Planning your dream wedding can feel like a grand production - every detail matters, and you want it to be beautiful, personal, and unforgettable. At Lausch Events, we know that your wedding day is an expression of your unique love story, and our goal is to help you achieve your vision while enjoying every moment of the process. While the following checklist and timeline are guidelines, we encourage couples to personalize the journey. That’s why hiring a dedicated wedding planner is essential for ensuring a flawless event tailored precisely to your needs.

Here is our ultimate wedding planning checklist and timeline to plan your dream wedding!

Photographed By: Light Feels Wedding

Before anything else, sit down with your partner to discuss the overall feel and theme of your wedding. Collect inspiration from designers, editorials and past events.

Do you see yourselves saying “I do” in a sun-drenched vineyard surrounded by rolling hills, or exchanging vows during a barefoot coastal ceremony by the ocean? Perhaps a grand ballroom with crystal chandeliers and black-tie attire feels more your style, or maybe you dream of an intimate garden gathering with just your closest loved ones.

Choosing a general location early - whether a destination like Tuscany or Paris, a luxury resort in Palm Beach, or a chic urban rooftop - helps narrow your options and guides the overall aesthetic. Your vision and location will naturally influence guest count, budget, and even details like attire and menu.

Once you’ve envisioned your day, set a budget that reflects your priorities. For some couples, the venue and catering take center stage; for others, photography, design, or entertainment is where they want to invest most.

Because most couples don’t know what services really cost in today’s market, this next step proves invaluable...

Partnering with a wedding planner is the single most powerful way to transform your planning journey. At Lausch Events, our full-service approach means every element - from the big picture to the tiniest detail - is seamlessly managed.

We guide you through realistic allocations and help you create a budget that supports your vision from the very beginning. Explore our services here!

Draft a preliminary guest list that aligns with both your vision and your budget. Your guest count will shape key decisions like venue size and invitations. If you’re including VIP or high-profile guests, plan to send their save-the-dates early.

High-end venues often book out more than a year in advance, so securing your dream location early is critical. Consider exclusive properties like luxury estates, historic villas, private islands, or 5-star hotels and/or resorts.

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, your wedding planner can schedule private tours and coordinate availability so you can confidently lock in the perfect setting.

Invite friends and family to stand by your side on your special day, allowing them to be part of the journey from the start.

Choose people who truly matter to you - the ones you want standing by your side - rather than feeling obligated to include others out of tradition or expectation. Selecting a smaller, more meaningful wedding party not only reduces stress but also keeps the focus on the relationships that matter most.

Celebrate your engagement with close friends and family within the first few months after saying “yes.”

Whether it’s a chic cocktail evening, a garden luncheon, or a weekend away, this gathering sets the stage for the journey ahead, offering a joyful moment to share your news and enjoy this new chapter with loved ones.

Kindly note that if you have your heart set on a particular vendor, such as a wedding photographer, reach out as soon as possible to determine their availability on your wedding date. In-demand vendors often book up over a year in advance for peak wedding seasons, so early booking is essential to secure your dream team!

Hire key vendors such as your photographer, videographer and caterer early to ensure they are available on your date. They’re the foundation of your experience and memories!

High-end vendors typically have limited availability, so aim to book them as soon as your date is set.

With your venue secured and your vision in place, this is when you officially bring in your florist and design team. Many luxury floral designers take only a limited number of weddings per season. Booking early secures your preferred designer and gives them time to collaborate with the planner on mood boards, rentals, and sourcing rare or seasonal blooms.

For couples seeking elevated design, or even custom builds, we recommend securing your florist 9-12 months out. More intimate or less design-intensive celebrations can often book closer to the 6-9 month mark.

Whether it’s a live orchestra, renowned DJ, or celebrity performance, entertainment is key to elevating the ambiance of your wedding. Work closely with professionals who specialize in high-profile events. Begin discussing your music preferences, specific songs for key moments, and any unique performances you want to make your wedding unforgettable.

Audiovisual and lighting professionals enhance the mood and elevate your wedding’s ambiance. Once your entertainment is booked, your AV team can assess the specific technical needs based on the performer or DJ’s requirements. Hiring them in tandem allows for better collaboration.

Some venues also require AV professionals to be approved vendors, which you can confirm early on.

Secure an officiant whose style complements your ceremony vision - whether that’s a close friend, a trusted religious leader, or a professional celebrant. Booking early gives you time to collaborate and shape a ceremony that feels personal and meaningful.

Once you’ve secured your photographer, plan an engagement photo session. These photos can be used for announcements, invitations, or keepsakes, and they’re a wonderful way to celebrate this exciting time while previewing your wedding style.

Reflect the tone of your wedding and make a statement from the start. Order and mail out your save-the-dates to ensure guests mark their calendars. Destination weddings especially benefit from extra notice.

Once your venue and date are set, reach out to nearby hotels to reserve blocks of rooms for your guests. Many hotels offer group rates, and blocking rooms early will guarantee availability, especially if you're expecting out-of-town guests.

This is the perfect time to begin consultations with top designers or to book an appointment at couture bridal ateliers. Tailor your ensemble to your overall wedding theme and venue, and make sure to factor in time for customizations or fittings.

For a custom-designed gown, from sketch to final fitting, the timeframe can extend to approximately 11 months.

Curate a registry that reflects your lifestyle, whether it includes traditional items, experiences, or even charitable contributions.

From luxury linens to custom floral arrangements, now’s the time to work with a wedding floral and design company to craft the aesthetics. Discuss tablescapes, lighting, and décor themes that exude sophistication and elegance.

