CAST Academy · For clients
Your wedding, month by month
A wedding has a lot of moving parts, but they don't all need your attention at once. This timeline assumes about 12 months of planning. If you have less time, start at the step that matches your timeline and catch up on anything you skipped.
12 months before: the foundation
- Talk as a couple about the kind of wedding you want: big or intimate, church or civil, city or out of town.
- Talk with both families about expectations and contributions.
- Set your total budget and a buffer of about 10%.
- Draft your guest list to get a rough count.
- Choose your preferred date and one or two backups.
10 to 11 months before: ceremony and venue
- Book your ceremony: church, chapel or civil officiant. Popular churches fill up early, so ask about their requirements and schedule right away.
- Visit and book your reception venue.
- If you're hiring a coordinator or planner, book them now. They can help with everything that follows.
8 to 9 months before: key suppliers
- Book your caterer, if not included with the venue. Ask for a food tasting.
- Book your photographer and videographer.
- Book your event stylist.
- Choose your theme and color palette.
- Start looking for your gown and suits.
6 to 7 months before: the people around you
- Choose your principal sponsors (ninong and ninang) and secondary sponsors for the candle, veil and cord.
- Choose your entourage: bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, ring and coin bearers.
- Book your host, band or DJ, and lights and sounds.
- Book hair and makeup.
- Plan your save-the-dates.
4 to 5 months before: details
- Order invitations.
- Book the cake, souvenirs and bridal car.
- Plan your prenup shoot, if you're having one.
- Attend church seminars or pre-marriage counseling if required.
- Start gathering documents for your marriage license.
2 to 3 months before: invitations and paperwork
- Send invitations, about 8 to 10 weeks before the wedding.
- Apply for your marriage license at your local civil registry. Check their requirements and processing time early.
- Have your gown and suits fitted.
- Plan your program with your host and coordinator.
1 month before: confirmations
- Follow up on RSVPs and finalize your guest count.
- Prepare your seating plan.
- Confirm every supplier: date, time, address, contact person and what's left to pay.
- Prepare your event-day schedule and share it with your suppliers and entourage.
1 to 2 weeks before: final touches
- Send the final guest count to your caterer and venue.
- Hold the rehearsal with your entourage.
- Prepare envelopes for supplier balances and tips, labeled by name.
- Pack an emergency kit: safety pins, sewing kit, medicine, snacks, phone chargers.
- Assign a trusted relative or friend as your point person on the day.
On the day
Let your coordinator and point person handle the problems. Eat breakfast. Take a quiet moment with each other before it gets busy. Whatever happens, you'll be married at the end of it.
Quick checklist
- Budget, guest count and date set
- Ceremony and reception booked
- Key suppliers booked
- Sponsors and entourage confirmed
- Marriage license applied for
- Final guest count and seating plan done
- Event-day schedule shared with everyone
In CAST: start your wedding with Plan an Event, then add the steps above to your event's Checklist.