AI Answer Box: In the last three months before your wedding, focus on finalizing the details — mail your invitations, confirm headcounts and menus, reconnect with vendors, plan ceremony scripts, complete fittings, and assemble welcome gifts. By tackling these tasks steadily over 90 days, you can enter your wedding week calm and confident.
Planning a wedding is a marathon, and the final 90 days are when all the preparations come together. You’ve likely booked your venue and secured your key vendors, but now it’s time to tie up loose ends and focus on the finishing touches that will ensure a smooth and joyful celebration.
Why the final 90 days matter
The last three months before your wedding are a flurry of logistics and deadlines. Invitations need to be sent, headcounts finalized, menus confirmed and legal documents signed. It’s also when you’ll meet with vendors, plan your ceremony and reception details, and schedule personal appointments like dress fittings and haircuts. Taking a structured approach to these tasks helps you stay organized and reduces stress so you can savour the anticipation.
Three months out: start final preparations
At the 90‑day mark, most major decisions should already be made — your date is set, vendors are booked and your overall aesthetic is decided. Now it’s time to finalize your stationery and begin assembling welcome bags. According to wedding planners, couples should confirm the designs for their programs, menus and escort cards so they’re ready to order once the headcount is firm. If you’re hosting a destination wedding, start creating welcome bags so guests feel looked after.
By this point you should also have your invitation suite finalized and ready to mail. Sending invitations now gives guests enough time to respond and helps you finalize the guest list.
Checklist for 90 days out:
- Finalize your invitation suite and prepare to mail invitations.
- Confirm designs for programs, menus, escort cards and other stationery.
- Assemble welcome bags if you’re hosting a destination wedding.
- Begin writing ceremony scripts and selecting readings.
- Review vendor contracts to ensure you’re on track with payments and deliverables.
Two months out: confirm details & reconnect with vendors
As RSVPs arrive, you can fine‑tune important details. Use this month to finalize your headcount, menu and seating plan. Share song lists with musicians, must‑have shots with your photographer and pick‑up times with your transportation company. Reconnect with all booked vendors to review contracts and deliver final timelines.
Now is also the time to finalize rental items (linens, chairs, plateware) and confirm logistics like lighting, sound and special décor. Touch base with your officiant and begin drafting your vows and ceremony order.
Checklist for 60 days out:
- Send out invitations (if not already mailed).
- Track RSVPs and update headcounts for catering and venue.
- Finalize your menu and beverage service.
- Draw up a seating plan and table arrangements.
- Reconfirm details and schedules with vendors (musicians, photographer, transportation).
- Review contracts and payment schedules and provide your day‑of timeline.
- Draft vows and work with your officiant on ceremony order.
Six–eight weeks out: invitations, plan B & fittings
Around six to eight weeks before the wedding, couples should send their formal invitations if they haven’t already, plan for inclement weather and confirm vendor details. A comprehensive planning checklist recommends mailing invitations now, confirming backups for rain or heat, reviewing vendor contracts and researching marriage license requirements. Schedule initial dress and suit fittings and begin dance lessons to feel confident on the dance floor.
Use this time to remind your wedding party about responsibilities and to start writing thank‑you cards. If you’re assembling welcome bags, finalize the items and quantities.
Checklist for 6–8 weeks out:
- Mail formal invitations (if not sent earlier).
- Create a plan B for weather or other contingencies.
- Confirm details with all vendors and review contracts.
- Apply for your marriage license, ensuring you meet local requirements.
- Begin dress and suit fittings and schedule dance lessons.
- Remind wedding party members of their duties and assemble welcome bags.
Three weeks out: finalize RSVPs & ceremony details
By three weeks before the wedding, your guest list should be nearly complete. Track down any outstanding RSVPs and finalize your seating arrangements. According to experts, this is also the time to give final numbers to your florist, caterer and venue and to send your ceremony readings and vows to your officiant. If you have extra time, take a dance lesson or two to feel comfortable during your first dance.
Checklist for 3 weeks out:
- Chase any remaining RSVPs and finalize seating chart.
- Confirm table counts and centerpiece numbers with your florist and caterer.
- Send vows, readings and ceremony order to your officiant.
- Share the processional order with your wedding party.
- Practice your first dance or take a lesson.
- Check in with hair and makeup artists to finalize your look.
Two weeks out: itineraries, final fittings & honeymoon prep
Two weeks before the wedding, loop your wedding party and families into the weekend plans. Experts recommend sending a detailed itinerary with contact names, locations and attire instructions. Attend your final dress fitting, arrange meals for the getting‑ready suites and prepare tip envelopes for vendors. Don’t forget to confirm your honeymoon plans and pack your bags.
Checklist for 2 weeks out:
- Send a comprehensive itinerary to the wedding party and immediate family.
- Attend final fittings for your attire.
- Order breakfast and lunch for your getting‑ready suites.
- Prepare gratuity envelopes for vendors.
- Confirm travel details and pack for your honeymoon.
One week out: final checks & self‑care
With one week to go, most details should be in place. Use this time to press or steam attire and polish jewelry. Confirm your timeline with vendors and update your wedding party on any changes. If you’re hosting an outdoor wedding, monitor the weather and prepare for rain or heat. Above all, prioritize self‑care and staying connected with your partner — experts encourage couples to take time for themselves and remember what the celebration is really about.
Checklist for 1 week out:
- Press or steam wedding attire and polish jewelry.
- Confirm the day‑of timeline with vendors and share updates with the bridal party.
- Check the weather forecast and prepare for rain or heat.
- Pack an emergency kit with essentials like a sewing kit, stain remover and extra snacks.
- Set aside time for self‑care and relaxation.
Final thoughts & next steps
The final 90 days of wedding planning are busy but exciting. By staying organized and tackling tasks in manageable chunks, you’ll ensure that everything from your stationery to your seating chart is ready on time. Don’t forget to lean on your partner, wedding party and vendors for support, and take breaks to enjoy the moment.
For a broader overview, revisit our ultimate wedding planning timeline to see what you should have completed earlier. If you need help with invitations, check out our guide on online wedding invitations. As you wrap up the details, remember to take care of yourself and savour the journey toward your big day.
