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Planning Without a Planner? Use This Simple Timeline to Stay on Track

Planning your wedding without a professional planner might sound overwhelming, but with the right roadmap, it’s completely doable. Whether you’re detail-oriented by nature or simply want to stay hands-on in the process, having a clear timeline will help you stay organized, on budget, and stress-free.


Here’s a simple, realistic timeline to guide you through wedding planning, from the first “yes” to the final send-off.



12–18 Months Out: Book the Big Stuff


This is when the foundation of your wedding comes together. Start with the major details that shape your entire day:

  • Book your venue (like Siempre!) and lock in your date

  • Secure your photographer, videographer, and caterer

  • Choose your planner or coordinator (if you want one) or if you’re going without, create a shared document to track vendors, payments, and contracts

  • Start your guest list and budget


At this stage, focus on decisions that determine everything else. Once your venue is booked, everything starts to feel real.



9–12 Months Out: Design & Dress


Now it’s time to get creative.

  • Choose your color palette and wedding aesthetic, think timeless, romantic, or modern-minimal

  • Book your florist, entertainment, and hair + makeup team

  • Find your dress and wedding party attire

  • Reserve hotel blocks and start thinking about your ceremony layout



6–9 Months Out: Details & Décor


Here’s where you bring your vision to life:

  • Design your invitations and start your wedding website

  • Finalize rentals, draping, and décor elements

  • Schedule your tasting and choose your menu

  • Plan your ceremony details (music, readings, etc.)


You’ll also want to think about the flow of your day, where guests will enter, how they’ll move through cocktail hour, and how dinner transitions into dancing.



3–6 Months Out: Fine-Tune the Fun Stuff


Everything is starting to come together!

  • Send your invitations (usually around 8–10 weeks before the wedding)

  • Plan your hair and makeup trials

  • Create your photo shot list for your photographer

  • Finalize your timeline with your venue and vendors



1–3 Months Out: The Final Countdown


  • Confirm all vendor arrival times

  • Assign your point person (a trusted friend or family member) for small day-of tasks

  • Prepare your final payments and tips

  • Have your final dress fitting

  • Create your seating chart and confirm your guest count


This is when you start to feel that just-about-married excitement, lean into it!



The Week Of:


  • Pack your getting-ready bag and emergency kit

  • Rehearse your ceremony

  • Take a deep breath, you did it!



Final Thoughts


Planning your own wedding doesn’t mean doing it alone. With the right timeline, supportive vendors, and a venue team that’s on your side, you can create a beautiful, stress-free celebration that feels completely you.



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