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Getting engaged is one of the most exciting moments of your life. Then someone asks “so when’s the venue deposit due?” and reality sets in.
This checklist breaks down every major task from the moment you say yes to the moment you’re on your honeymoon — in the order they actually need to happen.
18–12 months before the wedding
This is your foundation phase. Decisions made here shape everything else.
- Set your total budget before booking anything. Include a 10% buffer for surprises.
- Decide on approximate guest count — this determines venue size, catering costs, and invitation quantities.
- Choose your wedding date (or a few options).
- Research and book your ceremony and reception venue — popular venues in Tennessee book 12–18 months out.
- Choose your wedding party and ask them.
- Start your wedding registry — Zola lets you add items from any store and is free to set up. [AFFILIATE LINK — Zola]
12–9 months before
- Book your photographer and videographer — these fill up fast.
- Book your caterer (if not included with venue).
- Book your DJ or band.
- Begin dress shopping — allow 6+ months for alterations.
- Book your officiant.
- Start planning your honeymoon — peak season destinations need early booking. See our honeymoon destination guide.
9–6 months before
- Send save the dates.
- Book hair and makeup artists.
- Plan your floral and décor vision and book a florist.
- Book your rehearsal dinner venue.
- Set up your wedding website — WedSites is designed specifically for this. [AFFILIATE LINK — WedSites]
- Finalize your honeymoon booking — consider a honeymoon fund on Honeyfund so guests can contribute. [AFFILIATE LINK — Honeyfund]
6–4 months before
- Send formal invitations.
- Finalize your menu with the caterer.
- Order wedding favors and stationery.
- Schedule dress fittings.
- Create your ceremony timeline with your officiant.
4–2 months before
- Chase RSVPs (gently).
- Provide final guest count to venue and caterer.
- Buy wedding party gifts.
- Break in your wedding shoes.
- Arrange transportation for wedding day.
- Confirm all vendors in writing.
Final month and week
- Final dress fitting.
- Pick up any rental items.
- Confirm rehearsal dinner details.
- Prepare vendor payments and tip envelopes.
- Pack for your honeymoon.
- Hand off day-of coordination to a trusted person.
Day after
Take a breath. You did it.
Send a thank-you text to your wedding party. Start the thank-you card list while everything is fresh. And enjoy being newlyweds.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start planning my wedding? Ideally 12–18 months in advance for a full-service wedding. If you have less time, 6 months is doable but requires faster decisions.
What’s the first thing I should book? Your venue — it determines your date and guest count, which everything else flows from.
Do I need a wedding planner? Not necessarily. A day-of coordinator is a more affordable option that still takes stress off your plate on the big day.
What’s the biggest budget mistake couples make? Not building in a buffer. Aim to spend only 90% of your budget, and keep 10% for surprises. Something always comes up.