As a general rule of thumb, the sooner you book a vendor, the better.

If you

have a full-coordination wedding planner, they should be able to help you with

this checklist. But if you don’t have a full-time planner and have to schedule

things yourself, here’s a checklist that can help you countdown to your big day.

12 Months Before the Wedding

Planning a wedding can be an exciting journey, and giving yourself a full year to prepare is often

recommended by wedding experts. Here are the key steps to ensure a smooth planning

process:

​ Choose Your Wedding Date: Select a date that works for you and your partner. Consider
having a few backup dates in case your preferred one is not available. Keep in mind that
weekday weddings may have fewer guests attending but might be more challenging to
secure vendors for.
​
​ Set Your Budget: Determine your budget early on. Find out if your parents or your
partner's parents will be contributing financially. Having a clear budget is essential
before you start hiring vendors.
​
​ Hire a Wedding Planner: Decide on the level of assistance you need from a wedding
planner. They can offer full coordination, partial coordination, or on-the-day coordination.
Keep in mind that the more services you require, the higher the cost may be.
​
​ Book Your Venue: If you have multiple potential wedding dates, your venue choice can
help you finalize the date. Popular venues get booked quickly, so secure your spot as
early as possible. For church weddings, remember to fulfill any necessary requirements
in the coming months.
​
​ Define Your Theme and Colors: With your budget and venue in mind, start finalizing your
wedding theme and color scheme. This will guide your decisions throughout the
planning process.
​
​ Shop for Your Wedding Attire: If you plan to order a custom or made-to-order wedding
gown, do so at least six months in advance. Starting early is crucial, especially if you
have specific designers in mind or intricate gown designs.
 ​
​ Select Your Bridal Party: While bridesmaids and groomsmen in the Philippines typically
have a symbolic role, choose your principal and secondary sponsors wisely, as they play
essential roles in a Philippine wedding.
​
​ Create Your Wedding Website: A wedding website is a convenient way to share details
with your guests, including your registry and RSVP collection. Setting it up early will help
streamline communication.

11 Months Before the Wedding

With just under a year left until your big day, it's time to get the ball rolling on some
crucial aspects of your wedding preparation. Here's what you should focus on during
this 11-month milestone:

​ Vendor Booking: Over the next four months, aim to secure your key vendors to
avoid any last-minute surprises. Prioritize booking your venue stylist,
photographer, videographer, caterer, hair and makeup artist, and florist. Early
bookings not only guarantee your preferred choices but also allow you to
compare prices and options.
​
​ Pre-Nuptial Photoshoot: Consider scheduling a pre-nuptial photoshoot. These
photos can be used for your save-the-date cards, wedding invitations, wedding
website, and other wedding materials. Coordinate with your hair and makeup
artist, photographer, videographer, and venue coordinator to potentially get
special rates for both the pre-nup and wedding coverage.
​
​ Guest List Creation: Start drafting your guest list based on your budget. Those on
this initial list will receive save-the-date cards, so make your selections
thoughtfully. Remember that it's impolite to send save-the-dates to guests who
won't ultimately receive formal invitations.
​
​ Begin Your Fitness Plan: If you're looking to get in shape for your wedding day,
start your fitness and diet plan now. Healthy weight loss takes time, so give
yourself at least 10 to 11 months to achieve your desired results.
​
10 Months Before the Wedding

​ Choose Your Wedding Attire: If you haven't already, it's time to purchase your
wedding gown and veil. Whether you're going for a made-to-order gown or
customizing one, this step typically requires several months. Consider whether
you'd like to buy a matching veil or opt for a pre-made one to save costs. Don't
forget about other accessories you plan to wear.
​
​ Order Save-the-Date Cards: Get your save-the-date cards ready. Depending on
the complexity of the design, printing can take two to three weeks. Ensure these
cards include the date, venue, and a link to your wedding website, giving your
guests an early heads-up.
​
​ Set Up a Gift Registry: Create a gift registry to help your guests choose
thoughtful presents. Popular gift registry options in the Philippines include The
SM Store, Robinsons Department Store, Rustan’s Weddings and Beyond, and
Crate and Barrel. Be sure to add the registry links to your wedding website for
easy access.
​
​ Book Your Officiant: If your chosen church doesn't provide an officiant, it's time to
book one. For church weddings, this could be a religious leader authorized to
perform wedding ceremonies. For civil weddings, consider whether a judge or
mayor within your jurisdiction can officiate your ceremony.
​
​ Secure Your Music Provider: Whether you prefer a DJ, singer, or live band, now is
the time to book your music provider. Provide them with a list of songs you'd like
to hear and any songs you'd prefer to avoid during your reception. Music plays a
significant role in setting the ambiance, so make sure it aligns with your vision.

