Three months out is when wedding planning shifts from "big decisions" to "execution." The venue is booked, the vendors are hired, and the dress is ordered. Now it's about confirming everything, finalizing details, and making sure nothing slips through the cracks.

Here's a week-by-week breakdown of what to do in the final 12 weeks before your wedding.

12 Weeks Out (3 Months)

• Send invitations. If you haven't already, get them out now. RSVP deadline should be 3-4 weeks before the wedding.
• Order wedding bands. Allow time for sizing adjustments. Most jewelers need 4-6 weeks.
• Book hair and makeup trial. Schedule this before any engagement photos or bridal portraits.
• Start the seating chart. Begin with a rough draft — table assignments will change as RSVPs come in.
• Confirm hotel room block details. Send hotel info to out-of-town guests with the invitation.

10 Weeks Out

• Finalize ceremony details. Confirm the officiant's script, choose readings, and decide on any unity rituals.
• Schedule dress fitting #2. This is typically the main alterations fitting. Bring your shoes and undergarments.
• Meet with the florist. Confirm arrangements, colors, and delivery timeline. Walk through the ceremony and reception spaces.
• Plan the rehearsal dinner. Send invitations to the wedding party, immediate family, and out-of-town guests.
• Draft your vows. Start writing early. Personal vows need time to edit and practice aloud.

8 Weeks Out (2 Months)

• Create the day-of timeline. Map out the full day hour by hour — from hair and makeup through the grand exit. Share it with your vendors and wedding party. Use a free wedding timeline template to get started.
• Confirm all vendor contracts. Review every contract for dates, times, and payment schedules. Flag anything that doesn't match your timeline.
• Order welcome bags for hotel guests (if doing them). Water, snacks, a local guide, and the weekend itinerary.
• Schedule the final cake tasting. Confirm flavors, tiers, and delivery time.
• Plan transportation. Book limos, shuttles, or rideshare for the bridal party and guests.

6 Weeks Out

• RSVP follow-up. Chase down anyone who hasn't responded. You need a final count for the caterer.
• Finalize the seating chart. With the RSVP count locked, assign tables. Build in a few extra seats for last-minute changes.
• Submit the song list to the DJ/band. Must-plays, do-not-plays, and first dance/parent dance selections.
• Schedule a venue walk-through. Walk the ceremony and reception spaces with the coordinator, photographer, and florist.
• Final dress fitting. Everything should be perfect. Practice walking, sitting, and dancing in the dress.

4 Weeks Out (1 Month)

• Confirm final guest count with the caterer. This is usually the hard deadline for headcount and meal selections.
• Send the day-of timeline to all vendors. Every vendor should have the same schedule. Include arrival times, setup windows, and contact information.
• Print programs, menus, and place cards. Proofread everything. Check name spellings against the RSVP list.
• Prepare tips and vendor payments. Put cash in labeled envelopes for day-of tips (photographer, DJ, hair/makeup, officiant).
• Break in your shoes. Wear them around the house for a few hours. Blisters on the wedding day are preventable.

2 Weeks Out

• Confirm every vendor one more time. A quick email or call: "Confirming [date], [time], [location]. Any questions?" This catches miscommunications before it's too late.
• Write toasts and speeches. If you're speaking at the rehearsal dinner, write and practice it now. Brief other speakers on time limits (3-5 minutes).
• Assemble emergency kit. Sewing kit, stain remover, pain reliever, bobby pins, double-sided tape, phone charger, tissues. Delegate this to the maid of honor or coordinator.
• Finalize the photo shot list. Give the photographer a list of must-have shots — family combinations, detail shots, and specific moments.
• Prepare marriage license. Check your state's requirements for timing — some licenses expire 30-90 days after issue.

1 Week Out

• Rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. Walk through the ceremony once, maybe twice. Keep it short — 30 minutes for the rehearsal, then dinner.
• Lay out everything you'll need. Dress, shoes, accessories, vow cards, rings, emergency kit, marriage license. Put it all in one place.
• Delegate day-of responsibilities. Assign someone to handle vendor arrivals, gift table, guest book, and card box. The couple should not be managing logistics.
• Send the final timeline to the bridal party. Include pickup times, photo locations, and what to bring.
• Get sleep. Seriously. The day before the wedding is not the time to finish last-minute projects. Everything that isn't done by Thursday night doesn't get done.

Day Of

• Eat breakfast. A real meal. Not just coffee.
• Follow the timeline. This is why you built it. Let the coordinator handle surprises — your only job today is to be present and enjoy it.
• Trust your vendors. You hired professionals. Let them do their jobs.

Build Your Planning Timeline

For the day-of timeline, use the free wedding day template to map out every hour from getting ready through the grand exit.

For managing the full planning checklist, EventRundown Pro includes to-do lists with pre-built wedding checklists, vendor management, and client questionnaires — everything you need to stay on track in the final months.