Together you’ll develop a cohesive aesthetic, ensuring your florals align seamlessly with invitations, linens, and lighting.

Stationery is an essential detail that sets the tone for your celebration; opt for bespoke designs using high-quality materials such as heavyweight cardstock, silk, or handmade paper, and think about incorporating special touches like letterpress printing, foil accents, or hand-drawn illustrations.

Ensure your invitations reflect your wedding's theme and color palette and consider coordinating elements like custom menus, place cards, and thank-you notes to create a harmonious look throughout your wedding day.

For luxury weddings, transportation is not just a logistical necessity, it’s part of the experience. Book luxury cars, yachts, or helicopters for a seamless and stylish transition between your ceremony and reception.

Choose and purchase your wedding bands. This timing allows enough time for any customizations, such as engravings, and ensures that adjustments or resizing can be completed well in advance.

Bridesmaid dresses elevate the visual harmony and elegance of the overall event. They are often selected to complement the wedding’s color scheme, theme, and level of formality; in addition to serving as a reflection of the bride’s personal style and aesthetic, reinforcing a sense of unity among the bridal party.

Indulge in a luxurious post-wedding escape. Whether it’s a private villa in the Maldives or a chic European getaway, your honeymoon should offer ultimate relaxation after the big event.

Schedule beauty trials to ensure you feel like your most glamorous self on the big day. It’s essential to align your look with the event’s theme and your personal style. Bring along accessories like your veil, earrings, or hairpins so the stylist can create the complete look.

If you’re hosting a destination wedding and hiring a local artist, plan to do the trial during a site visit or trip to the country ahead of the wedding. This way you’re not relying on a last-minute trial right before the rehearsal dinner.

Book a gourmet food and cake tasting experience with your caterer and/or cake artist to finalize the reception menu. Ensure that your food reflects luxury, offering your guests a five-star culinary experience.

After finalizing the design, unless handled by your wedding floral and design company, reserve tables, chairs, linens, and other essential rentals. Early ordering helps secure high-quality pieces that match your style and allows for any customizations needed.

This gives enough time for the host (usually the maid of honor, bridesmaids, or a close family member) to organize the event, send invitations, and coordinate any details like decor, catering, or activities.

The groom should begin discussing styles with the bride and any other groomsmen. This includes deciding on colors, fabrics, and overall aesthetics that align with the wedding theme. Once the attire is chosen, there is ample time for custom orders, fittings and any alterations.

Send out the official invitations, keeping in mind that your invite design should match your overall aesthetic. Handmade or couture invitations add a personal touch that guests will remember.

For a destination wedding, send invitations a bit earlier - around 10 to 12 weeks in advance - to allow guests extra time to plan their trip.

For high-end weddings, the rehearsal dinner can be another celebration in itself. Typically scheduled 1-2 days before the wedding, choose a venue that complements the main event but offers a distinct experience for your closest guests.

This can be the perfect opportunity to book a second “mini-trial” with your makeup & hair artist while still feeling event-ready.

Once most RSVPs are in, start organizing your seating chart. Thoughtfully arranging guests at this stage allows you to ensure everyone’s comfort and make any last-minute adjustments without pressure. A well-planned seating chart contributes to the overall flow of the reception, helping your guests feel comfortable and connected for a memorable celebration.

Work with your planner to organize the reception timeline. This includes scheduling key moments like the grand entrance, speeches, first dance, and cake cutting. A well-planned timeline keeps the celebration running smoothly and allows you to relax and enjoy every moment.

Schedule a walk-through of your venue with your wedding planner and vendors. This will help ensure every detail is in place and give you peace of mind.

If you're hosting guests for a multi-day celebration, prepare luxurious welcome bags for them with curated items like high-end skincare products, custom treats, or thoughtful mementos.

This timing allows you to enjoy the celebration without it conflicting with other last-minute wedding preparations.

Marriage license requirements vary by location, but most are only valid for a certain period before expiring. By getting the license a few weeks in advance, you ensure it’s ready for the ceremony without cutting it too close. Be sure to check your local requirements in advance!

Ensure your dress fits perfectly, with time for any last adjustments.

Wearing them around the house or to fittings during this time will make sure they’re comfortable for the big day and help prevent blisters. You’ll feel more at ease moving, dancing, and standing for photos, ensuring you’re comfortable from start to finish.

Touch base with all vendors to review schedules, services, and final payments. Ensure your wedding planner has confirmed all final logistics with your vendors, from timing to transportation.

Go over your vows a few times to feel confident and comfortable sharing them during the ceremony.

Taking care of this early ensures you have everything you need for a relaxing, unforgettable trip, leaving you free to focus on your big day without the added stress of last-minute packing.

If guests are arriving early, plan a casual welcome event or happy hour. Drop off any welcome bags to guest hotels.

Enjoy an intimate gathering with close family and friends. The rehearsal dinner is a wonderful opportunity to relax, express gratitude to your loved ones, and kick off the celebrations.

Organize a day-of bag with essentials like your vows, emergency kit, marriage license, wedding bands, and any sentimental items.

Photographed By: Jessica van de Marel

At Lausch Events, we are dedicated to making your wedding as unique as your love story. Our ultimate wedding planning checklist is a helpful guide, but we believe the best weddings are planned around what matters most to you. By hiring a luxury wedding planner, you’ll have a stress-free experience, allowing you to truly enjoy the magic of your special day.

If you’re ready to bring your dream wedding to life, contact us - we’d love to be a part of your journey!