9 Months Before the Wedding

​ Outfits for the Wedding Party: Purchase the outfits for your groom and the rest
of your wedding party. Unlike a wedding gown, these outfits are typically less
complex and will not require as much time. You should already have
 ready-to-wear (RTW) outfits or have a designer, tailor, or seamstress working on
creating them.
​
​ Send Save-the-Date Cards: It's time to send out your save-the-date cards to
inform your guests about the upcoming wedding. Alternatively, you can save
some money by announcing the wedding date online if that suits your
preferences.
​
​ Browse Wedding Invitation Designs: With your wedding theme and color scheme
in mind, start exploring wedding invitation designs. This should be easier now
that you have a clear vision of your wedding's aesthetic.
​
​ Hotel Accommodation (For Out-of-Town Weddings): If your wedding is taking
place out of town, it's crucial to book hotel accommodations for you and your
entourage. Make these bookings well in advance to secure the rooms you want
and to ensure there's availability on your wedding day. Consider booking for the
day before the wedding as well to allow for preparations.

8 Months Before the Wedding:

​ Browse Honeymoon Options: Begin exploring honeymoon destinations within

your budget and based on your preferences as a couple. While you don't need to
make reservations just yet, having an idea of where you want to go will help with
future planning.
​
​ Adjust Your Guest List: Some guests may have informed you that they won't be
able to attend, while others may have requested plus-ones. Adjust your guest list
accordingly. If you have space, consider inviting additional guests you couldn't
accommodate before.
​
​ Book Transportation: Arrange transportation for the wedding day, including the
bridal car, car rentals, and a driver if needed. Secure these services to ensure a
smooth and timely arrival at your wedding venue.
7 Months Before the Wedding:

​ Book Ceremony Musicians or Select Ceremony Music: If you desire live music
for your ceremony, book the musicians or begin selecting the music you want.
Most churches provide a sound system, but live bands may require early booking.
​
​ Book Cake Vendor: Schedule a cake tasting session with potential vendors and
finalize your choice for the wedding cake. Ensure the design and flavor align with
your wedding theme.
​
​ Book All Vendors: Confirm and book all remaining vendors needed for your
wedding day. This includes vendors such as the mobile bar, photo booth rental,
and fireworks technician. By this point, you should have already secured most of
your vendors at the six-month mark.

6 Months Before the Wedding:

​ Order Wedding Invitations: Finalize the design for your wedding invitations and
order enough copies for all your guests.
​
​ Schedule Dress Fittings: Arrange for dress fittings, which typically start around
three to four months after ordering your gown. Keep in mind that this initial fitting
usually involves the basic structure of the dress and may not include all
embellishments.
​
​ Explore Hair and Makeup Styles: Work with your designer to discuss hair and
makeup styles that complement your gown and wedding theme.
​
​ Purchase Undergarments and Accessories: If your designer doesn't provide
undergarments like push-up bras or corsets that go with your gown, inquire about
the specific type and color of undergarments you'll need. Make sure to bring
them to your final fitting.
​
​ Purchase Wedding Bands: Wedding bands, especially if customized, may take
several months to procure, so order them well in advance.
5 Months Before the Wedding:

​ Make Honeymoon Arrangements: If you're planning an international honeymoon,

book airplane tickets, accommodations, and any necessary tour packages.
​ Meet with the Florist: Schedule a meeting with your florist to discuss flower
arrangements. Finalize designs for your bouquet, altar decorations, table
centerpieces, and more.
​
​ Begin DIY Favors: If you plan to create DIY wedding favors, start working on them
now to avoid last-minute rush. However, for perishable favors like cupcakes or
cookies, make them closer to the wedding date.

4 Months Before the Wedding:

​ Make Honeymoon Arrangements (Local): If your honeymoon is within the

country, make the necessary arrangements for accommodations and activities.
​
​ Get a Marriage License: Obtain a marriage license. It typically takes about 10
working days after submitting your requirements to receive the license. Make
sure to meet any deadlines set by your chosen venue or officiant. While it’s valid
for 120 days.
​
​ Order Wedding Favors: Place orders for both perishable and non-perishable
wedding favors. If you have perishable favors, discuss delivery options with your
supplier, as some may offer delivery to the reception venue (additional fees may
apply).

