Wedding Planning Timeline: Month by Month

12+ Months Out

1. Celebrate and share the news with family

   Tell parents and close family yourselves before it goes on social media.

2. Pick your top 3 priorities together Go

   Food? Photos? Party? Spend more on your top 3 and save everywhere else. This one decision makes every later choice easier.

3. Set your total budget and who is contributing Go

   Ask family privately what (if anything) they plan to give before you sign any contract.

4. Draft a rough guest count Go

   Your guest count drives venue size and catering, your two biggest costs. Get a rough number before touring venues.

5. Choose 2–3 possible dates or seasons

   September and October are Iowa's busiest wedding months. Fridays, Sundays and winter dates often cost less.

6. Tour and book your ceremony & reception venue Go

   Ask about capacity, the rain plan, what is included (tables, chairs, linens), required vendors, and end time.

7. Decide if you want a planner or day-of coordinator Go

   Even a day-of coordinator lets you (and your mom) enjoy the day instead of running it.

8. Start a shared wedding email and folder

   One shared inbox keeps every vendor quote and contract in one place.

9. Look into wedding insurance (optional)

   Can cover vendor no-shows, weather cancellations, and the liability coverage some venues require.

9–12 Months Out

1. Book your photographer Go

   Popular Iowa photographers book 12+ months ahead for fall Saturdays. Ask to see full galleries, not just highlights.

2. Book your DJ or band Go

   Ask what is included: ceremony sound, microphones, lighting, MC duties, and overtime rates.

3. Book your caterer (if your venue does not provide one) Go

   Get the per-person price INCLUDING service charge and tax. Ask for a tasting.

4. Book your videographer Go
5. Book your officiant Go
6. Choose your wedding party

   Tell them what is expected (costs, events, dates) when you ask.

7. Start shopping for wedding attire Go

   Dresses can take 4–6 months to arrive, plus 2–3 months for alterations.

8. Build your wedding website and registry

   Put the website link on your save-the-dates.

9. Reserve hotel room blocks for out-of-town guests

   Ask for a "courtesy block" with no penalty for unbooked rooms.

6–9 Months Out

1. Send save-the-dates Go

   6–8 months before (8–12 for holiday weekends or travel weddings).

2. Book your florist Go

   Bring photos you love and your budget. Ask what is in season in Iowa for your month.

3. Book hair & makeup Go

   Confirm how many people they can do and how early they need to start.

4. Book rentals (tables, linens, tent, decor) Go

   Check what your venue already includes first.

5. Book transportation Go
6. Book a photo booth or extra entertainment Go
7. Plan a guest experience your guests will never forget Go

   A magician, live painter, caricature artist or trivia host turns cocktail hour into the best part of the night. Take the 2-minute quiz to find your style.

8. Book a mobile bar or bartending service Go

   Check your venue's alcohol policy and whether liquor liability insurance is required.

9. Order wedding party attire
10. Plan your honeymoon and check passports

    Passport renewals can take months. Check expiration dates now.

4–6 Months Out

1. Book your cake or dessert baker Go

   Most offer tastings. Ask about delivery and setup fees.

2. Order invitations and stationery
3. Finalize the guest list and collect addresses Go

   Use the Guest Tracker. You can export mailing labels when you are done.

4. Plan the ceremony with your officiant
5. Plan the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
6. Buy wedding rings

   Allow time for sizing and engraving.

7. Hair & makeup trial

   Wear a white or light top so you can see how it photographs.

2–4 Months Out

1. Order favors, signs and decor details
2. Choose ceremony and first-dance music Go

   Use the Music planner, then copy your lists into your DJ's planning portal.

3. Draft the day-of timeline with your vendors

   Start from the ceremony time and work backward. Your photographer and DJ can help.

4. Schedule dress fittings
5. Buy gifts for your wedding party and parents
6. Confirm hotel block and guest transportation

6–8 Weeks Out

1. Mail invitations Go

   6–8 weeks before. Set the RSVP deadline 3–4 weeks before the wedding.

2. Write your vows or choose readings
3. Make a rain and heat backup plan for anything outdoors

   Iowa storms and heat move in fast. Know your indoor or tent plan and who makes the call.

4. Get shoes and accessories for fittings

1 Month Out

1. Apply for your Iowa marriage license Go

   Apply at any Iowa county recorder. There is a 3-day waiting period, so do not wait until the last week.

2. Follow up on missing RSVPs Go

   Filter the Guest Tracker to "No reply yet" and start calling.

3. Give final headcount and meal counts to caterer/venue Go

   The Guest Tracker totals meals for you.

4. Create the seating chart Go

   The free seating chart maker pulls in everyone on your guest list. Print the chart and an A-Z escort card list.

5. Confirm details and timeline with every vendor Go

   Confirm arrival times, contact person, and final balance.

6. Final dress fitting

   Bring your actual shoes and undergarments.

7. Prepare tip envelopes Go

   Label each envelope and give them to one trusted person to hand out.

2 Weeks Out

1. Pay final vendor balances that are due Go

   The Budget Planner lists every payment and due date.

2. Send the final timeline to vendors and wedding party
3. Break in your shoes
4. Pack for the honeymoon

Week Of

1. Pack a wedding-day emergency kit

   Safety pins, stain remover, pain reliever, phone charger, snacks, tissues, mints.

2. Drop off decor and personal items at the venue

   Label every box with what it is and where it goes.

3. Rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
4. Pick up attire
5. Rest, hydrate and get some sleep

Wedding Day

1. Eat breakfast and stay hydrated
2. Hand off rings, marriage license and tip envelopes

   Your officiant needs the license, and Iowa requires two witnesses at the ceremony. Pick them ahead of time.

3. Enjoy every minute!

   Take a few minutes alone together after the ceremony.

After the Wedding

1. Confirm your signed marriage license was returned to the county

   Your officiant files it with the county recorder. Call the recorder if you are not sure it was filed.

2. Order certified copies of your marriage certificate

   You need these for a name change.

3. Send thank-you notes Go

   Aim for within 3 months. The Guest Tracker shows who still needs one.

4. Change your name (if you are changing it)

   Social Security first, then driver's license, then bank, work and everything else.

5. Leave reviews for your vendors

   It means the world to small Iowa businesses.

6. Preserve your dress and bouquet

Questions couples ask