Your Ultimate Wedding Planning Timeline | HuffPost

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January and February are big months for wedding planning. People get engaged over the holidays and want to get the planning process started. I thought I would post a general wedding planning timeline with tips to help you through it all.

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Owner + Founder, W Events

Owner + Founder, W Events

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January and February are big months for wedding planning. People get engaged over the holidays and want to get the planning process started. I thought I would post a general wedding planning timeline with tips to help you through it all.

12 to 18 Months

Start a Guest List. Creating a document that categorizes potential guests into groups (family, close friends, other friends, work associates, etc.) will make the list more manageable. Also include columns for mailing address, RSVP, allergies and any other important information for your guest list.

Create a Budget. This will probably be your most important document. Be realistic when coming up with what you are willing to spend on your wedding day.

Discuss your Plans with Family. I have always believed that a wedding day should reflect what the bride and groom want, not the parents. Saying that, it always brings joy to include and consider the ideas and thoughts of some of the most important people in your life.

Hire a Wedding Planner. Whether you are interested in full service, partial planning or just day-of coordination, it is helpful to start speaking with a planner early on. They have resources and relationships with vendors that you would otherwise not have access to.

Start an Inspiration Board. Maybe it is through Pinterest or magazine pulls. Just do what works for you.

Book a Venue. Determine whether you will have a ceremony and reception in one location or if you need to book separate locations. Do some research and start going on site visits to help determine the look and feel you would like.

Choose your Wedding Party. This is also an exciting time for your family and friends.

Eight to 12 Months

Hire a Photographer/Videographer. Next to venues, these guys book up fast!

Decide on a DJ/Band. Speak to different companies and check them out at gigs, if possible.

Book a Florist. Bring them as many visuals as possible to help convey what you like.

Go Dress Shopping. Depending on the type of dress you want, some can take up to eight-10 months to be ordered.

Six to Eight Months

Send a Save-the-Date. Not everyone does this, but it is a nice touch if you can.

Look for Bridesmaid dresses. Make sure you leave enough time to have them ordered in and alterations completed.

Book Transportation. Do you need a stretch limo, SUV, town car? What about your guests? Is there a need for a shuttle bus?

Order a Wedding Cake. Who doesn't want to go on a cake tasting?!

Book any Rentals that you need. This could be lounge furniture, linens, lighting, etc.

Do Hotel Blocks. A great thing to do if you expect a lot of out-of-town guests. It makes their lives much easier and will save you fielding questions from Aunt Gertrude about where Hotel X is located, if Hotel Y has a spa, etc.

Four to Six Months

Hire a Stationery Company and Design Invitations. If doing something more elaborate with stationery, I suggest contacting companies earlier.

Choose a Hair and Make-up team. Make sure you go for a trial and be honest about what you like/don't like. Try to line up the trial on a day/night where you've got plans for the evening. This ensures you look fabulous for the evening and you can also see how well your hair and make-up holds up after a night out.

Book your Rehearsal and Dinner. Don't forget to invite out-of-town guests to the dinner.

Start an Itinerary. Especially if you do not have a wedding planner.

Choose an MC. Make sure to ask someone who is comfortable in front of a large crowd and is responsible.

Order Wedding Favours. Many people opt not to do these now. It is a personal decision.

Three Months

Menu Tasting. This timing will be based on your caterer.

Pick your Music. Your musicians and DJ will want some time to make sure they get the proper versions of the songs you want.

Finalize your Ceremony. Decide on readings and ask the people you want to read them.

Pick-up your Marriage License. IMPORTANT -- check your local rules. In Toronto, a marriage license in only valid for three months.

Two Months

Mail Invitations. These should be mailed six-eight weeks before the wedding. RSVP deadline is always one month before the wedding date.

Begin a Floor Plan and Seating Chart. It helps to start this as invites come in.

Discuss Extra Stationery. Do you want menus, table numbers, place cards or a seating chart?

One Month

Photo Shot List. This will help the photographer know who needs to be in family photos. Discuss this list with your photographer in advance.

Confirm all Details with your Vendors. This assumes you do not have a wedding planner already doing this.

Week of

Finalize Floor Plan and Guest List. Make sure your venue has a list of guests at each table along with a list of allergies or special requirements.

Arrange Final Payments. Make sure you have all the payments for your vendors on the day of the wedding.

Prepare Items needed on Wedding Day. Give certain things to your wedding planner or venue a few days before the wedding.

