Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting times of your life—but let’s be real, it can also feel a little overwhelming. With so many decisions to make and vendors to book, it’s easy to feel like you’re missing something important.

That’s where having a clear timeline comes in. Whether you’ve just said “yes!” or you’re already knee-deep in Pinterest boards, this month-by-month guide will help you stay organized, on track, and (mostly) stress-free.

LET THE COUNTDOWN BEGIN!

12+ Months out — Dream big and lock in the basics

This is the vision stage. It’s all about setting a strong foundation for the rest of your planning!

Not sure how to break things down? A planner (like me!) can walk you through what’s typical and what makes sense for your vision.
Before you fall in love with venues or vendors, it’s so important to establish a clear, realistic budget. Sit down with your partner (and any family members contributing financially) to figure out a total number you're comfortable spending, and then break it down by category—venue, catering, photography, florals, attire, etc.—so you can prioritize what matters most to you both.
Having this clarity early on will guide your decisions, reduce stress, and help avoid surprises down the road.
- Ask yourself:
  - What are our non-negotiables? (e.g., photography, live music, great food)
  - Where are we okay cutting back a bit?
  - Are we planning to pay for everything upfront, or over time?
To determine the venue capacity, you don’t need a final list yet, but aim for a ballpark range.
Start by:
- Listing immediate family and close friends
- Adding extended family, coworkers, and plus-ones
- Deciding if you’ll allow children (flower girl/ring bearer/guests)
- Talking with any parents or contributors about their must-invites (completely optional because it’s all about who you and your partner would want present!)
This is the best time to bring in professional support, AKA Agape Wedding Co.!
An Agape Houston wedding planner can help with that!
Especially the ones that book up quickly like photographers, videographers, and caterers.
If you have a dream date in mind, check venue availability first before committing to it—flexibility can open up more options (and better deals!).

💐Agape Planner Tips:
✔️ Hiring a Houston wedding planner or event coordinator means they will do your work for you! Your planner should: discuss whether your budget is realistic & ensure to remain within range, conduct all your research for you, — whether it be the venues and/or vendors, they will find the best suited ones for your vision and budget — and all that would be needed from you is your approval.
✔️ Remember that your final guest count may be lower due to declines, but it’s better to plan based on who you would invite than to assume a lower turnout too early.
✔️ Consider booking a package with a venue? Also, be sure to verify if the venue has in-house coordinator for the timeline of your day OR just a venue liaison/venue manager!

10-11 MONTHS OUT — bOOK YOUR CORE VENDORS

Now that your date and venue are secured, it’s time to start booking your dream team.

Budget friendly:
- Some companies provide both services!
- Smaller wedding? Opt for a content creator vs videographer.
Ask yourself:
- Venue in-house or external?
  - Some venues require clients to use their in-house caterers while others permit outside caterers.
  - Bundle & save: check out the venue’s packages as some provide the option for the in-house catering service when booking the venue!
Start the hunt! —Start early, do your research, book appointments, keep an open mind, refer to your budget.
Platforms like Zola, Joy, Minted, and The Knot offer beautiful, customizable templates.
Once you’ve locked in a general theme and palette, share it with your vendors early on—especially your florist, planner, and stationery designer. It’ll help everyone stay aligned and create a cohesive look from start to finish.

💐Agape Planner Tips:
✔️ Bridal gowns often take 6–8 months to be made and delivered, plus time for alterations. Starting your search 9–12 months out gives you the best options without feeling rushed.
✔️ Browse Pinterest, Instagram, and designer sites to get a sense of what styles you’re drawn to—A-line, mermaid, ballgown, boho, modern minimalism… there are so many directions to go.
✔️ Call ahead to schedule visits at local bridal boutiques and salons. Bring a couple of trusted people (your hype team!), and don’t overbook yourself—trying on 30 gowns in a day will only lead to decision fatigue.
✔️ So many brides fall in love with a dress they never expected. Trust your gut—and how you feel when you're wearing it.

