Your Wedding Planning Timeline: What to Do Month by Month
Plan with confidence and celebrate stress-free.
Planning a wedding in the Bay Area can feel like a full-time job—but with a smart timeline, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you're tying the knot in Oakland, San Francisco, San Jose, or anywhere in the East Bay, this month-by-month guide will help you stay organized, reduce stress, and actually enjoy the journey to your big day.
From venue tours to booking your Bay Area wedding disc jockey, here’s what you should be doing at every stage of the planning process.
12+ Months Out: Set the Foundation
Choose your wedding date and set your budget
Tour venues and secure your location early
Book your must-have vendors: planner, photographer, wedding DJ, and caterer
Begin creating your guest list
Explore wedding styles and inspiration
Tip: Popular vendors like the Best Wedding DJs in the Bay Area often book 12–18 months in advance—especially for spring and fall weddings.
9–11 Months Out: Lock in the Experience
Finalize your bridal party
Choose attire for both of you (yes, shopping early avoids last-minute stress)
Hire your florist, videographer, and San Francisco wedding disc jockey if you haven’t already
Send save-the-dates
Start curating your wedding playlist or vibe list
6–8 Months Out: Design the Details
Choose décor, lighting, and rentals
Plan your ceremony structure and reception timeline
Book hair and makeup artists
Finalize your menu and schedule tastings
Meet with your Oakland wedding DJ or Wedding DJ in Bay Area to go over music goals and event flow
4–5 Months Out: Invitations and Outfits
Mail wedding invitations
Finalize ceremony readings, vows, and traditions
Begin planning your seating chart
Confirm attire orders for wedding party
Coordinate with your East Bay wedding DJ or SF wedding DJ on special moments like your first dance or parent dances
2–3 Months Out: Final Touches
Final dress or suit fittings
Create a wedding day timeline
Confirm setup details with your venue
Finalize playlists and must-play songs with your Wedding DJ in SF or Wedding DJ Services Bay Area
Schedule your final walkthrough at the venue
1 Month Out: The Countdown Begins
Apply for your marriage license
Send final headcount to your caterer
Confirm delivery times with all vendors
Assemble welcome bags, favors, and signage
Pack for your honeymoon (and wedding night essentials)
1 Week Out: Breathe and Prep
Do a full run-through of the day’s timeline
Confirm vendor arrival times one last time
Organize tips and final payments
Steam your outfits and gather any accessories
Most importantly: relax—you’ve got this!
On the Wedding Day: Celebrate Fully
This is your day. You’ve done the work, now it’s time to enjoy every second. Let your team of vendors—including your Top Bay Area Wedding DJs—handle the rest so you can dance, laugh, and live fully in the moment.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Sleep on Entertainment
Your DJ plays a huge role in how your wedding feels. From managing the vibe during cocktails to keeping the dance floor packed all night, a professional Wedding DJ in SF or Oakland Wedding Disc Jockey does way more than just play music. They help make memories.
If you're still looking for a trusted, experienced DJ who knows how to elevate the energy at Bay Area weddings, let’s connect. I’d love to help you make your celebration unforgettable.