Day of your Wedding

Relax and Have Fun! Remember what is important and don't sweat the small stuff.

ALSO ON HUFFPOST:

Etsy Wedding Items

Birch Bark Vases(01 of40)

These handmade birch bark vases from Jaden Rai Inspired incorporate heart cutouts and stamping, and they're perfect for couples hosting rustic-themed weddings. Says the designer, "I enjoy mid-century decor and minimalism so that is why I work with the birch bark it provides that neutral color palette that I enjoy. My birch bark is sourced right where I live in British Columbia, we have an abundance of fallen birch and I love the fact that I get to see it through from start to finish." (credit:Jaden Rai Inspired)

Flowered Organza Veil(02 of40)

The 'Lucy' veil from Etsy seller Austie offers a unique twist on a classic wedding headpiece. Says the designer, " I can actually customize the Lucy so that the large flower at the crown of the head can detach from the veil and and be worn alone without the veiling for the reception." (credit:Austie)

'Mrs.' Earrings(03 of40)

These hand-stamped earrings from minusOne are perfect for the newlywed who wants to announce her marital status change in style. Says the designer, "The custom hand-stamped name lets the bride know they were made just for her. They memorialize her wedding but are easy-to-wear earrings that will be loved beyond a single day. They're affordable, but the ear wires are high-quality 14K gold fill." (credit:minusOne)

Monogrammed Burlap Runner(04 of40)

This monogrammed burlap runner is custom-made by A Southern Bucket. Says the designer, "Brides love to see their new wedding monogram in print as excitement builds for their upcoming wedding day. Our personalized burlap runners make great decorations for wedding showers and receptions." (credit:A Southern Bucket)

Unique Diamond Solitaire(05 of40)

This unique engagement ring is made using a Herkimer diamond, a type of stone found in Herkimer County, New York. Designer Bezalel Jewels says, "They are a great alternative to diamonds. You can wear them in good conscience knowing they are not blood diamonds and are mined in the USA ... I am so honored to make something that will create memories for a couple for a lifetime." (credit:Bezalel Jewels)

'Reserved' Signs(06 of40)

These custom-made 'reserved' signs will make your VIP wedding guests feel extra special. Says designer Christine Srivongse Collins, "My husband and I created these reserved signs for our own handmade wedding and decided to share this design for others to use in their weddings. My grandma was so honored that she had her own seat and loved it so much that she stashed it in her purse when "no one" was looking ... Buyers have become creative with these signs and we've customized them to use for food/drink signs, guestbook signs and other fun signs to use as decorations in their weddings." (credit:Wood & Grain)

Unique Engagement Ring(07 of40)

This 14K gold engagement ring by D.M. Designs is set with 21 clear diamonds and perfect for the indie bride. Says the designer, "This ring is a great engagement ring for those who are looking for something a little different. There are hundreds of designs out there of traditional solitaire rings and they sometimes look too similar. An engagement ring is suppose to be something special, there is no reason to get a "standard" engagement ring." (credit:D.M. Designs)

Felted Corsage(08 of40)

This handmade wool felt corsage from Handmade Colectibles will last a lifetime. Says the designer: "Each rose is made out of wool felt which makes it long-lasting and something that they won't have to worry about it wilting the next day. Because of the longevity you can save your wedding flowers and treasure them forever. There are hundreds of felt colors to choose from so you can customize your roses any way you like." (credit:Handmade Colectibles)

Polaroid Invitations(09 of40)

These Polaroid-inspired invitations from Ello There are the perfect way to showcase your engagement photos (or a gorgeous photo of you and your beloved) while sharing crucial information with your wedding guests. Says the designer: "We've wanted to do a polaroid invitation for a while, but we wanted it to feel interactive, like when you're shooting with a real polaroid camera, and that's why came up with the idea to have the invitation inside the polaroid." (credit:Ello There)

'Alice' Button Bouquet(10 of40)

Etsy designer Lilybuds Bouquets was asked by a bride to custom-design an "Alice in Wonderland"-themed bouquet. Lilybuds created this beautiful button bouquet, which any "Alice"-loving bride can now purchase. Says the designer, "There are many "Alice" items on the bouquet; 'Drink Me' bottles filled with glitter, black top hats, silver keys, vintage hand-spun cotton mushrooms, worded charms that say 'Off with their heads!', 'Tea party' and 'Drink me', miniature porcelain tea sets with tiny doilies, crowns and much more." (credit:Lilybuds Bouquets)

