# The 9–12 Month Wedding Checklist > Your 9–12 month wedding checklist: book your florist, rentals and beauty team, order wedding outfits, launch your website and reserve guest accommodation. Source: https://readytoweddy.com/wedding-checklist/9-to-12-months Publisher: ReadyToWeddy (https://readytoweddy.com) · Last updated: 2026-09-17 With the venue and key vendors booked, this stage fills in the next layer. Outfits with long lead times, guest accommodation and your wedding website all fit comfortably here. It’s also a good moment to look into marriage license requirements. ## What should you do 9–12 months before your wedding? Nine to twelve months before your wedding, [order your wedding outfits](https://readytoweddy.com/guides/order-wedding-outfits) so there’s time for alterations, and book your florist, rentals and hair and makeup if you want them. [Create your wedding website](https://readytoweddy.com/guides/create-wedding-website), reserve guest accommodation, plan how guests will get around and set up a registry if you’d like one. Optional extras include a cake supplier, lighting and an engagement shoot. Research marriage license requirements now, but check when you’re allowed to apply. ## Checklist (16 tasks) ### Book your florist - When: 6–12 months before (9–12 Months Before) - Category: Flowers & Décor - Priority: Recommended - Link: https://readytoweddy.com/wedding-checklist/9-to-12-months#book-florist Book your florist 9–12 months before the wedding, once your venue and color ideas are settled, so you can secure their date and plan around seasonal flowers. **Why it matters:** Florists can only take on a limited number of weddings each weekend, so popular ones fill up early. Booking now also gives you time to talk about what’s in season, which affects both the look and the cost. Your florist can advise on what works in your venue, what can be reused between the ceremony and reception, and where flowers make the most impact for your budget. **Steps:** - [ ] Save photos of arrangements and colors you both like. - [ ] Check venue rules on flowers, candles and installs. - [ ] Shortlist florists whose past work matches your style. - [ ] Share your date, venue, guest count and flower budget. - [ ] Compare itemized quotes with delivery and setup. - [ ] Agree on seasonal swaps and reusing ceremony flowers. - [ ] Sign the contract and note payment due dates. **Helpful questions:** - “Which flowers will be in season around our date?” - “Can the ceremony arrangements be moved to the reception?” - “What happens if a flower we chose isn’t available?” - “Are vases, stands and arches included, or rented separately?” **Tips:** - Often forgotten: Couples often forget to plan who moves ceremony flowers to the reception and who collects the rented vases afterward. - Seasonal and local flowers usually look fresher and stretch a budget further. - A few large statement pieces can have more impact than many small ones. **Best done after:** Book your venue ### Book hair and makeup - When: 4–12 months before (9–12 Months Before) - Category: Beauty & Grooming - Priority: Optional - Link: https://readytoweddy.com/wedding-checklist/9-to-12-months#book-hair-makeup Book hair and makeup artists 9–12 months before the wedding if you plan to use them, since good artists take limited bookings on busy weekends. **Why it matters:** Many hair and makeup artists work alone or in small teams, so they can only cover one wedding a day. Booking early secures your date and lets you plan how many people need styling, how long it will take, and whether the artist travels to you. Knowing this now also makes the wedding-morning timeline much easier to build later. **Steps:** - [ ] Decide who, if anyone, needs hair or makeup done. - [ ] Find portfolios with looks and skin tones like yours. - [ ] Share head count and ask the time per person. - [ ] Ask about team size, travel and early-start fees. - [ ] Mention sensitive skin or allergies. - [ ] Book a trial for 2–3 months out; ask if it costs extra. - [ ] Sign the contract and pay the deposit. **Helpful questions:** - “How long do you need per person, and how many artists will come?” - “Is a trial included, and when should we book it?” - “Do you charge for travel or very early starts?” **Tips:** - Leave a buffer at the end of the styling schedule for touch-ups and photos. **Optional:** If you’d rather do your own hair and makeup, or neither of you wants it, that’s a perfectly good choice. ### Book rentals and equipment - When: 5–12 months before (9–12 Months Before) - Category: Vendors - Priority: Recommended - Link: https://readytoweddy.com/wedding-checklist/9-to-12-months#book-rentals Book rentals such as furniture, linens, tents, generators and restrooms 9–12 months before the wedding, especially for outdoor or blank-canvas venues where little is provided. **Why it matters:** What your venue includes varies a lot. A hotel