Wedding Planning Timeline: 12-Month Guide

Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down month-by-month makes it manageable. Here's your complete timeline for planning an unforgettable Cincinnati wedding.

12 Months Before

Book Your Venue
The first and most important step. Popular venues like Somerhaus book 12-18 months in advance, especially for peak season (May-October).

Set Your Budget
Determine your overall budget and allocate percentages to each category: venue (40-50%), catering (30%), photography (10-15%), etc.

Choose Your Wedding Party
Ask your closest friends and family to stand by your side. Give them plenty of notice so they can plan accordingly.

10-11 Months Before

Hire Key Vendors
- Photographer/Videographer
- Catering (if not included with venue)
- Wedding planner or day-of coordinator

Start Dress Shopping
Custom dresses can take 6-8 months, so start early. Bring only 2-3 trusted opinions to avoid overwhelm.

8-9 Months Before

Book Entertainment
Whether it's a DJ, band, or playlist, secure your music early. Live bands book up quickly in Cincinnati.

Order Invitations
Allow time for design, proofing, printing, and addressing. You'll mail these at the 6-month mark.

Plan Your Honeymoon
Book flights and accommodations while you have good availability and pricing.

6-7 Months Before

Send Save-the-Dates
Especially important for destination guests or holiday weekends.

Finalize Menu
Schedule your tasting and confirm final selections with your caterer.

Book Hotel Blocks
Reserve room blocks for out-of-town guests at 2-3 nearby hotels.

4-5 Months Before

Order Wedding Cake
Schedule tastings and finalize your design.

Finalize Ceremony Details
Meet with your officiant, choose readings, write vows if doing personal vows.

Plan Rehearsal Dinner
Book venue and send invitations to wedding party and immediate family.

2-3 Months Before

Send Invitations
Mail 8-10 weeks before the wedding. Include RSVP deadline of 3-4 weeks before.

Finalize Details
- Ceremony processional order
- Reception timeline
- Seating chart (start working on it)
- Song selections

Final Dress Fitting
Schedule your first fitting. You'll have 1-2 more before the big day.

1 Month Before

Final Headcount
Confirm numbers with caterer and venue based on RSVPs.

Create Seating Chart
Use RSVPs to finalize table assignments.

Apply for Marriage License
In Ohio, licenses are valid for 60 days and there's no waiting period.

Confirm All Vendors
Send final timeline to all vendors with contact info and venue details.

1-2 Weeks Before

Final Dress Fitting
Pick up your dress and have the final fitting.

Pack for Honeymoon
Don't wait until the last minute!

Rehearsal
Walk through ceremony with wedding party and key family members.

Prepare Vendor Payments
Put final payments in labeled envelopes for your coordinator to distribute.

Day Before

Rehearsal Dinner
Relax and celebrate with your closest people.

Prepare Emergency Kit
Safety pins, stain remover, pain reliever, tissues, breath mints, touch-up makeup.

Get Good Sleep
Easier said than done, but try to rest!

Wedding Day

Trust Your Team
You've planned everything perfectly. Now enjoy every moment!

Stay Present
The day flies by. Take mental snapshots and soak it all in.

Have Fun
This is a celebration of your love. Dance, laugh, and make memories!

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Cincinnati-Specific Tips

Weather Backup Plans
Cincinnati weather is unpredictable. Always have a rain plan for outdoor elements.

Transportation
Consider the traffic patterns in OTR and downtown. Build in buffer time for photos.

Local Vendors
Cincinnati has incredible wedding vendors. Support local businesses for a personal touch.

Seasonal Considerations
- Spring (April-May): Beautiful but unpredictable weather
- Summer (June-August): Hot and humid, plan for guest comfort
- Fall (September-October): Peak season, book early
- Winter (November-March): Lower rates, cozy atmosphere

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Ready to start planning? Contact Somerhaus to schedule your venue tour and begin your wedding journey!