8-9 MONTHS OUT — Ready, set, style!

This is where your wedding vision starts taking shape in a tangible way.

Refer back to your theme/color scheme!
DJ, live band, string quartet—your vibe!
Don’t overthink this!
Use your engagement photos and slap on some words and numbers.
A MUST! Use your mood board or Pintrest to help.
Think:
- Tables
- Chairs
- Linens
- Signage

💐Agape Planner Tips:
✔️ This is a great time to also begin thinking about ceremony details—readings, officiant, special traditions, etc.
✔️ Also, let PINTREST be your go to gal for VISUALIZING, but make AGAPE your best gal for PLANNING!

6-7 Months out — DETAILS, DETAILS

You’re hitting your planning stride now! This is when the wedding starts to feel real.

Instagram + client referrals + Yelp/Google Review.
Nothing too intricate; just a place and time is good enough.
Book now while flights and resorts have availability!
Consider:
- Color? — season themed colors? refer to your mood board!
- Style? — same style for all or different styled dresses but same color?
- Budget? — considering budget helps narrow down WHERE to shop!
- Who’s paying? — are you fully paying for your wedding party, partially paying, or will your wedding party cover themselves? Make sure you discuss this with your wedding party after asking them to be a part of your wedding!
If you haven’t yet, what are you doing?! Those expedited fees are no joke!
Unique = you
Remember that you can always customize it to represent who you and your partner are!

💐 Agape Planner Tips:
✔️ Don’t forget to do a hair and makeup test run/trial before committing! A look or style on someone else might look different on you.
✔️ As for Wedding party attire, it’s best to go look in stores with your bridesmaids, determine what style and color you want, then do you research online for more affordable alternatives.

4-5 months out — tying it all together

At this point, you’ll begin confirming details and making some exciting decisions.

With your caterer and baker:
- Try the appetizers, entrées, and desserts that fit your vibe and budget
- Ask about presentation styles: plated, buffet, family-style.
- Consider dietary restrictions or meal preferences for guests.
- Don’t forget about drinks—some caterers offer signature cocktails or bar services.
Consider:
- Bouquets
- Boutonniere styles
- Ceremony florals
- Centerpieces and reception table designs
- Installations or statement pieces
- Florals for the cake
- Signage (seating chart)
- Other detail shots
- Shoes — prioritize comfort, you’ll be standing a lot. Break them in before the big day.
- Veil — Cathedral, fingertip, birdcage, or what complements your dress and personal style.,
- Jewelry — Keep it simple and intentional. A classic pair of earrings, a dainty necklace, or a meaningful heirloom can add the perfect touch.
- Other accessories — like hair pieces, clutch, customized attire, something blue, add your personality!
Ask yourself:
- Who will walk you down the aisle?
- Will you include readings or special rituals? (unity candle, handfasting, etc.)
- Are there specific songs you want for the processional or recessional?
- Will you write your own vows or stick to something traditional?
Keep it personal but not overly scheduled.
This is your chance to connect with loved ones before the whirlwind of the big day begins.

💐 Agape Planner Tips:
✔️ Don’t wait until the last minute to write your vows. Draft them early so you can revise and practice without the pressure.
✔️ For florals, Talk through alternatives or repurposing arrangements—for example, ceremony florals that can double as sweetheart table décor.
✔️ Rehearsal dinner considerations: guest list—typically immediate family, wedding party, and out-of-town guests, location and food style, speeches or toasts, whether to exchange gifts with parents or the wedding party here, including a welcome moment for guests arriving early

2-3 Months out — the home stretch

With the major things booked, you’ll now focus on the final details.

