Wedding planning timeline anxiety? Let’s fix that. At Ma Maison, we’ve helped hundreds of couples design weddings that are not only beautiful but also beautifully planned. This step-by-step timeline breaks down exactly what to do and when, whether you’re 18 months out or in the final 8 weeks. We’ve even included a printable version for your fridge (or planner). From choosing vendors to your golden hour photos, it’s all here. Bonus: Add AI to your timeline and let it handle the busywork so you can focus on joy.

Let this be your go-to guide, whether you’re planning a grand celebration or an intimate affair.

The 12-Month Wedding Countdown

Here’s what an ideal planning year looks like, designed to give you breathing room, clarity, and time to enjoy the journey.

12+ Months Out: Start with Vision

• Sit down together and dream about what kind of experience you want.
• Define your wedding vibe (modern garden party, romantic European-inspired, timeless elegance?)
• Book Ma Maison early, especially if your date is in peak season
• Set a realistic budget and begin exploring vendor options
• Hire your planner or coordinator (a major sanity-saver)
• Create your wedding website + collect mailing addresses
• Consider hiring a content creator or AI assistant to document the process

Ma Maison Tip: Don’t just plan for the day, plan for the feelings you want to remember.

9–11 Months Out: Design Your Day

• Say yes to the dress (or suit!) and schedule fittings
• Finalize your guest list
• Send save-the-dates
• Confirm your photographer and videographer
• Book florals and rentals (linens, lounges, arches, etc.)
• Choose your entertainment (DJ, band, string quartet)
• Reserve room blocks for out-of-town guests

Ma Maison Tip: Ask your photographer when golden hour is at the venue—your photos will thank you.

6–8 Months Out: Lock In the Logistics

• Order invitations and thank-you notes
• Book your hair and makeup team
• Finalize your catering + tasting appointments
• Set up your registry
• Confirm ceremony details with your officiant
• Plan honeymoon and passport/visa updates if needed
• Meet with your florist to confirm your vision
• Build your design board (Pinterest or Milanote)

Feeling overwhelmed? Use AI tools like Notion, Trello, or ChatGPT to break your tasks into manageable steps.

3–5 Months Out: Final Touches & Timeline

• Schedule final fittings
• Send invitations (about 8 weeks out)
• Confirm transportation (limo, shuttle, vintage getaway car?)
• Start drafting your day-of timeline with your planner
• Meet with your Ma Maison coordinator for a venue walkthrough
• Book a rehearsal dinner and any welcome events
• Create your music list for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception

Ma Maison Tip: Build in moments of calm—like a private toast before the ceremony.

1–2 Months Out: Prep, Confirm & Celebrate

• Get a marriage license
• Finalize seating chart
• Print signage, programs, menus, and place cards
• Schedule final beauty appointments
• Confirm all vendor details: load-in/load-out, setup times, and contacts
• Organize tips and final payments
• Prepare an emergency kit (snacks, pins, band-aids, blotting paper, etc.).
• Practice your vows

Don’t forget a weather plan, Ma Maison offers both indoor elegance and outdoor beauty, so you’re covered either way.

Final 30-Day Checklist

Think of this as your final runway before takeoff. With everything in place, you can focus on being fully present.

• Conduct final venue walkthrough
• Confirm guest headcount and send to the caterer
• Review your timeline with the planner and vendors
• Assign wedding day roles to the bridal party + family
• Confirm timeline with photographer and coordinate golden hour photos
• Pack essentials for getting ready + post-wedding (honeymoon!)
• Reconfirm hotel blocks and guest arrival info
• Do a full beauty trial run if you haven’t yet

Ma Maison Tip: Build in 10 minutes for just the two of you after the ceremony. Breathe it in.

Use AI to Keep You On Track

Planning your wedding doesn’t mean you have to do it all manually.

Here’s how AI can help:

Task	AI Tool Recommendation
Build custom checklists	Notion, Trello templates
Write vendor emails & reminders	ChatGPT or Grammarly
Create seating charts	AllSeated, Tablerr
Generate mood boards	Canva, Milanote
Automate RSVP follow-ups	Zola, Joy, or email integrations
Schedule reminders for final tasks	Google Calendar + AI bots

AI isn’t replacing the magic; it’s removing the overwhelm.

Wedding planning should feel joyful, not just busy.

At Ma Maison, we believe the journey should be just as magical as the celebration itself. Whether you’re planning a year in advance or just getting started, this timeline serves as your blueprint for a day filled with meaning, ease, and elegance.

Let’s turn your vision into reality with clarity, calm, and Ma Maison magic.
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Did you know…when you choose a locally owned wedding venue, you are helping to develop and improve the local economy? It’s true, your locally owned wedding venues are small business owners who not only create hundreds of jobs for the local wedding industry every year, but also actively support our local economy. Please consider a locally owned venue; you can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map.

Photo Credits:
Weddings Unlimited