The wedding: 12 months of planning + budget & timeline

· 9 min · Lovely Planners MX
Planner reviewing a wedding day timeline on a tablet with a checklist

Looking for a clear map for the wedding? Here’s what to do and when, how to split the budget, which contracts to review and how to build a realistic timeline. We’ve linked specific guides (venues, digital invites, paper, signage, estates) so you progress without wasting time.

12-month timeline

  • 12–9 months: date, budget and style; book venue and a planner; secure photo/video.
  • 8–6 months: catering, music/DJ, flowers/decor, invitation design.
  • 6–4 months: attire, lodging, site/RSVP, civil paperwork and church (if applicable).
  • 3–2 months: menu tasting, day timeline, transport and stations.
  • 1 month: beauty trials, seating, final payments.
  • Week: confirmations, emergency kit, Plan B (weather/power).
  • Day: timeline with owners and buffers.

Budget (guide percentages)

  • Venue/catering: 40–50%
  • Photo/video: 10–15%
  • Music/entertainment: 10–15%
  • Flowers/decor/ambience: 10–15%
  • Attire/beauty/rings: 5–10%
  • Stationery/favors/transport: 5–8%
  • Contingency: 5–10%

7 key contracts (what to check)

  • Venue: hours, noise, kitchen and exclusivities.
  • Catering: menu, tastings, timings and payment schedule.
  • Photo/Video: hours, delivery, licenses/usage.
  • Music: riders, setup times, late penalties.
  • Decor/Flowers: layout, signage, strike and waste.
  • Transport: routes, stops and owners.
  • Generator/power: capacity, tests and fuel.

Plan B (weather, power & logistics)

  • Tents, flooring and heat/fans per season.
  • Backup generator and safe distribution.
  • Covered routes for seniors/kids and holding points.

Sample timeline (late afternoon–evening)

  • 12:00–14:30 Getting ready (details, portraits, bride’s day).
  • 16:00 Ceremony · 17:00 Exit/photos · 17:30 Cocktail.
  • 18:30 Couple entrance · 19:00 Dinner · 20:15 Toast/first dance.
  • 20:45 Dance floor opens · 22:30 slippers · 23:00 late night bites.
  • 01:00 Close and controlled exit.

Quick checklist

  • Approved 12-month timeline
  • Budget with guide %
  • Contracts reviewed & signed
  • Day-of timeline with owners & buffers

Want stress-free planning?

We’ll build your master plan, budget and contracts so you enjoy the process.

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