3 Months Before the Wedding:

​ Plan the Reception Seating Arrangement: If you're having a more formal

wedding, work on the seating arrangement for your guests, and consider using
place cards.
​
​ Hair and Makeup Testing: Schedule a hair and makeup trial with your Hair and
Makeup Artist (HMUA) to ensure your chosen look and accessories complement
you. It's better to make any necessary adjustments now rather than on the
wedding day.
 ​ Purchase Wedding Ceremony Accessories: If you're having a traditional church
wedding, purchase items like the Bible, arrhae (coins), candles, veils, and cord if
needed.
​
​ Finalize Menu with Caterer: Go over the menu details with your caterer and
ensure it aligns with your preferences. Order menu cards, programs, seating
cards, and any other necessary items.
​
​ Finish All DIY Projects: Complete any DIY decor, souvenirs, or other items you
planned for your wedding.

2 Months Before the Wedding:

​ Send Wedding Invitations: Either personally deliver the invitations or use a

courier service to send them to your guests. Ensure you include all necessary
details and RSVP information.
​
​ Begin Writing Your Vows: If you and your partner plan to write your own vows,
start working on them now. Personalized vows can add a meaningful and
memorable touch to your ceremony.
​
​ Go Over Ceremony Details with Wedding Officiant: Meet with your officiant to
discuss the ceremony details. If you want any adjustments, such as removing
certain elements or shortening the homily, now is the time to communicate your
preferences.
​
​ Final Fittings for the Bridal Party: Ensure that all members of your bridal party
attend their final fittings to make any necessary alterations to their attire.
​
​ Hair and Spa Treatments: If you haven't had your hair treated or experienced
certain spa treatments before, consider doing them now. This allows time for any
adjustments if you're not satisfied with the results.
2 Weeks Before the Wedding:

​ Follow Up RSVPs: Reach out to those who haven't confirmed their attendance.
This step helps ensure an accurate guest count for your big day.
​
​ Finalize Seating Arrangements: Especially for formal occasions or if you have
guests with special dietary needs, it's important to determine seating
arrangements.
​
​ Send Final Headcount to Caterer: Share the confirmed guest count with your
caterer to ensure they are prepared for the number of attendees.
​
​ Print Thank You Cards: If you've received gifts from your registry, consider
sending thank you cards to express your gratitude.
​
​ Make Final Honeymoon Arrangements: Double-check your honeymoon plans to
ensure you have everything you need before departing.
​
​ Final Haircut and Color: Schedule a final haircut or color touch-up. Doing this two
weeks in advance allows any hair adjustments to settle naturally.
​
​ Delegate Wedding Day Duties: Assign tasks to ushers and members of the bridal
party responsible for specific roles on the wedding day. If you're leaving for your
honeymoon immediately after the wedding, designate someone to handle
responsibilities like transporting gifts.
​
​ Confirm Wedding Day Details with Driver: Ensure there is no miscommunication
with the bridal car driver by confirming all necessary details.

1 Week Before the Wedding:

​ Set Aside Payment for Vendors: Be prepared to pay your vendors as many
require full payment by the wedding day. It's also customary to tip them for their
services.
​ (For Out-of-Town Weddings) Prepare for Hotel Stay: If you'll be traveling to the
wedding location, start packing everything you need to bring to the wedding to
avoid last-minute rushing and forgetting items.
 ​ Hand Over the Wedding Ring: Entrust the wedding ring to the Best Man, Wedding
Planner, or someone you trust to ensure it's safe for the ceremony.

The Day Before the Wedding:

​ (For Out-of-Town Weddings) Check-In to Accommodations: Check-in to your

hotel or accommodation, especially if their check-in times are in the afternoon.
This allows you ample time to get ready for the wedding.
​
​ Attend Wedding Rehearsals: Ensure that you, your partner, and everyone with a
role in the wedding are present for the rehearsal to run through the ceremony
smoothly.

Take note that you don’t have to strictly follow this checklist. For example, if
you can purchase the wedding bands earlier than six months or you can book
all your vendors before the seventh-month mark, that’s fine too. However, try
not to be later than this schedule as it may be harder for you to book or make
arrangements.

The exception to this is wedding invites. Wedding planning experts advise

sending out invitations two months before the wedding (three if it’s a relatively
far destination) and as late as six weeks before the wedding. This is to give
guests plenty of time to clear their schedules on your wedding day (though it’s
likely they already did after receiving your save-the-date card) and book their
own accommodations if it’s out-of-town. It’s best not to do this more than
three months before the wedding because they might forget about your
wedding due to the large gap between your wedding day and their receiving
your invite.