Before mailing, double-check:
- All names are spelled correctly.
- Dates, times, and addresses are accurate.
- RSVP cards or links are included.
- Proper postage is applied, especially for thicker or international invites!
No procrastinating!
Type and print a clean copy for your ceremony (or write in a pretty vow book!). Avoid using your phone—photos live forever.
Triple-check everything:
- Planner/Coordinator
- Venue
- Caterer
- Photographer
- Videographer
- Florist
- DJ/band
- Rentals
- Transportation
- Hair and makeup
- Officiant
Your planner will help build a detailed timeline that includes:
- Vendor arrivals and setup
- Getting ready start times
- First look (if doing one) + photo sessions
- Ceremony start time
- Cocktail hour, dinner, speeches, dances
- Last call + send-off
Start shopping early enough to allow for:
- Sizing and engraving
- Any special orders
- Matching your engagement ring style or going for contrast
At your appointment:
- Bring your wedding shoes and undergarments.
- Practice walking, sitting, and dancing.
- Learn how to bustle your gown — bring a friend or your planner so they can help day-of!

💐Agape Planner Tips:
✔️ If you're working with a wedding planner (hi!), we’ll handle vendor confirmations and timeline coordination for you—so you can relax!
✔️ Don’t forget to start thinking about your seating chart and how you want your reception to flow!
✔️ Drop your finished invites at the post office counter—not a mailbox—so they’re hand-canceled and less likely to get damaged in transit. If you’re including RSVP cards, give guests a deadline 3–4 weeks before the wedding so you have time to finalize your headcount, seating chart, and catering numbers.
✔️ Meaningful vows: reflect on how you met, your journey together, what you love most, make genuine promises, and practice out loud for flow and emotion!
✔️ Your timeline is the heartbeat of your wedding day—it keeps everyone on the same page and everything running smoothly. Factor in buffer time—things always run a few minutes off, and that’s okay. A solid timeline keeps the day stress-free.
✔️ When shopping for your wedding bands, bring your engagement ring with you when you shop, especially if you want the two to sit flush together or match metal tones.

1 month out — final touches

It’s almost time! Let’s make sure you’re feeling ready (and excited!).

A marriage license may be obtained from any county clerk's office. Many Texas counties now offer an online application process.
- Where to Apply
Once your RSVPs from your Guest List are in, it’s time to lock down the final headcount.
- Double-check all “yes” and “no” responses.
- Confirm meal selections if you're offering entrée choices.
- Share final numbers with your planner and vendors — usually 2–3 weeks before.
- Use your guest list to build your seating chart + print escort/place cards.
Run, Forest, RUN!! (to the alter, not from!)
Honestly, pack some flats/sandals/shoes. Especially for the dance floor!
Typically, your planner or coordinator brings it, but if you’re not hiring a full-service planner, consider assigning a trusted friend or family member to bring a basic version of the kit.
Confirm all logistics now to avoid any day-of confusion:
- Confirm pickup times and addresses for each location (hotel, venue, photo spots)
- Share your planner’s contact info with the driver
- Triple-check if they’re familiar with the route and timing
- Provide a printed itinerary or timeline, just in case
During your walkthrough, you’ll:
- Review layout + floorplan — ceremony, cocktail hour, reception.
- Finalize décor + table placements.
- Confirm vendor access + setup windows.
- Check power sources, restrooms, backup weather plans.
- Ask any last-minute venue questions or request last minute changes if applicable.

💐 Agape Planner Tips:
✔️ MARRIAGE LICENSE: Hand it off to your officiant or planner ahead of the ceremony to ensure it's signed, witnessed, and safely tucked away post-ceremony.
✔️ Always account for a few extra meals and place settings—vendors, last-minute changes, or unexpected plus-ones do happen!
✔️ EMERGENCY KIT: Fashion tape, safety pins, sewing kit, Pain relievers, band-aids, allergy meds, Blotting sheets, deodorant, floss, bobby pins, Mini steamer, lint roller, extra earring backs, Snacks, mints, straws, phone chargers, etc.
✔️ Transportation: Ask about overtime policies—you don’t want to be charged unexpectedly if things run late.
✔️ Final Venue Walkthrough: Bring your timeline, a copy of your floorplan, and any decor you’re supplying—it’s your last chance to align expectations with the venue team!

