If your Pinterest board is overflowing with wedding inspirations, you’re not alone. But amidst all this comes one question: When should you start your wedding planning? Read to know!
Well, now that you’re engaged and your family’s discussing your marriage with excitement and joy, it’s time to face the big question: when should wedding planning actually begin? While it may seem like you have all the time in the world, the truth is that wedding planning can be more overwhelming than anticipated if not started at the right time. From selecting a venue and locking down vendors to managing guest lists and curating your dream bridal look, every detail counts, and every detail needs time.
So, before you dive headfirst into your Pinterest boards and lehenga trials, take a moment to understand the ideal timeline. Starting too early can lead to overplanning and burnout, while starting too late can leave you scrambling for dates, venues or even a makeup artist. Let Wedding Affair help you break down exactly when to begin each major step of wedding planning, so you can approach your big day with clarity, confidence and excitement, not chaos.
1. Start wedding planning as soon as you get engaged
Though it might sound too soon, hear us out. The earlier you begin, the more control and clarity you will have. The first few weeks after engagement are ideal for discussing the basics with your partner: budget, location, preferences, guest list, size and ideal time of the year to get married. This is the foundation phase of wedding planning, and although you’re not booking vendors just yet, you’re aligning on your shared vision. This is also the best time to research wedding planners, if you’re hiring one. Planners can guide you with realistic timelines and insider tips that save both time and money.
Also Read: 2025 Indian Wedding Planning Checklist You Can’t Miss!
2. 12-18 months before: Lock the big stuff
If you’re aiming for a grand celebration, starting the wedding planning 12-18 months before, if the time allows, is ideal. At this point, it’s time to:
- Set the date or narrow it down to a few options.
- Book the venue; especially important if it’s a popular wedding season or location.
- Hire your wedding planner, if you haven’t already.
- Begin scouting and securing your dream vendors: photographers, videographers, caterers and decorators.
Many top-tier vendors are booked out a year in advance, especially for peak seasons. This phase is about locking your team and setting the stage for everything to follow.
3. 10-12 months before: Design and dream
This is where wedding planning becomes more personal and creative. Now that your venue and vendors are secured, it’s time to dive into the visual and emotional tone of the wedding:
- Finalise your theme or aesthetic; be it modern, royal boho or traditional.
- Begin outfit planning for the bride, groom and close family.
- Start curating mood boards for your decor and invitations.
- Choose your bridal party and inform them of their roles.
If you’re planning a destination wedding, this is also when you should start working on logistics for guests like accommodation, transport and travel tips.
4. 6-9 months before: Confirm, communicate, Customise
This stage is all about finalising and refining. You’ve laid the foundation, and now your wedding planning enters a more detailed phase. You’ll want to:
- Finalise wedding outfits and book fittings.
- Order invitations and stationery.
- Confirm vendor details like deliverables and timelines.
- Schedule pre-wedding functions and coordinate with family on traditions.
- Plan your makeup and hair trails.
Also, this is a great time to do food tasting, finalise your menu and ensure dietary preferences are accommodated.
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5. 4-6 months before: Get into guest mode
By this point, your wedding planning becomes more people-centric. Start focusing on:
- Send out all the wedding invitations.
- Follow up with the guests on RSVPs, if needed.
- Create a WhatsApp group is necessary, to streamline guest communications.
- Curate the wedding favours or hampers.
- Plan for your pre-wedding photoshoots.
This is also the right time to start prepping your wedding registry or curating gifting guidelines if you’re having guests from different cultures or countries.
6. 2-3 months before: Logistics and legalities
This is the most crucial checkpoint in your wedding planning timeline. It’s when real logistics take over.
- Finalise the wedding day timeline and share it with vendors.
- Confirm transportation and accommodation for out-of-town guests.
- Apply for marriage licenses or complete religious/legal requirements.
- Finalise the playlist and hand it over to your DJ or live band.
- Send reminders to guests and start assigning seating (if needed).
Use this time to finalise honeymoon bookings as well. Trust us, having that post-wedding escape locked in early is a huge relief.
7. 1 month before: Final Checks
You’re in the home stretch now and your wedding planning should be in its final stages:
- Do final dress/sherwani fittings.
- Reconfirm vendor bookings and timings.
- Prepare an emergency bridal kit with essentials (lipstick, tissues, perfume, safety pins, etc.)
- Write your vows or wedding speech if you’re going personal.
- Check in with your bridal party and ensure they’re ready for their roles.
This is also a good time to start packing for your honeymoon and prepping for rituals or ceremonies you’ll be participating in before the wedding.
8. The final week: Trust the process
The last week of the wedding planning process should focus on menta; peace and soaking in the joy, because it can and will get hectic for sure. If your planning has been thorough, this week is about tying loose ends, not making big decisions:
- Delegate on-ground responsibilities to friends or your planner.
- Get your mehendi, nails and skincare sessions done.
- Keep documents, jewellery and outfits ready and labeled.
- Reconfirm with photographers or videographers about the shot list.
Your work is done. Now let the magic unfold.
Read Also: How to Pick the Perfect Location for Destination Wedding
Wedding planning is not a one day affair, nor is it something you want to rush through. It’s a thoughtful, phased journey that sets the tone for one of the most meaningful days of your life. Starting early doesn’t just reduce last-minute stress, it also gives you the freedom to explore, personalise and perfect every little detail.
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