Photo by Vanilla Photography

If you’re reading this, chances are you recently got engaged. C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S!!! We hope you will use Junebug as a resource to get inspired and plan for your big day! Knowing where to start when you first get engaged is overwhelming. Luckily, we’ve created some awesome tools that will help to keep you organized and stress-free! Our interactive wedding planning checklist will make sure you accomplish all the things you need to before your wedding day (and after!). You can download a free PDF of this checklist for your wedding binder, too!

1 Year

Get inspired! Visit our Real Weddings Gallery to get inspiration from real brides around the world!

Choose a color scheme! You can head over to our Image Gallery for color inspiration!

Work out your budget. Remember to prioritize what is most important to you on your wedding day

Select your wedding party

Start your wedding guest list

Hire a planner from our Best of the Best Hotlists

Reserve your date at your dream venue, and be sure to check out our Best of the Best Venues Hotlist

Research photographers, bands, caterers, florists, rentals, officiants, etc.

Start a wedding binder to keep all of your quotes, brochures, and notes in one place

8 Months 

After researching our Vendor Hotlists, hire your wedding photographer & videographer

Take your engagement photos! Don't know what to wear? Head on over to our "What to Wear for Your Engagement Photos"

Buy your dress! You can search through our Dress Gallery for inspiration

Create a wedding website

Meet with caterers

Reserve a block of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests

Register at your favorite brands -- don't forget to include this information on your website!

Book the officiant

If you're having a destination wedding, be sure to read out Top Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding

7-6 Months

Purchase your invitations

Finalize your guest list and request addresses

Start planning your honeymoon! You can check out our Top 10 Honeymoon Destinations 2014 for inspiration!

Choose the bridesmaids' dresses

Reserve lighting components, portable toilets, generators, etc.

Reserve any rentals you may need (chairs, tents, linens, etc.)

Book a florist

Arrange Transportation

Send out save-the-dates!

4-5 Months 

Time to order your cake. Go cake tasting!

Send your bridal shower guest list to your host

Check on the status of your wedding invitations

Book the rehearsal and rehearsal-dinner venues

Schedule hair and makeup artists

Choose your processional music and reception playlist

Go to your first dress fitting, and pick up some accessories while you're at it!

Purchase/rent groom's attire

Book accommodations for your wedding night

Provide guest lists to maid of honor and best man for bachelor and bachelorette parties and bridal shower

3 Months 

Work with your caterer to finalize the menu for the reception

Print menu cards

Meet with your florist to finalize the florals for the event

Purchase the rings

Finalize the event schedule and start creating the day-of-timeline

Print programs

Order your wedding favors and be sure to check out our Adorable Party Favor Ideas

Meet with officiant and coordinate readings from friends and family as well as anything else to include in the ceremony

2 Months 

Meet with your photographer to discuss day-of plans and specific shots you are wanting

Review the playlist with the band and DJ, and provide them with "don't play" and "must play" lists

Send out invitations

Submit your announcement to the local newspaper

Let loose at your bachelor/bachelorette parties

Send out as many final payments as you can

Touch base with all vendors

Make sure groomsmen attire has been purchased/rented

1 Month 

Get your marriage license

Attend your last dress fitting

Send out rehearsal-dinner invitations

Purchase alcohol and finalize your signature cocktails if needed

Confirm times for all of the vendors, and send out your day-of timeline again

For the reception, create your seating chart

Purchase wedding party gifts

Write vows

Enter all RSVPs you have received into your guest list

Check on hotel room blocks

Call guests who have not yet RSVP'd for final head count

Make sure members of the wedding party know their roles and duties come the wedding day

1 Week 

Touch base with all vendors and ensure they have the day-of timelines

Outsource any small day-of tasks you can to family and friends

Ensure everyone in your wedding party has your wedding day timeline

De-stress at the spa!

Send the final guest list to the caterer

Have extra checks ready for day-of payments

Dance around in your shoes!

Pack for your honeymoon!!

Relax!!!

After the Wedding & Honeymoon

Pay all remaining balances to vendors

Clean and preserve your wedding gown

Write "thank you" cards

Officially change your name!

If you’d like to download a printable version of our wedding planning checklist, click here!

You can read about my own journey as a bride, and how I handled the stress of budgeting and planning in From Blogger to Bride – Wedding Planning Checklist and Budget Tool!

Looking for more wedding planning advice? Check out some of our favorite resources!

How to Write Your Own Vows
Wedding Expenses: Who Pays for What?
Wedding Day Preparation
How to Hire Your Wedding Photographer
How to Hire Your Wedding Planner