The Complete Wedding Planning Timeline: What to Do Each Month
Planning a wedding is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. There are countless decisions to make, vendors to book, and details to coordinate. That’s why having a clear, month-by-month wedding planning timeline is one of the best ways to stay organized and stress-free.
This wedding planning checklist is designed for couples getting married in Cape Town or the Western Cape, covering everything from booking venues to finalizing décor. Whether you’re planning a large celebration or an intimate elopement, this guide will help you stay on track and make sure you don’t forget key elements like guest entertainment, catering, and that perfect photo booth.
12–18 Months Before: Set the Foundation
Set Your Budget: Get clear on what you can spend. In Cape Town, weddings typically range from R70,000–R150,000 for 80–100 guests, but luxury weddings can go well above this.
Choose Your Date & Guest Count: Popular venues in the Western Cape book up fast, so securing a date early is key.
Book Your Venue: Whether you’re dreaming of a vineyard wedding in Stellenbosch or a seaside ceremony in Noordhoek, reserve your venue as early as possible.
Hire a Wedding Planner (Optional): A planner can help you source vendors, keep you on schedule, and negotiate contracts.
9–12 Months Before: Secure the Key Vendors
Book Your Photographer & Videographer: The best ones get booked a year in advance.
Reserve Entertainment: Live bands, DJs, or unique acts should be locked in early.
Book Ollie 🧡 (Cape Town’s most charming photo booth): If you want a bespoke, vintage VW photo booth that matches your theme and provides instant digital galleries for guests, book early, popular dates go fast.
Start Planning Décor & Theme: Work with a designer or stylist to bring your vision to life.
6–9 Months Before: Focus on Style & Experience
Choose Attire: From wedding dress to groom’s suit, this is the time to order and allow for fittings.
Plan the Menu: Schedule tastings with your caterer and explore hyper-local, seasonal options (very on-trend for 2026).
Select Rentals: Think about furniture, draping, lighting, and tableware that match your theme.
Plan Guest Experiences: Consider extras like welcome gifts, lounge areas, or immersive décor installations.
4–6 Months Before: Send Invites & Finalize Details
Send Save-the-Dates / Invitations: Digital invitations are increasingly popular and eco-friendly.
Book Flowers & Décor Installations: From moody lighting to bold floral arches, secure your suppliers now.
Arrange Guest Transport & Accommodation: Especially important for destination weddings in Cape Town wine country.
Plan Your Photo Booth Experience: Choose your custom backdrop, props, and any print or digital add-ons with Ollie.
2–4 Months Before: The Finishing Touches
Finalize Ceremony Details: Write vows, select readings, confirm music choices.
Order Wedding Favors: Sustainable favors like seed packets, artisanal soaps, or charity donations are trending.
Confirm Timeline With Vendors: Ensure everyone, photographer, caterer, DJ, and photo booth provider has the full schedule.
1 Month Before: Countdown Mode
Do a Final Venue Walkthrough: Confirm layout, lighting, and décor setup.
Confirm Final Guest Count: Share with your caterer and seating planner.
Test Run Your Look: Hair, makeup, suit fittings, finalize your style choices.
Send Photo Booth Final Details: Confirm hours of operation and custom artwork for prints/digital galleries.
1 Week Before: The Home Stretch
Pack Your Emergency Kit: Needles, thread, safety pins, painkillers, you’ll thank yourself.
Create Day-of Timeline: Share it with vendors, wedding party, and coordinator.
Relax & Enjoy: Have a final date night before the wedding weekend kicks off.
Day of Wedding: Be Present & Celebrate
Trust Your Team: Your vendors have it covered.
Capture the Magic: Your photographer and Ollie’s instant photo booth will ensure guests have keepsakes and shareable memories.
Enjoy Your Day: It’s the culmination of months of planning, soak in every moment.
Final Thoughts
A wedding planning timeline is one of the most powerful tools you can have. By spreading out your decisions and bookings, you can enjoy the process and keep stress to a minimum.
And when you’re ready to add a touch of charm and guest entertainment, book Ollie 🧡, early to make sure your date is secured. From fully customizable backdrops to instant digital sharing, Ollie adds a memorable, immersive experience that your guests will love.