may supply almost everything, while a field, barn or private garden may supply nothing at all. Tents, generators and portable restrooms are often limited in number and book up for peak dates. Sorting rentals now shows you the real cost of your venue and avoids discovering missing essentials close to the day. **Steps:** - [ ] List what your venue provides and what it doesn’t. - [ ] Cover tables, chairs, linens, tent and restrooms. - [ ] Plan power, heating or cooling, and path lighting. - [ ] Add mics and speakers for the ceremony and speeches. - [ ] Estimate quantities and get quotes from allowed firms. - [ ] Match delivery and pickup times to venue access. - [ ] Reserve items, noting damage and loss charges. - [ ] Note the final-numbers deadline in your tracker. **Helpful questions:** - “When can we change quantities, and is there a minimum order?” - “Do you deliver, set up and collect, or is that extra?” - “What happens if something is damaged or goes missing?” - “Do you need a site visit before quoting a tent?” - “Can the venue’s power supply handle lighting, sound and catering at once?” **Tips:** - Often forgotten: Rentals usually need to be counted and returned in a specific state, so someone needs to own the pack-down after the celebration ends. - For tents and outdoor evenings, plan lighting early; it shapes the mood and your photos once the sun sets. - Ask your venue about power capacity and rigging rules before booking lighting or a generator; a site visit often saves surprises. **Best done after:** Book your venue ### Check permits for a private or outdoor venue - When: 6–11 months before (9–12 Months Before) - Category: Venue & Date - Priority: Recommended - Link: https://readytoweddy.com/wedding-checklist/9-to-12-months#check-venue-permits If you’re marrying at a home, park, beach or farm, ask the local authority and landowner 9–10 months ahead which permits, insurance and rules apply to your event. **Why it matters:** Established wedding venues usually handle permissions for you, but a private garden, public park or stretch of beach may not have any in place. Depending on where you are, an event, noise, alcohol, parking or fire permit could be needed, and some take weeks to approve or limit guest numbers. Asking early shows the real cost and rules of the site while you can still adjust your plans, and helps you stay on good terms with neighbors. **Steps:** - [ ] Ask the landowner what’s already permitted. - [ ] Ask the local authority which permits apply. - [ ] Check noise limits, music curfews and fire rules. - [ ] Ask whether a tent or structure needs approval. - [ ] Note deadlines, fees, guest limits and insurance. - [ ] Plan restrooms and trash removal for the site. - [ ] Apply for permits and keep copies with your contracts. - [ ] Let close neighbors know about the date and timings. **Helpful questions:** - “Do we need a permit for this number of guests?” - “Are there limits on amplified music, and until what time?” - “Can alcohol be served here, and by whom?” - “Is there a fee or deposit for using this space?” **Tips:** - Often forgotten: Couples often forget parking, which can affect neighbors and may need its own permission or a shuttle. - Keep printed permits on hand on the day in case anyone asks to see them. - Ask whether a public space can be reserved exclusively, or whether other visitors may be nearby. **Optional:** If your venue is an established wedding venue, they usually handle this — just ask. **Note:** Rules vary by location — confirm with the official authority where you marry. **Best done after:** Book your venue ### Create your wedding website - When: 7–12 months before (9–12 Months Before) - Category: Wedding Website - Priority: Recommended - Link: https://readytoweddy.com/guides/create-wedding-website Create your wedding website 9–12 months before the wedding, before save-the-dates go out, with the date, location, travel and accommodation details guests need to plan. **Why it matters:** A wedding website gives guests one reliable place to check details instead of messaging you with the same questions. It lets you share travel, accommodation and schedule information long before formal invitations, and you can update it as plans change. Having the link ready means you can print or share it on your save-the-dates, and later use it for RSVPs, registry details and photo sharing. **Steps:** - [ ] Choose a website builder that suits your budget. - [ ] Pick a simple, easy-to-type web address. - [ ] Add your names, date, location and schedule. - [ ] Add travel, accommodation and accessibility details. - [ ] Add dress code, RSVP details and registry link. - [ ] Write a short FAQ and add a contact for questions. - [ ] Set privacy, then check the site on a phone. **Helpful questions:** - “Should the site be public, unlisted or password-protected?” - “Who will keep it updated if plans change?” - “Do we want