Wedding Planning Checklist 2027: Month by Month

Planning a wedding feels easier when you know what comes next. This wedding planning checklist 2027 goes month by month, from 12 months out to the week after the day.

Use it as a guide, not a rulebook. Your date, venue and guest list will move some things around. If you are short on time, read the first section now and come back to the rest later.

What to do first when planning a wedding#

Start with three decisions. Most other choices depend on them.

1. Agree a rough budget and who is paying for what.
2. Write a draft guest list. A number is enough for now, names can come later.
3. Pick a season or a few possible dates.

Once you have those, look at venues. The venue and the date decide almost everything else, so give this step the time it needs.

Wedding planning checklist 2027: 12 to 10 months before#

These are the things that fill up first, so do them early.

• Book your venue and confirm the date.
• Book your photographer, and a videographer if you want one.
• Choose who will marry you, and ask what paperwork they need.
• Start one shared to do list that you both can see.
• Tell close family and friends the date.

9 to 7 months before: the team and the look#

• Book catering, music and flowers if your venue does not include them.
• Start shopping for outfits, as alterations take time.
• Ask your wedding party to join you, and tell them what you would like from them.
• Look at places to stay for guests who are travelling.

6 to 4 months before: invitations and RSVPs#

This is when your guest list becomes real. Send save the dates first if people need to travel.

Then set up one place for invitations and replies. Lumiento is free to set up, and you can build a wedding event page with your invitation, schedule, venues and gift details. Guests reply there, and their written wishes land in the same place. You can read more in our guide to a digital wedding RSVP.

Also at this point:

• Order or print paper invitations if you want them.
• Book rooms or a group rate for guests.
• Plan the honeymoon.

3 months before: plan how guests will share photos#

Your photographer will cover the main moments. Your guests will take many photos too, and now is a good time to decide where those go.

The simplest option is a QR code on a card at each table. Guests scan it and upload photos and videos in full quality. With Lumiento there is no app and no account for them, when the event is public. All the photos land in one shared gallery. You can keep it private so only you see the photos, or open it to your guests.

For the details, read our guide to setting up a wedding photo QR code and our page on a QR code wedding gallery. If you want ideas for getting every guest to join in, see how to get photos from wedding guests.

Also this month:

• Book a menu tasting and choose a cake.
• Book hair and make-up, with a trial.
• Buy the rings.

Wedding planning timeline for the last 2 months#

Two months before#

• Send email reminders to guests who have not replied.
• Draft the seating plan.
• Write your vows and any speeches.
• Print your QR cards, one per table.

One month before#

• Give final numbers to the caterer.
• Confirm every vendor, with times and addresses.
• Check that your legal paperwork is in order.
• Have your final outfit fittings.
• Write a simple schedule for the day and share it.

Wedding to do list for the final week#

• Pay any final balances and put tips in labelled envelopes.
• Send the schedule to your vendors and wedding party.
• Ask one person to put the QR cards on the tables.
• Pack for the wedding night and the honeymoon.
• Rest and go to bed early.

The week after the wedding#

• Send thank you messages.
• Download your guest photos as one ZIP. Lumiento emails you a download link.
• Ask your photographer when to expect your photos.
• Save copies in two places. Our post on how long to keep wedding photos online explains how.

Your next step#

Pick one task from the first section and do it this week. Then copy the rest of this list into your shared to do list, with a month next to each item.

Frequently asked questions#

Do I need a 12 month wedding planning checklist?#

Twelve months is a comfortable amount of time, especially for popular venues and photographers. You can plan in less, but you will have fewer choices and less room to change your mind.

What should I do first when planning a wedding?#

Set a rough budget, write a draft guest list and choose a season or a few dates. Then book your venue, because most other bookings depend on it.

When should I send wedding invitations?#

Many couples send them about 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding. Send save the dates earlier if guests need to book travel or time off.

When should I set up guest photo sharing?#

About 2 to 3 months before is plenty. You need time to print your QR cards and tell guests about them, for example on the invitation or with an email reminder.