Lace-Embellished Shoes(11 of40)

The designer behind Etsy shop Becca and Louise uses vintage lace to create dazzling and one-of-a-kind wedding shoes. She says: "My Nana was an excellent fiber artist as she was always sewing and knitting, so in hopes of having lace wedding shoes for my wedding day, I took one of her handmade lace handkerchiefs and attached it to my d'orsay heels. Prior to this I had the hardest time finding lace wedding shoes, so when I came across her lace I knew I wanted to use it ... The shoes you wear on your wedding day are the last ones you'll wear as a bride and the first pair you wear as a wife, so a bride's wedding shoes can be a very personal piece." (credit:Becca and Louise)

'Dancing' Dress(12 of40)

This gorgeous silk and lace dress is made to order for each bride from Etsy vendor English Dept. "This dress is a great style for a romantic, playful wedding where the bride wants to show off her dancing shoes!" says the designer. "I had a bride elope in this dress to have her 'stealth wedding' inside the New York Museum of Modern Art." (credit:English Dept.)

'Here Comes The Bride' Sign(13 of40)

Handmade signs from The Ritzy Rose help to alert your guests to various events throughout your wedding. Says the designer: "I created the first flag for my own wedding. Without a wedding planner or DJ, I searched for a creative way to alert guests to the various events throughout the evening. My flower girl and ring bearer teamed up, walking around the venue letting all of our guests know that I was about to walk down the aisle, toss the bouquet, cut the cake, etc. When every single guest stopped them to take their pictures with the signs, I knew I was onto something." (credit:The Ritzy Rose)

Signature Tree 'Guestbook'(14 of40)

These large tree-print posters from Personalized Prints offer a unique alternative to the traditional guestbook: each guest signs a leaf on your tree, which can then be displayed long after the wedding is over. Says the designer, "Each guest signs a leaf to fill the tree with happy memories. Traditional guestbooks often end up stored in a closet, never to be seen again. We thought it was time to update that tradition."

White Sapphire Engagement Ring(15 of40)

This conflict-free, white, emerald-cut sapphire engagement ring by Kristin Coffin sits on a rustic band. The best part? A real twig is cast in recycled gold to create the branch-like band. Says the designer: "The combination of the structured octagon shape paired with the organic branch breathes new life into a classic solitaire design. It's the perfect balance between unconventional and timeless." (credit:Kristin Coffin)

Save The Date Set(16 of40)

This save-the-date set from Ello There features hand-drawn letters (as opposed to a standard font) and is printed using a wind-powered press. Says the designer: "Save the dates are so simple, all you really need to include are two things, 1. You've decided to get married and 2. When it will be. We wanted an invitation that shares the excitement you feel when you get engaged." (credit:Ello There)

'Mrs.' Necklace(17 of40)

This sterling silver 'Mrs.' necklace is handmade by Piano Bench Designs. Says the designer: " This is a great wedding gift because it is a small, feminine way for a woman to celebrate her transition into married life." (credit:Piano Bench Designs)

Rustic Boutonniere(18 of40)

These handmade burned-wood boutonnieres are perfect for the indie couple who want to skip traditional floral accessories. Designer Leah R. Hood says, "I can customize each one to meet the bride and groom's vision and theme with wood burning. I also love that the boutonnieres could be repurposed after the wedding, say as a Christmas tree ornament." (credit:Leah R. Hood)

Mini Wedding Cake Topper(19 of40)

This adorable mini wedding cake topper by Cherry Time is hand-embroidered with the words 'Je t'aime,' and made from vintage linen and cotton yarn. "We find French the most romantic language in the world. Crocheted hearts symbolize "something blue". Together they are perfect for unique wedding cake topper," says Vesna, the designer. (credit:Cherry Time)

Cotton Flower Girl Dress(20 of40)

This flower girl dress from Etsy vendor Olivia Kate Couture is made of natural cotton, so it's comfortable for little flower girls to wear. "Many moms that purchase have told us that they are able to wear the dresses for other events after their little girl walks down the aisle," says designer Cassie. "You can add your own custom touch from custom colors or prints to ribbon color, flower, etc. Perfect for the hands-off bride and the DIY bride alike." (credit:Olivia Kate Couture)

Ring Pillow(21 of40)

