Here is a comprehensive timeline of how you can make wedding planning a breeze. This list is outlined especially for Filipino couples to be acquainted of the steps involved and timings to take note in preparing for a wedding.  

Remember that there are no hard-and-fast rules in planning you wedding. It is best to customize these timings based on your priorities. I'll be pleased to help you in any way, contact me for any wedding planning-related questions.

14 MONTHS BEFORE

GET IN THE ZONE

Immersing yourself in inspirations and surveying your options will help you make realistic goals and timelines.

• Narrow down the options for your wedding date
• Establish filing system of  wedding documents. 
• Browse for wedding inspirations. 
• Gather quotes from wedding vendors.
• Draft initial number of guests.
• Attend pre-wedding seminars. 
• Decide on hiring a coordinator. 

10 MONTHS BEFORE

Envision the Day

Keep on dreaming and daydreaming 'coz you've got to finalize the theme, the color and your brand at this point. 

• Shortlist options for Hair and Make-up, Men's apparel, and event stylist

• Final wedding theme and color palette.

• Book invitation designer/printer  and kick-off the design process

9 MONTHS BEFORE

Bask in Beauty

It's about time to get serious on your beauty and fitness regimen! It is also a high time to book beauty and fashion-related vendors.

• Start your beauty regimen and healthy routine
• Consult with trusted dermatologists and dentists
• Undergo trial makeup with shortlisted HMUA
• Finalize wedding budget, tightened based on previously booked suppliers
• Book bridal gown and couturier and Hair &Makeup Artist
• Finalize guest list

8 MONTHS BEFORE

Block the Date

This is the best time to send out save-the-date cards or launch your wedding website.

• Plan for engagement shoot

• Send-out printed or online save-the-date cards

• Launch wedding website

• Meet and book caterer

7 MONTHS BEFORE

Seek further

This month is all about weighing your options for other wedding details. Much time is left, you need not rush.

• Shortlist honeymoon destinations

• Shortlist options for preparation venue, bridal car, wedding favours and gifts

• Book couturier for bridesmaid dresses

6 MONTHS BEFORE

Delight in the details

• Envision reception details

• Request and secure baptismal and confirmation certificates

• Decide on which details to DIY

• Book preparations venue

• Decide on wedding rings 

• Book florist or event stylist

5 MONTHS BEFORE

Focus on the Ceremony

We believe that ceremonies MUST be especially enchanting! Allocate ample time to prepare for this most important part. 

• Outline  the flow of the ceremony and draft the missalette. Feel free to download the template here. 

• Undergo canonical interview

• Complete church requirements

• Meet with wedding officiant

• Submit wedding banns to respective parishes

4 MONTHS BEFORE

Accent the After Party

• Process marriage license (valid for 120 days only)

• Outline the reception program

• Book tailor for groom's attire

• Meet and book the emcee

• Buy/order wedding favours and gifts

• Book wedding cake suppliers

• Send-out wedding invitations

• Finalize menu for the reception

3 MONTHS BEFORE

Right in Tune

• List preferred songs, build the soundtrack for every part of the program

• Book choir or band for ceremony and reception

• Outline videos to be played during the reception

• Conduct fitting of dresses for bridesmaids, mother  and flower girls

• Buy shoes and other accessories

• Purchase gifts for entourage and sponsors (if any)

• List down your notes for the vendors

2 MONTHS BEFORE

RSVP

• Complete RSVP from guests

• Draft wedding vows

• Book lights and sounds supplier

• Review transportation and accommodation options for guests

• Submit wedding banns to the parish of the church where wedding will be held

1 MONTH BEFORE

Get down to the details

• Plan for wedding rehearsals ( if applicable)

• Gather headcount of suppliers

• Plan the Post-nup pictorial

• Draft the seat plan

• Have speeches, scripts  and presentations prepared

• Purchase preparation dress

• Delegate wedding day task

• Inform caterer about the final guest list

• Print missalette and other stationeries (thank you cards, menu cards et al)

• Finalize honeymoon details

• Secure body form or customized hangers

3 WEEKS BEFORE

Showers and Shindigs

• Have your bachelorette party/ despedida de soltera and bachelor's party

• Remind entourage of their wedding day duties

• Print programmes and script

• Arrange crew meals for  suppliers

• Pick-up wedding rings and gowns of entourage

• Finalise wedding vow

2 WEEKS BEFORE

Pamper thyself

• Treat yourselves to a spa and luxury facial

• Review wedding day inventory and timeline. On-the-day checklist here.

• Check if CDs or DVDs for videos and music are compatible with the equipment

• Memorise wedding vows

• Secure items for offertory

• Have your confession (applicable only for Catholic weddings)

• Finalize seat plan

1 WEEK BEFORE

Down to finishing touches

• Pick-up bridal gown and groom's suit

• Prepare payment for all vendors

• Pack of your wedding day and honeymoon

• Gather all documents for travel

• Ensure all transport and logistics are arranged

• Pack wedding day emergency kit

• Print-out wedding day timeline and notes to suppliers

1 DAY BEFORE

Breathe!

• Go through wedding day checklist

• Check-in and relax at your hotel room

• Place all the details and accessories (invitations, rings, earrings et al) in one bag