A wedding is a long list of small jobs with a few hard deadlines. This plan starts twelve months out and moves through budget, venue, vendors, invitations, the marriage license and the week of the day itself.
Each step is small enough to finish in one sitting. Where rules differ by state or county, the step tells you where to check rather than guessing.
Copy it into Tatask, then shift the dates to fit your own wedding day.
What's in this plan
See every step
12 months before
Budget and guest list agreed
Agree who is paying for what
Talk to anyone contributing before you spend. Write down what each person has offered so there are no surprises later.
Set a total budget with a 10% buffer
Costs creep. A buffer stops one overrun from forcing cuts elsewhere.
Write a draft guest list in three tiers
Tiers: must invite, would like to invite, only if there is room. It makes later cuts easy.
Choose your top 3 priorities
Pick the things you would protect if money got tight, such as food, photography or music.
Date and venue booked
Choose 2 or 3 possible dates
Shortlist 5 venues that fit your guest count
Visit your top 3 venues and ask for written quotes
Ask each venue the same questions so quotes compare fairly.
Prompt to copy
Write a list of questions to ask a wedding venue on a visit. We expect about <guest number> guests on or around <date>. Include questions on what is included, rain plans, finish times, supplier rules and payment schedule. Do not guess any prices.
Read the contract and cancellation terms for your favorite venue
Pay the deposit and book the venue in writing
Ceremony arrangements started
Look up the marriage license rules for the state where you will marry
Rules, waiting periods and validity windows vary. Check with your county clerk's office.
Decide on a civil, religious or officiant-led ceremony
Book your officiant
9 months before
Key suppliers booked
Get 3 quotes from photographers
Book the photographer and sign the contract
Get 3 quotes from caterers if your venue does not provide food
Book a band, DJ or playlist plan
Book a florist or decide on DIY flowers
Wedding party and invitations planned
Ask your wedding party and officiant
Send save-the-date messages to your guest list
Send these once the date and venue are fixed, ideally with a link to a simple wedding page.
Look up accommodation options near the venue for guests
Outfits started
Book 3 appointments to try on outfits
Made-to-order outfits can take months to make and alter, so ask each shop for its lead time.
Choose an invitation design and print or send method
Write the invitation wording with RSVP date
Use this to draft wording you can edit.
Prompt to copy
Write three versions of formal wedding invitation wording for a <ceremony style> wedding. Include places for names, date, venue, dress code and an RSVP date. Keep the tone <formal or relaxed>. Leave details I have not given you as blanks.
Collect postal addresses and emails for every guest
3 months before
Invitations sent
Proofread the invitation and check the date twice
Send invitations with an RSVP date 4 weeks before the wedding
Set up a simple tracker for RSVPs and dietary needs
Legal paperwork underway
Confirm when to apply for your marriage license
Check the application window, ID needed and fees with your county clerk's office.
Gather the ID and documents you will need
Ask your officiant what they need to see before the day
Menu and extras confirmed
Book a menu tasting and choose the final menu
Order rings and arrange sizing
Book hair and makeup trials
Arrange wedding insurance quotes if you want cover
Compare what each policy covers and excludes before paying.
1 month before
Numbers and timings final
Chase guests who have not replied
Send final guest numbers and dietary needs to the venue and caterer
Draw up the seating plan
Send a timeline to every supplier
Paste this into an AI assistant to turn your plan into a supplier timeline.
Prompt to copy
Turn this rough order of the day into a clear timeline I can send to suppliers, with times in a table-free list: <paste your plan>. Do not invent times I have not given you. Flag any gaps.
Outfits and details ready
Attend the final outfit fitting
Write your vows or speeches
Prepare payments and gratuities in labelled envelopes
Confirm remaining supplier balances and due dates
Legal steps done
Collect your marriage license if the timing allows
Check how long it stays valid with your county clerk's office.
Name the person who will keep the paperwork safe on the day
1 week before
Final confirmations made
Call each supplier to confirm arrival time and address
Pack the wedding day bag and honeymoon luggage
Give the venue the seating plan and place cards
Check the weather forecast and the rain plan
People briefed
Brief the wedding party on times and jobs
Hand a contact sheet to one trusted person
Rest and eat well the night before the rehearsal
1 day before
Ready for the day
Run the rehearsal at the venue
Deliver rings, favors and decorations to the venue
Set out outfits and the wedding day bag
Set two alarms and plan breakfast
Evening planned
Confirm the rehearsal dinner venue and headcount
Agree an early night and a morning contact person
1 week after
Wrap-up done
Send thank-you messages to guests and suppliers
Return hired items by the agreed dates
Order prints or an album from your photographer
Write a short review for your key suppliers
Paperwork finished
Order certified copies of your marriage certificate
Check how with your county clerk's office.
Update your name and records if you are changing them
Check with the Social Security Administration and your state DMV for what they need.