According to statistics from 2018, the average duration of wedding planning is 11.88 months (Source: Facebook survey by Hochzeitsportal24.de (https://www.facebook.com/groups/hochzeitsportal24/). That means most couples have less than a year to organize one of the biggest days of their lives! Maybe you’ve already Googled “wedding planning for beginners” and realized just how much there is to do. So, where do you actually start when planning your wedding?
To make it easier for you, I’ve created a simple timeline and checklist to help you stay on top of every detail — and make sure nothing gets forgotten.
Keep reading to find out how to plan your wedding step by step, so you can fully enjoy your special day with the people you love most! 💕
Create a Wedding Planning Timeline
One of the very first things to do after getting engaged is to create a planning timeline. This timeline should ideally start within a month of your engagement and take you all the way to your wedding day.Having a longer engagement helps reduce stress and gives you more time to organize everything. Whether your wedding is in 10 months or 3 years, take the first few weeks just to enjoy the excitement of being engaged! 💍
After that, get your planning rhythm going so you don’t lose momentum. Couples with shorter engagements (3–6 months) should start planning immediately — ideally within the first two weeks.
Make a Guest List
Once you’ve set up your timeline, start thinking about who you want to invite. Make a list of everyone you’d love to share your wedding day with.Your guest count is crucial — it determines your choice of venue, affects catering and seating, and helps you stay within budget.It’s also a good idea to create an initial budget breakdown early in the process. This will help you make clear decisions and avoid overspending later.
Book Your Vendors Early
It’s best to start booking your key vendors about a year in advance, especially your venue, since popular ones can fill up fast.Once you’ve secured your venue for both ceremony and reception, you can move on to booking:Photographer & videographerMusic (DJ, band, or live singer)CateringFloristWedding planner
If you’re having a smaller or more intimate wedding, 3–6 months in advance might be enough — but the earlier, the better!
Choose Your Outfits
It’s best to start booking your key vendors about a year in advance, especially your venue, since popular ones can fill up fast.Once you’ve secured your venue for both ceremony and reception, you can move on to booking:Photographer & videographerMusic (DJ, band, or live singer)CateringFloristWedding planner
If you’re having a smaller or more intimate wedding, 3–6 months in advance might be enough — but the earlier, the better!
Plan Your Decoration
Some venues include full decoration services, but many require you to handle the decor yourself.
As soon as you’re engaged, start thinking about your wedding theme — what colors, mood, or atmosphere do you envision?
If you’re planning to DIY or rent items, do it early to save time and stress closer to the wedding.
Send Out Invitations
Save-the-Date cards should go out 8–12 months before your wedding day, especially if many guests will be traveling. Your formal invitations should be sent about 4–5 months in advance.This gives your guests enough time to RSVP — and gives you enough time to finalize catering, seating, and decor details.
Collect RSVPs
Once your invitations are out, start tracking responses.
When you have your final guest count, share this information with your venue and vendors to finalize logistics, meal counts, and seating arrangements.
Finalize the Details
As the big day gets closer, review everything with your venue and all your vendors. Ask when you can start decorating — some venues only allow access on the morning of the wedding, which means limited time for setup.
If possible, decorate a day in advance!
And don’t be afraid to ask for help — your family and wedding party will be happy to lend a hand while you focus on getting ready.
Enjoy Your Wedding Day
The day has finally arrived — you’re getting married! 💖
After months of planning, it’s time to relax, celebrate, and take it all in.
Thank your guests personally during the reception and take time to savor every second — the day will pass faster than you think!
Make sure to schedule short breaks to eat, hydrate, and enjoy quiet moments together.
Send Thank-You Cards
Even after the celebration ends, your wedding journey isn’t quite over. Show your appreciation to your guests and everyone who helped make your day special by sending thank-you cards.It’s a thoughtful way to express gratitude and share your favorite memories of the day.
Even if you already have a vision for your big day, these steps will help you stay organized and reduce stress. Wedding planning involves countless small details — but with a clear plan, you’ll stay on track toward a smooth, happy, and unforgettable celebration.
💫 For more tips, checklists, and wedding trends, visit my blog and let’s make your dream wedding a reality!✨ Eternal Love – Wedding Planning with Heart, Structure & Joy.
With love, Christin 💖
Eternal Love (https://stuttgarter-hochzeitsplaner.de/kontakt/)
