medium=content&utm_campaign=hochzeitsplanung-checkliste) instead of a DJ/band - your guests pick their favorite songs themselves.
Send out save-the-dates. Try on wedding outfits (wedding dress, suit) - delivery times for wedding dresses are often 4-6 months.
6-4 Months Before: Working Out the Details
Choose your wedding rings. Contact florists. Launch your wedding website. Design and print your invitations.
Sort out your registry office appointment and the required documents. Book your honeymoon.
3-2 Months Before: Fine-Tuning
Send out invitations (with an RSVP deadline). Menu tasting, hair trial, makeup trial. Create the seating plan. Finalize the program and day-of schedule.
Discuss the best man/maid of honor speech. Coordinate games and surprises. Check honeymoon visas and vaccinations.
1 Month - 1 Week Before: The Home Stretch
Send final guest numbers to the caterer and venue. Finalize the seating plan. Design place cards. Prepare tips.
Pack a bag for the day (emergency kit: band-aids, needle, thread, lipstick, tissues, energy bars). Final fitting. Take a deep breath.
The Big Day & Beyond
On the day itself: enjoy it. Don't try to control everything yourselves - delegate to your best man, maid of honor, family or wedding planner. Eat and drink enough. Take breaks.
After the wedding: send thank-you cards within 4-6 weeks. Share the photo gallery with your guests. Handle registry office paperwork and your name change.