1-2 weeks out — almost there!

At this point, you’ve done the work. Now it’s time to finalize the last few things and let go of the rest.

Optional — only if your honeymoon is right after the wedding!
Make a packing checklist for:
- Travel documents — passport, ID, itinerary, travel insurance.
- Outfits for day + night — think comfy travel clothes and a few date night looks.
- Swimsuits, sunscreen, toiletries
- Chargers, adapters, headphones
- A small first aid kit, medications, and feminine products
- Any fun extras: books, honeymoon playlist, GoPro, Polaroid, etc.
Send your finalized wedding day timeline to all vendors — or let your planner do it! — so everyone’s crystal clear on where to be and when.
Steps to finalize your seating:
- Seat families + groups together for comfort
- Mix friends who may not know each other but would vibe well
- Place any special needs or elderly guests in convenient spots (not too far from restrooms or exits)
- Confirm your table numbers/names with your rental company or stationery designer
- Print place cards and/or escort cards ((alphabetized is easiest for guests!
Delegate wedding-day tasks to your planner or trusted friends — what your planner and/or bridesmaids are for!
You’re about to be married!!
Schedule a quiet moment alone or just with your partner on the day—before the ceremony or right after—to pause, breathe, and take it all in. You won’t regret it.

💐 Agape Planner Tips:
✔️ TIMELINES: I’ll often create a master vendor timeline and a separate “wedding party” version to keep things stress-free and everyone on the same page!
✔️ SEATING CHARTS: Don’t forget to add your vendors to the seating chart if they’re being fed—and label vendor meals if needed!
✔️ TASKS FOR PLANNER: If you’ve hired a coordinator (like me!), this is exactly our job—we handle all the behind-the-scenes so you don’t have to lift a finger. We’ll worry about delivering décor to the venue, managing your overnight bags, gifts, or tip envelopes, handing out bouquets + boutonnieres, cueing dj/music or coordinating the processional, communicating with vendors, holding your vow book, touch-up kit, or emergency kit.

WEDDING WEEK — I DO’S

You made it! This week is all about soaking in the excitement and enjoying your people.

Your planner can takeover!
Focus on celebrating with your inner circle:
- Give toasts or thank your guests.
- Hand out gifts to your wedding party or parents.
- Share stories, laugh a little, cry a little (in the best way), and soak in the love.
Get plenty of rest—a calming bath, cozy robe, and your favorite playlist
- Avoid last-minute scrolling or checking timelines — we’ve got it!
- Keep water and light snacks nearby.
- A melatonin gummy or sleepy-time tea — but nothing new if you’re sensitive!
- Go to bed earlier than you think you need to—you’ll thank yourself in the morning
- Put your phone on Do Not Disturb and assign a go-to contact — like your maid of honor or planner — to field late-night texts or calls.
Trust your vendors + planner to handle the details — if something small goes wrong (because life happens), you probably won’t even know about it. That’s the beauty of having a pro-team around you.
Build in a few “pause moments” with your partner throughout the day—a first look, a private dinner, a quiet glass of champagne after the ceremony.
These will be some of your most treasured memories.

💐 Agape Planner Tips:
✔️ Remember, IT’S ABOUT YOU AND YOUR PARTNER ONLY
✔️ Enjoy your day, it’s the beginning of your forever!
✔️ Agape Wedding Co is always here for you!

💌FINAL THOUGHTS💌

Remember: no matter how perfectly you plan, weddings are full of surprises—and that’s part of the magic. With a solid timeline and the right team by your side, you’ll be able to relax, be present, and truly enjoy one of the most meaningful days of your life.

Need help staying on track? I’d love to be part of your planning journey.

Let’s chat about your vision!

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