guests to RSVP through the website?” **Tips:** - Often forgotten: Couples often forget to check that the website reads well on a phone, which is where most guests will open it. - Add only what you’re sure of now, and mark other details as coming soon. - Avoid posting your home address or exact travel dates publicly. **Best done after:** Confirm your date and tell key people ### Collect guest addresses and contact details - When: 8–11 months before (9–12 Months Before) - Category: Guest List - Priority: Essential - Link: https://readytoweddy.com/wedding-checklist/9-to-12-months#collect-guest-addresses Collect mailing addresses, emails and phone numbers for every household on your guest list 8–11 months ahead, in one shared spreadsheet, before save-the-dates or invitations go out. **Why it matters:** Save-the-dates, invitations, updates and thank-you notes all depend on accurate contact details. Gathering them late, one message at a time, is slow and easy to get wrong. Collecting everything once, in a single shared list, means either of you can address stationery, send digital invites or reach a guest quickly. It’s also the moment to check how each household’s names should be written. **Steps:** - [ ] Add columns: household, names, address, email, phone. - [ ] Fill in what you already know. - [ ] Send one short message or form asking for the rest. - [ ] Ask family to help with relatives you rarely contact. - [ ] Confirm every name and spelling, including children. - [ ] Check each address has a postal code. - [ ] Note if each household prefers printed or digital. - [ ] Mark each row as complete once confirmed. **Helpful questions:** - “How would you like your names written on the invitation?” - “Is email or post the best way to reach you?” **Tips:** - Often forgotten: International addresses need different formats and extra postage, and people who recently moved may still be listed at an old address. - A simple online form saves retyping and keeps answers in the same format. - Keep this sheet private; it holds personal information. - Add a column for gifts received so thank-you notes are easier later. **Best done after:** Draft your guest list in three tiers ### Reserve accommodation for guests - When: 6–12 months before (9–12 Months Before) - Category: Accommodation & Travel - Priority: Recommended - Link: https://readytoweddy.com/wedding-checklist/9-to-12-months#reserve-guest-accommodation Reserve guest accommodation, such as a hotel room block, 9–12 months before the wedding so traveling guests have convenient options at a known rate before rooms sell out. **Why it matters:** Guests who travel need somewhere nearby to stay, and in busy seasons local hotels can fill quickly. A room block can secure a group rate and keep guests close together, which makes transport simpler. Blocks come with conditions, though. Some contracts make you responsible for rooms that go unbooked, so it’s worth understanding the terms before you sign anything. **Steps:** - [ ] Estimate how many guests will need a place to stay. - [ ] Shortlist nearby stays, including accessible rooms. - [ ] Ask hotels about group rates and minimum rooms. - [ ] Read the attrition clause and release date. - [ ] Check the distance and transport to the venue. - [ ] Reserve a block sized to your realistic estimate. - [ ] Add booking links and deadlines to your website. **Helpful questions:** - “Are we responsible for rooms that aren’t booked?” - “When are unbooked rooms released back to the hotel?” - “Can we add more rooms later if needed?” - “Is there a shuttle or parking for guests?” **Tips:** - Often forgotten: Couples often forget to check the attrition clause, which can mean paying for rooms guests never booked. - A courtesy block with no penalty for unbooked rooms is often the safest place to start. - Offer a couple of price points so guests on different budgets have options. **Best done after:** Confirm your date and tell key people ### Book your getting-ready space and wedding-night stay - When: 5–11 months before (9–12 Months Before) - Category: Accommodation & Travel - Priority: Recommended - Link: https://readytoweddy.com/wedding-checklist/9-to-12-months#book-wedding-night-stay Book your getting-ready space and wedding-night room about 9 months ahead, choosing somewhere near the venue with good light and room for hair, makeup and photos. **Why it matters:** The getting-ready hours are often some of the most photographed and personal of the day. A cramped, dark room makes hair, makeup and photos harder and adds stress. Rooms near popular venues can also book up early, especially on peak dates. Securing both the getting-ready space and your wedding-night stay now means you know where the day starts and ends, and can plan timings around them. **Steps:** - [ ] Ask your venue whether it has getting-ready rooms. - [ ] Decide whether you’ll get ready together or separately. - [ ] Check there’s room for stylists, helpers and photos. - [ ] Look for natural light, mirrors and power outlets. - [ ] Check travel time, parking and drop-off. - [ ] Ask about early check-in and late checkout. - [ ] Book your wedding-night room and plan for luggage. **Helpful questions:** - “What time can we access the room on the wedding day?” - “Can we check out late the morning after?” - “Is there somewhere safe to leave luggage and gifts?” **Tips:** - Often forgotten: Couples often book a getting-ready space that’s too small once hair and makeup artists, helpers and the photographer are all in the room. - Send your photographer a few photos of the room ahead of time. - Some hotels offer a wedding-night package; ask what’s included. **Optional:** If you’re getting ready at home and heading home afterward, there’s nothing to book. **Best done after:** Book your venue ### Plan how guests will get around - When: 5–12 months before (9–12 Months Before) - Category: Transportation - Priority: Recommended - Link: https://readytoweddy.com/wedding-checklist/9-to-12-months#plan-guest-transport Plan guest transport around 9–12 months before the wedding, covering the trip to the ceremony, travel between venues, and how everyone gets home at the end of the night. **Why it matters:** Transport is easy to overlook until guests start asking. Rural venues, limited parking, separate ceremony and reception locations, and late finishes can all leave people stuck. Planning early lets you decide whether guests can manage on their own or whether a shuttle would help, and gives you time to book one before local companies are reserved for other events. **Steps:** - [ ] Map each journey, from hotel to venue and home. - [ ] Check parking and public transport at each venue. - [ ] Check taxi or rideshare availability late at night. - [ ] Decide if guests need a shuttle or step-free vehicle. - [ ] Request quotes and confirm vehicle capacity. - [ ] Set pickup points, times and a final departure. - [ ] Share transport details on your wedding website. **Helpful questions:** - “How will guests get home if the reception ends late?” - “Do we need a vehicle with step-free access?” - “How many trips can the shuttle make in the time we have?” **Tips:** - Often forgotten: The journey home at the end of the night is the part couples most often forget to plan. ### Set up your registry - When: 4–12 months before (9–12 Months Before) - Category: Registry - Priority: Optional - Link: https://readytoweddy.com/guides/create-registry Set up a registry around 9–12 months before the wedding if you want one, so guests invited to early celebrations have options. Include items, experiences or funds that suit you. **Why it matters:** Many guests like to give a gift and appreciate some guidance. A registry helps them choose something you’ll actually use and reduces duplicates. It can include household items, experiences or contributions toward something meaningful, depending on what feels right for you and your families. Having it ready before showers or engagement parties avoids a rush later. **Steps:** - [ ] Decide together whether you want a registry at all. - [ ] Agree on the mix: items, experiences or a fund. - [ ] Include gifts at a range of prices. - [ ] Check return policies and fees on cash funds. - [ ] Set a delivery address and delivery timing. - [ ] Add the registry link to your wedding website. **Helpful questions:** - “Would our families find a cash fund comfortable or awkward?” - “Where should gifts be delivered, and when?” **Tips:** - Keep a simple list of gifts as they arrive to make thank-you notes easier later. **Optional:** If you’d rather not have a registry, or you simply want guests to come as they are, that’s completely fine. ### Book an engagement photo session - When: 7–12 months before (9–12 Months Before) - Category: Photography & Video - Priority: Optional - Link: https://readytoweddy.com/wedding-checklist/9-to-12-months#book-engagement-shoot Book an engagement photo session 9–12 months before the wedding if you’d like one, ideally with your wedding photographer, so the images are ready for save-the-dates. **Why it matters:** An engagement session lets you get comfortable in front of the camera and get to know how your photographer works before the wedding day. Some photographers include one in their packages. If you want to use the photos on save-the-dates or your wedding website, scheduling it now leaves time for editing and design. **Steps:** - [ ] Ask if your photographer includes a session. - [ ] Ask how many edited images you’ll get and when. - [ ] Confirm you can print the images on save-the-dates. - [ ] Pick a meaningful spot; check permits or fees. - [ ] Choose a date with good light and a weather backup. - [ ] Plan simple outfits you feel comfortable in. - [ ] Allow editing time before save-the-dates are designed. **Helpful questions:** - “How soon after