Planning a wedding in under a year may seem daunting, but with a detailed timeline and intentional steps, you can create a celebration that reflects your love story beautifully. Below is a refined month-by-month guide tailored for busy couples, with a focus on how your wedding website and digital solutions can help streamline the process and keep you organised.

12 Months Before: Lay the Foundation

Set the Date and Budget
Choose a date that works for you and your closest loved ones. Define your budget and prioritise key areas, such as the venue and catering.
Book the Venue
Popular venues often book out quickly, so secure yours early to have your pick of the best options.
Hire a Wedding Planner
If your timeline is tight, a wedding planner is one of the most valuable investments you can make. They’ll manage logistics, vendors, and timelines, allowing you to enjoy the process stress-free.

10–11 Months Before: Build Your Team

Start Building Your Guest List
Begin drafting your guest list, keeping in mind your budget and venue capacity.
Hire Key Vendors
Secure your photographer, videographer, and caterer. Prioritise these vendors, as their calendars fill up quickly.
Start Thinking About Your Design
Decide on your wedding theme, colours, and aesthetic. If you’re incorporating a custom monogram, now is the time to design it. Avela White offers bespoke monograms that tie together all your wedding elements seamlessly.

8–9 Months Before: Share the News

Send Save-the-Dates
Whether physical or digital, let your guests know about your big day. Alternatively, you can publish a Save-the-Date page on your wedding website with all the preliminary details.
Find Your Dress
Begin shopping for your wedding dress to allow time for fittings and adjustments.
Start Building Your Wedding Website
Partner with a service like Avela White to design a sophisticated and functional wedding website. Start with a homepage featuring your names, date, and location, and gradually add more details.

7–8 Months Before: Dive Into Details

Order Invitations and Stationery
Choose your wedding invitation suite, including RSVP cards, menus, and any pre-wedding event stationery.
Plan Your Pre-Wedding Dinner
Finalise details for any rehearsal dinners or welcome parties, including venues and guest lists.
Confirm the Preliminary Schedule
Work with your planner or venue to establish a rough timeline for the day.

5–6 Months Before: Share Key Information

Publish Your Wedding Website
Your website should now include detailed information about the venue, schedule, accommodations, and travel tips. Ensure RSVP functionality is live to keep track of responses.
Confirm All Vendors
Double-check contracts with your florist, entertainment, and any other booked services to avoid surprises later.
Send Invitations
Mail your invitations and ensure your wedding website link is featured prominently for easy RSVPs and updates.

4–5 Months Before: Fine-Tune the Design

Plan Décor
Work with your florist and decorator to finalise your wedding day design.
Coordinate Transportation
Arrange guest shuttles or other necessary transportation for the day.
Plan the Menu
Confirm the catering menu and any special dietary needs for your guests.
Expand Your Website
Add supplementary pages to your website, such as:
- Travel and accommodation options
- FAQs addressing attire, kids, and other common concerns
- Registry links
- On-the-day details (e.g., parking instructions, ceremony etiquette)

2–3 Months Before: Add the Finishing Touches

Finalise your seating arrangements
Finalise your seating arrangements and discuss any additional touches with your planner.
Order Day-of Stationery
Finalise your on-day stationery designs, including place cards, menus, and signage.

1-2 Months Before: Final Preparations

Confirm RSVPs
Reach out to guests who haven’t responded, and provide your final headcount to your vendors.
Enhance Your Wedding Website
Share your seating chart, detailed schedule, and any additional last-minute updates.
Reconfirm all bookings with vendors and touch base with your planner.
Ensure your vendors have everything they need to execute your vision perfectly.

1 Week Before: Relax and Reassure

Share Last-Minute Details
Use your wedding website to communicate any final updates, such as weather considerations or transportation changes.
Pack and Prepare
Double-check your wedding day essentials, from attire to emergency kits.
Relax and Unwind
Take time for yourself - schedule a spa day, enjoy a quiet evening, or connect with your partner to reflect on the journey.

1 Week After: Show Gratitude

Send a Thank-You Email
Use your wedding website to share a heartfelt thank-you message and a few preview photos from the wedding.
Plan to Share Your Wedding Album
Once your professional photos are ready, upload them to your website so guests can relive the memories.
Archive Your Website
At Avela White, we offer the option to preserve your wedding website as a digital keepsake, so you can revisit it anytime.

Planning a wedding in under a year is all about being organised, prioritising what matters most, and staying connected with your guests. By using your wedding website as a central hub, you can streamline communication, stay on top of RSVPs, and share your vision with loved ones. At Avela White, we specialise in creating elegant wedding websites and digital stationery that simplify the process and add a touch of timeless sophistication to your special day.