Your Chicago Wedding Planning Timeline: What To Do & When

Planning a wedding is exciting, but it’s also a marathon, not a sprint. Between the venue tours, vendor decisions, design dreams, and detailed logistics, it’s easy to wonder… When exactly am I supposed to do all of this?

If you’re in the middle of Chicago wedding planning, the timeline matters. 

Not only do popular vendors book up quickly, but the city itself has a rhythm, busy seasons, festival weekends, and weather swings, which can all impact your plans.

So, how far out should you start? And what should you be doing month by month?

We’ve mapped out a general planning timeline below, but here’s the truth: the best wedding timelines are tailored to you. Your priorities, your pace, and your celebration style. That’s why we created something even better: our Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist, available exclusively on our website.

But first, here’s a little preview to get you started.

At Least 12 Months Out From Your Wedding Day In Chicago

This is when it all begins. You’re freshly engaged, basking in the glow, and starting to realize just how many decisions are ahead. This is the time to:

• Set your ideal budget
• Create a guest list draft
• Begin venue tours and secure your date
• Hire your wedding planner (earlier is always better!)

In Chicago, venues and high-demand vendors can book more than a year in advance, so this stage is all about securing your essentials.

9–11 Months Out From Your Big Day

With your date and venue in place, now’s the time to bring on your vendor team. This includes:

• Photographer & videographer
• Caterer (if not in-house)
• Shop for your attire (and give time for fittings!)
• Florist
• Band or DJ
• Send save-the-dates
• Rentals or specialty services

If you’re planning a wedding weekend, now’s also the time to start thinking about accommodations and pre/post-wedding events.

6–8 Months Out: Design And Details

Now the creative fun begins. You’ll start shaping the overall aesthetic and experience of your day:

• Finalize your design direction
• Build your wedding website
• Ceremony officiant
• Secure hair and makeup (even earlier is better)
• Begin discussions about ceremony flow and timeline

Chicago’s seasons can play a big role in your design. We can help guide you to what’s best for the season you’ve chosen.

3–5 Months Out From Your Special Day

This is the phase of refining your plans and confirming the small-but-mighty details:

• Finalize rentals, florals, and menu selections
• Schedule tastings and walkthroughs
• Order signage, favors, and other personal touches
• Hair and makeup trials
• Write your vows

0–2 Months Out From Your Chicago Wedding Day

You’re in the home stretch. At this point, it’s time to:

• Send invitations
• Create a detailed timeline
• Confirm with all vendors
• Final dress fitting
• Rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
• Pack for your wedding day & honeymoon

Most importantly? Let go. Trust your planner, be present with your people, and allow yourself to enjoy the beauty of what you’ve created.

Want The Full Step By Step Timeline For Chicago Wedding Planning?

This is just the beginning. Our Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist gives you everything you need to stay organized, clear-headed, and confident without being overwhelmed.

Whether you’re planning a single-day celebration or a full wedding weekend in Chicago, our checklist is designed to support you through every milestone.

Ready to feel more in control (and way less stressed)? Download your Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist on our website today.