the session will we receive the photos?” - “Can we use the images on printed save-the-dates?” **Optional:** If posed photos aren’t your thing, you can skip the engagement session and use a favorite snapshot instead. **Best done after:** Book your wedding photographer ### Order your wedding outfits - When: 6–12 months before (9–12 Months Before) - Category: Attire - Priority: Essential - Link: https://readytoweddy.com/guides/order-wedding-outfits Order your wedding outfits 9–12 months before the wedding, since made-to-order pieces can take several months to arrive and alterations need time afterward. **Why it matters:** Many wedding outfits are made to order, and production and shipping times vary widely between designers and tailors. Alterations then need several fittings spread over a few months. Ordering now leaves room for delays, changes in fit and any surprises, so the final weeks are about small adjustments rather than a rush. **Steps:** - [ ] Set a budget that includes alterations and extras. - [ ] Book appointments and try on a few styles. - [ ] Ask each supplier for their current production time. - [ ] Check the measurements and refund terms. - [ ] Order, and get the delivery date in writing. - [ ] Plan alterations backward and ask what they cost. - [ ] List accessories still to buy. - [ ] Record deposits and balance dates in your tracker. **Helpful questions:** - “How long does production usually take right now?” - “Is a rush option available if something goes wrong?” - “How many fittings should we plan for, and when?” - “Are alterations included or priced separately?” **Tips:** - Often forgotten: Couples often budget for the outfit itself but forget alterations, accessories and cleaning afterward. - Plan to have outfits in hand a couple of months before the wedding to leave room for alterations. ### Book your cake or dessert supplier - When: 4–11 months before (9–12 Months Before) - Category: Food & Drink - Priority: Optional - Link: https://readytoweddy.com/wedding-checklist/9-to-12-months#book-cake-supplier Book a cake or dessert supplier about 9 months before the wedding if you want one, after confirming what your venue or caterer already includes and allows. **Why it matters:** Popular bakers take a limited number of orders each weekend. Some venues and caterers include dessert, charge a fee for outside cakes, or have rules about delivery and storage. Checking first avoids paying twice, and booking early gives you time for a tasting and to plan dietary options such as gluten-free or vegan desserts. **Steps:** - [ ] Check what dessert your venue or caterer includes. - [ ] Ask about outside-cake, cutting and plating fees. - [ ] Check venue delivery rules and cold storage. - [ ] Choose a cake, a dessert table or something else. - [ ] Book a tasting with one or two suppliers. - [ ] Confirm servings, dietary options and delivery time. - [ ] Agree who returns the stand and equipment. - [ ] Sign the contract and pay the deposit. **Helpful questions:** - “Does the venue charge to cut and serve an outside cake?” - “How will the cake be kept cool before it’s served?” - “Can one tier be made for guests with dietary needs?” **Optional:** A cake isn’t required. A dessert your families love, or no dessert course at all, works just as well. ### Share travel details with destination guests - When: 7–12 months before (9–12 Months Before) - Category: Accommodation & Travel - Priority: Recommended - Link: https://readytoweddy.com/wedding-checklist/9-to-12-months#share-destination-travel-info Share travel details with destination wedding guests 9–12 months ahead, including flights, accommodation, entry requirements and costs, so they can budget and request time off. **Why it matters:** Guests traveling to a destination wedding face more planning than a local event: flights, time off work, passports, possibly visas, and a bigger budget. The earlier they know the essentials, the more likely they can attend and the less stressful the trip will be. Clear information also cuts down on repeated questions. **Steps:** - [ ] Confirm when guests should arrive and leave. - [ ] List the nearest airports and transfer options. - [ ] Share accommodation options and booking deadlines. - [ ] Link to official passport and entry requirements. - [ ] Add tips on local currency and payments. - [ ] Give a rough idea of local weather and what to wear. - [ ] Publish it all on your website and share the link. **Helpful questions:** - “Which guests might need extra help with travel planning?” - “Should we organize group transfers from the airport?” **Tips:** - Often forgotten: Couples often forget that some guests may need to renew passports or apply for entry permission, which can take a while. - Link to official government travel pages instead of summarizing entry rules yourself. **Note:** Rules vary by location — confirm with the official authority where you