This embroidered ring pillow is custom-made for each couple. "I had a client who wanted a ring pillow with their wedding flowers, names, and date all on the front," explains designer Michelle Edgemont. "The ring bearer will need something to hold the rings, besides his little hands or pocket. This is a beautiful detail that will be used during the ceremony and then can be displayed in the couple's home for years to come." (credit:Michelle Edgemont)

Handmade Veil(22 of40)

This lace veil by Sibo Designs is completely handmade, right down to the rhinestone clip that ships with it. "The lace is very delicate and beaded," says the designer. "A veil always makes a bride truly feel a bride. Now this design might not be for everyone, but it's delicate and elegant look makes it a truly stunning piece for every bride!" (credit:Sibo Designs)

Convertible Bridesmaid Dress(23 of40)

This convertible bridesmaid dress from The Jersey Maid can be fashioned to suit every body. "I receive many bridesmaids or brides who end up buying these dresses for themselves in other colors after the wedding," says designer Erin. "Some brides buy their own dress when purchasing them for their bridesmaids to wear for the honeymoon, rehearsal dinner, etc. It's nice to hear back from past customers (especially bridesmaids), who compliment the dress and the alternate ways it can be worn even after being worn for a wedding." (credit:The Jersey Maid)

Viewmaster Wedding Invite(24 of40)

This wedding invitation by Melangerie Inc. is certainly unique. Each guest receives their very own viewmaster! "The fact that this invite is 3-dimensional and interactive definitely makes it stand out from the crowd. We also love that it's a keepsake guests can hold on to and harkens to nostalgia from our youth," says the designer. "It's also a great way to feature photos from your engagement shoot!" (credit:Melangerie Inc.)

Plantable Paper(25 of40)

These plantable paper hearts from Pulp Art can be used as place cards, weddings favors and table decorations. "[My customers] hang them from tree branches, tie them to mason jars, hold them down with river stones and tuck them into wheat grass centerpieces," says the designer. "First it's a tree, then consumer paper, then handmade paper, then a garden of wildflowers ... It is also a new trend that is just starting for weddings but not yet popular or overly-featured." (credit:Pulp Art)

Custom Fingerprint Necklace(26 of40)

This custom fingerprint necklace set by Flirt and Flutter is a great gift for bridesmaids that combines the bride's fingerprint with the prints of her bridal party. "One really can't get much more unique or personal than a fingerprint, [especially] by combining a bride's fingerprint with her best friend's, her cousin's, her mother's, or her future husband's," says designer Kaleen. "No two are alike, and each one is symbolic of a unique relationship." (credit:Flirt and Flutter)

Yellow Gold Engagement Ring(27 of40)

This 14K yellow gold engagement ring is hand-crafted and sold by One Garnet Girl on Etsy. Designer Madelynn says, "I wanted to create an elegant design for a halo ring, but without the use of additional stones, and while keeping the same feel as a solitaire ring. Something spectacular in it's simplicity." (credit:One Garnet Girl)

Snowflake Cupcake Topper(28 of40)

This edible snowflake cupcake topper is the perfect addition to your winter wedding. Two Sweet Cakes designer says, "I enjoy the fairytale feeling of a winter wedding. With that in mind I designed the multilayered fondant cupcake topper with embellished borders and a shimmering snowflake as the focal point to capture all of the elegance of winter." (credit:Two Sweet Cakes)

Winter Boutonniere(29 of40)

This Guinea hen and Lady Amherst feather, ivory berry and Tiffany-blue ribbon boutonniere from Pomp and Plumage is the perfect accessory for a Winter wedding. Say designers Denise and Ian Cole, "The design for this boutonniere was inspired by that sparkly, crunchy Canadian mid-season when fall meets winter, and the branches are all coated in glassy, frosty ice." (credit:Pomp and Plumage)

Handmade Bridal Mini Hat(30 of40)

This bridal mini hat by Fine and Fleurie is handcrafted from sustainably-sourced dupioni silk. "I love to use contrasting textures and interesting little details in my work, so pairing the metallic leaves with soft with the smooth delicate sheen of dupioni silk seemed like a perfect match," says designer Jessica Gallo. "I just had a bride all the way from France order this hat to wear in her January wedding at an amazing chateau. I can't imagine a more beautiful venue for my work to make an appearance!" (credit:Fine and Fleurie)

Custom Map Flasks(31 of40)

