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Wedding timeline: month-by-month calendar

From 12 months out to 1 week before: what to do at each stage. A concrete calendar, not a vague list.
P
Paul
·
Published on 26 June 2026
·
7 min read
A wedding timeline reads your big day backwards: each month has 4 to 8 clear actions. Without it, everything piles up three months before.
This guide assumes about 12 months of prep, the most common case in France. For shorter or longer lead times, see how long to plan.

12 to 10 months out

Set date and budget ceiling
Sketch guest count (rough range)
Tour and book the reception venue
Start photographer and caterer search

9 to 7 months out

Confirm photographer, caterer, music
Choose witnesses and split responsibilities
Start town hall or religious prep
Shortlist attire and book fittings

6 to 4 months out

Send save-the-dates then invitations
Finalize florist, beauty, transport if needed
Order rings and accessories
Validate menu with caterer

3 to 2 months out

Follow up RSVPs (aim for answers 6 weeks before the day)
Build the seating chart
Arrange lodging for out-of-town guests
Draft the day-of schedule

1 month to 1 week out

Confirm headcount with caterer and venue
Final fittings and alterations
Prepare final payments and tips
Brief witnesses, officiant, DJ on the run sheet
Tip: one task with a deadline beats ten ideas in your head. That is why Fiancé labels checklist items as "9 months before" instead of fixed calendar dates.

How Fiancé can help

Fiancé builds a timeline from your wedding date. Overdue tasks surface on the home screen. You can also export the day-of timeline as PDF.

Disclaimer

Please be advised that the contents of this article are intended for general information purposes only and not professional advice. The information contained herein is for informational purposes only. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, financial, or tax advice. The content of this article reflects the opinions of the author and/or the Drakkar Software team. None of the authors are licensed advisors in regulated fields unless explicitly stated. Using any product or method discussed here may involve risk. The author and/or Drakkar Software does not guarantee any particular outcome. Past results do not indicate future results.
About the author
P
Paul
Founder of Fiancé
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