Set the wedding date
Decide the ceremony and reception start times
Work backward from the wedding day
List all major milestones
Book the venue first
Secure key vendors early
Set deadlines for invitations
Plan dress, attire, and alterations timelines
Schedule hair and makeup trials
Create a ceremony timeline
Create a reception timeline
Include travel and buffer time
Assign setup and teardown responsibilities
Confirm vendor arrival times
Plan rehearsal and rehearsal dinner timing
Build in time for photos
Schedule meal service and speeches
Plan cake cutting and special dances
Set a timeline for final payments
Review and finalize the schedule with vendors
Share the final timeline with the wedding party
Print or save a day-of timeline for easy access