Etsy sellers Whimsy and Ink custom make each map flask sold, which means brides and grooms can tailor these gifts for each recipient. "So many of our fondest memories are associated with specific locations, so we thought it would be really neat to create a series of flasks that celebrates old towns, distant states and far away countries," say founders Lisa Rios and Jon Cherry. "One of our favorite projects came from a couple who ordered a set of custom map flasks to give to their wedding party. Each flask featured a different map, each reflecting a location that held a very dear meaning between the couple and the recipient." (credit:Whimsy and Ink)

Mr. And Mrs. Signs(32 of40)

This mother-daughter team produces hand-made, customized signs for brides and grooms. "Customers love to match their wedding colors, so we make this sign in any color requested!" says Mom Debbie Gunckel. "Our designs are what brides are looking for, simple and fun!" (credit:Sarah Q Happy Booths)

Wedding Poster With Your Fingerprints(33 of40)

Etsy seller Flutterbye Notes uses a newlywed couple's own thumb prints to create personalized, one-of-a-kind anniversary posters. "The heart design [is] unique and also symbolic of joining two individuals together," says designer Amie Jones. "I have a weak spot for personalized things, and love to fill my house with art that has a special meaning." (credit:Flutterbye Notes)

Moss-Framed Chalkboard Menu(34 of40)

The designer behind Rivche, an Etsy shop that specializes in moss-framed chalkboard menus, made her first menu for her own wedding. "I knew I wanted a chalkboard menu," she says, "[but] no shop (online or off) was offering the moss-framed menu that I was so dead-set on having. After a few trials with different moss blends and application techniques, I created my very first moss chalkboard menu and displayed it at my own wedding reception." (credit:Rivche)

Monogram Cookies(35 of40)

Amber Spiegel, a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America's Baking and Pastry Arts program, gets inspiration for her unique cookies from vintage shops and antique stores. Her special blend of orange zest, vanilla bean and cardamom "makes [the cookies] as delicious as they are beautiful," she says. "Many people say they've never seen cookies quite like these." She sells these and many other hand-decorated pastries in her Etsy shop, Sweet Ambs. (credit:Sweet Ambs)

Fondant Succulents(36 of40)

Anna Knaus' Etsy shop, Modern Luxe Events, features succulents and other decorative sugar plants made of fondant. The delicious creations are made entirely by hand: "There are no cutters or materials used to create the shape other than my own hands and some floral wire," Knaus says. "I custom mix a certain amount of colors of fondant and airbrush colors to get just the right look. Too much of one shade and the succulent doesn't look real enough." (credit:Modern Luxe Events)

Map Invitations(37 of40)

Husband-and-wife team Seth and Maddy Lucas set out to make the perfect, non-traditional wedding invitation: "We like to make it a more 'hands on' experience," they say. "Instead of getting a card that the receiver will simply pull out of the envelope, with the map invitation there is that element of surprise, they get to open the envelope, pull out the invitation, untie the string, and unfold to find a unique, non-traditional wedding invitation." The Lucas' Etsy shop, Ello There, is filled with dozens of other unique invitations to suit every travel-loving couple's tastes. (credit:Ello There)

Moss Table Numbers(38 of40)

The creator of Spotted Leopard Custom Moss Creations found inspiration for her moss-covered initials one night when she dreamt of the monogram letters. She began selling them on Etsy weeks later, and her unique creations were an instant success. She says, "Recently Hermes of Paris out of New York purchased 50 standing table numbers with bases for a company function. I was thrilled to receive the order from such a reputable company!" (credit:Spotted Leopard)

Golden Twig Rings(39 of40)

Barbara Michelle Jacobs created her first twig engagement band after walking through Central Park and accidentally snapping a dry twig. "I heard a branch snap and bent down to pick it up. I had just come from a jewelry workshop where I was learning how to create molds to use for casting jewelry. They say timing is everything. If I hadn't just come from jewelry class, I don't know if I would have put the two pieces together." Jacobs uses recycled precious metals to create these sustainable gold engagement and wedding bands. (credit:Barbara Michelle Jacobs)

Name-In-Lights Lanterns(40 of40)

Paper Acorn founder Jessica Wolf first created these monogram letter lanterns after purchasing some battery-operated candles and searching for a fun way to use them. They were an instant hit with Etsy brides: "A few brides have told me about how much fun their guests had by switching around the glowing letters in their names to form different words," Wolf says. "Who could resist?!" (credit:Paper Acorn)

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