The 12-month wedding timeline

Every planning checklist says "book your venue 12 months out." Here's the version with the why — so you know which deadlines are real and which are tradition.

12–10 months: the scarce things

Venue, photographer, band or DJ, caterer. These are scarce — each can only do one wedding per date. Everything else flexes around them.

• Set the budget (all three numbers — see our budget guide)
• Draft the guest count (it drives venue size AND cost)
• Book: venue → photographer → music → catering

9–7 months: the identity things

• Attire (dresses and suits need fitting lead time, especially made-to-order)
• Florist and decor direction
• Officiant, and the legal paperwork your country requires — check this one early, it has real deadlines
• Block hotel rooms if many guests travel

6–4 months: the people things

• Send invitations (paper or link) with an RSVP deadline about 6–8 weeks before the day
• Wedding website live: schedule, travel info, dress code
• Menu tastings; hair & makeup trial
• Book transport and rentals

3–1 months: the details

• Chase RSVPs (there are always stragglers — automate the chasing if you can)
• Final headcount to the caterer (usually due 2–3 weeks out)
• Seating plan — after the RSVP deadline, never before
• Timeline for the day itself, shared with every vendor

The final week

• Confirm arrival times with every vendor, in writing
• Delegate the day-of phone: one trusted person, not you
• Do nothing the last two days. That's a task. Schedule it.

Sukumi generates this timeline for your actual date and vibe, reminds you before anything slips, and chases the vendor replies for you.