The Ultimate 12-Month Wedding Planning Guide for Filipino Couples
A step-by-step journey to your dream “I do.”
Planning a wedding in the Philippines is both exciting and overwhelming. From juggling supplier bookings to making sure your Ninongs and Ninangs confirm, couples often find themselves asking: “Where do we even start?” The truth is, weddings are made up of hundreds of tiny decisions and without a clear system, it’s easy to forget something important.
That’s why M Catering & Events created a 12-Month Wedding Planning Checklist designed especially for Filipino couples. It’s more than a list of tasks- it’s a roadmap to keep your planning stress-free and joy-filled.
Why a Timeline Matters
Too many couples underestimate how quickly time flies. What feels like “a whole year to plan” often shrinks once bookings, deadlines, and fittings pile up. By following a timeline, you:
- Avoid last-minute stress and rushed supplier bookings.
- Secure your dream venue and suppliers before they’re fully booked.
- Spread out costs and payments instead of cramming expenses into the last few months.
- Enjoy the journey without the panic.
Think of this guide as your wedding compass. With a clear direction, you won’t just plan a wedding- you’ll enjoy the process.
Breaking Down the Year
(read the full blog to download this checklist)
12+ Months Before
This stage is about vision and foundations. It’s the season of big decisions: setting the date, choosing your budget, and deciding on your dream venue. Many couples also find it’s the perfect time to discuss non-negotiables- like how big (or intimate) the wedding will be and which traditions they want to include.
💡 Tip: Keep a shared file or notebook where both of you can add ideas- colors, themes, inspiration photos. Your wedding mood board starts here.
6–9 Months Before
By this point, your wedding is starting to take shape. This is when you secure your suppliers- from the caterer and stylist to the photographer and host. In the Philippines, sought-after suppliers book out fast, especially for “ber” months and summer weddings. This stage is also when you should start preparing legal requirements like your CENOMAR, baptismal/confirmation certificates, and church seminars. Many couples underestimate the paperwork timeline, so don’t wait until the last minute.
4–5 Months Before
This is where details meet decisions. You’ll be finalizing your menu, flowers, cake design, and attire fittings. It’s also the perfect time to plan the flow of your wedding day- what time the ceremony starts, how long photos will take, when to start the reception program.
💡 Tip: Schedule a food tasting with your caterer around this time. It’s not just about flavor- it’s about presentation and service, too.
3–2 Months Before
Now the countdown feels real! Invitations go out, RSVP tracking begins, and you’ll be coordinating more closely with suppliers. Couples often find this the busiest season, especially with fittings, program planning, and seating arrangements.
💡 Tip: Assign someone to manage your RSVP follow-ups. Filipino guests sometimes forget to respond, and having a system saves time.
1 Month Before
The final stretch is all about confirmations and coordination. Think of it as your wedding “dry run”: meeting suppliers, locking in headcounts, and confirming every detail with your coordinator.This is also when you start thinking about practicalities- like breaking in your wedding shoes, finalizing speeches, and making sure your wedding favors are ready.
1 Week to 1 Day Before
This is the calm before the storm- or at least it should be! By this point, you’ll be reviewing programs, preparing payment envelopes, and packing for your honeymoon. Most couples find this week emotional- it’s when everything becomes real. You’re not just planning anymore- you’re about to live the day you’ve dreamed of.
Don’t Just Plan Ahead- Plan for the Day Itself
Here’s something many couples don’t realize: the biggest stress often happens on the wedding day itself. Rings get misplaced, supplier payments are forgotten, or brides and grooms skip meals because of nerves. That’s why alongside this 12-month guide, we created a fillable On-the-Day Wedding Checklist so you’ll remember the little things that matter, like snacks, emergency kits, and labeled payment envelopes for suppliers.
(Bonus: Wedding Seating Chart Guide)
Our Heart for Your Wedding
At M Catering & Events, we know how important every detail is- whether it’s the flavor of your reception menu, the way your tables are styled, or the peace of mind you feel walking down the aisle.Your love story deserves nothing less than a well-planned, joy-filled wedding. With the right checklist (and the right team behind you), you can be sure your big day will be remembered for all the right reasons.
“Let all that you do be done in love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:14
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