Your Wedding Planning Timeline (and a Free Checklist to Keep You on Track)

May 27, 2025

What to Do (and When) for a Joyful, Stress-Free Planning Experience

Planning a wedding can feel like a full-time job—and if you’re newly engaged, you’re probably wondering: “Am I on track? What should I be doing right now?”

As a wedding planner, this is one of the most common questions I hear. That’s why I created a free Wedding Planning Timeline Checklist to help you stay organized and on top of your to-do list, from 18 months out to the final countdown. Whether you’ve just booked your venue or you’re somewhere between cake tastings and seating charts, this resource offers organization and clarity so you can spend more time soaking up this sweet season and less time second-guessing what comes next.

What’s Inside the Ultimate Wedding Planning Timeline Checklist:

This free printable wedding checklist PDF breaks down your planning process into 5 manageable milestones:

18 Months Out: Start dreaming, budgeting, and booking the big things—especially your venue and wedding planner.

12 Months Out: Secure your vendor team (photographer, caterer, entertainment), and start bringing your vision to life.

6 Months Out: Dial in the details: design elements, florals, attire fittings, signage, and event flow.

3 Months Out: Finalize your ceremony plan, confirm RSVPs, send your timeline, and tie up loose ends.

1 Month Out: Confirm details with vendors, pack for the big day, and take time to rest and enjoy.

Each section includes key reminders and thoughtful guidance to help you stay focused without feeling overwhelmed.

Download Your Free Wedding Checklist

This one-page wedding planning checklist timeline is easy to print or save to your phone, making it the perfect planning companion. Click here to download your free wedding checklist PDF.

Why I Created This Checklist

With so many opinions online and “must-dos” on social media, wedding planning can quickly become stressful. But it doesn’t have to be that way.This checklist isn’t about doing everything – it’s about doing what matters most, at the right time, so you can feel grounded and present during this sweet season. 

It’s the kind of tool I wish every couple had when they started planning.

Need a Wedding Planner in Northern Virginia?

If you’re looking for someone to walk alongside you, simplify the details, and design a day that’s personal and peaceful, I’d love to help.

I plan weddings in Northern Virginia, DC and Charlottesville that are elegant, joyful, and meaningful. 

Explore my wedding planning services here. 

Chelsea Quenum

Author

Chelsea is a wedding planner specializing in elevated, thoughtfully curated celebrations for couples in Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., 
and Charlottesville.

Feeling overwhelmed by what to do (and when)?

DOWNLOAD THE FREE WEDDING PLANNING TIMELINE CHECKLIST

Thoughtfully created for brides ready to get organized, this step-by-step wedding timeline checklist is simple, straightforward, and designed to walk you through every major milestone. From booking your dream venue to managing the final details, it gives you a clear picture of what’s ahead—and when to handle each task.

Download your complimentary copy to kick off your planning with confidence. And when you're ready to pass off the to-dos, I’ll be here to take your checklist and turn it into the wedding you’ve been dreaming of.

GRAB THE Free Checklist