The New Jersey wedding planning timeline.

By Lisa Ivler

Why you need a wedding planning timeline

Think of each vendor as a building block. With a timeline you know what needs to be booked first and in what order. It also lets you break the work into manageable tasks and keeps your vision consistent from the first decision to the last.

Seeing the details come together in sequence gives you planning confidence. You'll find plenty of timeline templates online that you can adapt for a New Jersey wedding; the one below is the order Lisa uses.

Before anything: budget and guest count

Before you launch into a venue search, have a serious conversation about budget and guest count. New Jersey is among the most expensive states in the country for weddings, so do your research and get a feel for what the bigger items cost: the venue, catering, photography and entertainment.

The most important thing is that your vision and your headcount are aligned with your budget. Add some room for the unexpected, and keep track of what you estimated against what you actually spent on each vendor as you go. That is how you stay on budget.

What to book and when

1. Twelve to eighteen months: establish the foundation

   Many New Jersey couples make a full-service wedding planner their first vendor. If you want guidance every step of the way, from vendor selection and contract negotiation to the overall design, this is the time to bring on a professional who can turn your ideas into a seamless event.

   This is also the time to secure your reception venue. Many New Jersey venues book quickly, especially in spring and fall, and in summer at the Shore. If your venue does not provide food and beverage, ask for recommendations and start talking to caterers.

   Photographers and videographers often book a year or more ahead, so don't delay, especially if you have someone in mind. The same is true of popular DJs and bands.

   If you're going for the traditional bridal salon experience, start shopping. If you're not buying off the rack, a gown can take months to arrive and alterations take time. Finally, send your save-the-dates. This matters most for destination weddings, holiday weddings and out-of-town guests.

2. Nine to twelve months: shape the experience

   Florals are such an important part of a beautiful wedding. Now is the time to book your florist and share your Pinterest boards and your budget, then let your designer bring it to life in step with the venue and the season. Decor includes rentals, so reserve any special chairs, linens, lighting and lounge furniture.

   Let the florals and decor inspire your invitation design; starting now leaves time for proofs and printing. Enjoy shopping for wedding rings, with time for engraving or resizing. And lock in your officiant, whether that is a member of the clergy, a judge or a close friend.

3. Six months: pull the details together

   If you're not working with a full-service planner, do yourself a favor and arrange month-of coordination. From six weeks out a professional takes on the logistics, the vendor confirmations and the wedding-day timeline, so you can focus on making memories.

   Attire alterations and accessories are next. Photograph your attire and accessories to share with your hair and makeup artists; the best wedding beauty professionals book quickly.

   Now the fun part: schedule a tasting with your caterer and book your cake designer, bringing your theme and colors. Then think about out-of-town guests. Thoughtful couples reserve room blocks and shuttle service, and arrange transportation for the wedding party so everyone reaches the ceremony on time.

4. Three months: confirm, finalize, organize

   You're in the homestretch. Take your photos and accessories to your hair and makeup trials. Finalize the playlist with your DJ or band, including the special songs and the do-not-plays. Make sure your photographer and videographer know your must-have shots, and confirm deliveries with the florist, the rental company and the cake designer. If you haven't already, choose a location for the rehearsal dinner.

   Mail invitations four weeks before the wedding, with an RSVP deadline.

5. One month: get your ducks in a row

   Have you given the caterer a final guest count? Is the seating chart done? This is when the wedding-day timeline is written: with month-of coordination, Lisa writes it herself and makes sure every member of the wedding party and every vendor has a copy and the right contact details.

   Your one-month list may include one more fitting. You, or your planner, make the final confirmation of deliveries and schedules with the photographer, the videographer and the DJ.

Use the timeline to enjoy your engagement

A solid wedding planning timeline isn't just about getting things done. It is about doing them in the right order, with the right support, so you can actually enjoy being engaged. Whether you want a planning partner from start to finish or someone to make sure the day itself runs smoothly, a professional planner is your best resource.

Planning a New Jersey wedding? Tell Lisa about it and build your timeline together.