marry. ### Research marriage license requirements - When: 4–12 months before (9–12 Months Before) - Category: Legal & Documents - Priority: Essential - Link: https://readytoweddy.com/wedding-checklist/9-to-12-months#research-marriage-license Research marriage license requirements around 9 months before the wedding with the official authority where your legal ceremony takes place, so you know when to apply and what to bring. **Why it matters:** The rules for getting legally married vary widely by country, state and sometimes county. Some places have waiting periods, notice periods, residency rules or licenses that expire after a set time. Knowing the requirements early means you can gather documents calmly and apply in the right window, rather than too early or too late. **Steps:** - [ ] Confirm where your legal ceremony will take place. - [ ] Find the official issuing authority and how to apply. - [ ] Note the application window, waiting period and fees. - [ ] List the ID and documents each of you needs. - [ ] Check if documents need translating or certifying. - [ ] Check witness and officiant requirements. - [ ] Add the ideal application date to your calendar. **Helpful questions:** - “How long is the license valid once it’s issued?” - “Do we both need to apply in person?” - “Are there any documents that need to be certified or translated?” **Tips:** - Often forgotten: Couples often forget to check whether a previous marriage requires extra paperwork, such as a divorce or death certificate. - If the license is only valid for a short time, wait until the right window before applying. - Order any official copies of documents early, as they can take time to arrive. **Note:** Rules vary by location — confirm with the official authority where you marry. ### Complete any religious ceremony requirements - When: 6–12 months before (9–12 Months Before) - Category: Ceremony - Priority: Essential - Link: https://readytoweddy.com/wedding-checklist/9-to-12-months#complete-religious-requirements If you’re marrying in a religious ceremony, ask your officiant or place of worship early which meetings, courses or documents they need, and allow time to complete them. **Why it matters:** Many faith communities and places of worship have their own preparation before a wedding, and these steps can take several months. Depending on your tradition, that might include meetings with clergy, a preparation course, certain documents or records, or permission when one of you belongs to another congregation. Requirements differ widely, so asking early lets you plan around them calmly rather than discovering a missing step close to the date. **Steps:** - [ ] Ask your officiant what preparation is required. - [ ] Write down each requirement and its deadline. - [ ] Book officiant meetings or preparation courses early. - [ ] Request records and any permissions needed. - [ ] Ask about rules for music, readings and photography. - [ ] Check if you also need a separate civil ceremony. - [ ] Keep copies of everything you submit. **Helpful questions:** - “What do you need from us before the wedding, and by when?” - “Are there any rules for the ceremony we should know now?” - “Does this ceremony also make our marriage legal here?” **Tips:** - Often forgotten: Couples often forget to check whether the religious ceremony is legally recognized, or whether a separate civil step is required. - If you come from different faiths or communities, ask each one early what they expect. - Records such as baptism or membership certificates can take weeks to arrive. **Note:** Rules vary by location — confirm with the official authority where you marry. **Best done after:** Secure your ceremony location ## FAQ ### When should you order wedding outfits? Many made-to-order outfits take several months to arrive, and alterations need time after that. Ordering around 9–12 months ahead is a comfortable window. Ask each retailer for their current lead time before you commit to a design. ### When should you create a wedding website? Around 9–12 months before the wedding works well, ideally before you [send save-the-dates](https://readytoweddy.com/guides/send-save-the-dates), so you can include the link. Start with the date, location and travel details, then add more as your plans firm up. ### When should you book hotel room blocks for wedding guests? Reserving accommodation 9–12 months ahead gives guests the best choice, especially in busy areas or seasons. Read the agreement carefully for any minimum-booking or attrition terms before you sign. ### Can we apply for our marriage license this early? Usually it’s too soon. Many places only let you apply within a set period before the ceremony, and licenses can expire. Research the requirements now and check the [marriage license timing](https://readytoweddy.com/guides/apply-marriage-license) with the official authority where your legal ceremony takes place.