ULTIMATE WEDDING CHECKLIST

Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into manageable steps can make the process stress-free and enjoyable. Here’s a complete checklist to guide you from engagement to the big day!

12+ Months Before the Wedding

  • Set the Date: Decide on a wedding date and time.

  • Budget: Establish your budget and determine who is contributing.

  • Style & Theme: Decide on the vision for your wedding (e.g., formal, casual, themed).

  • Guest List: Draft an initial guest list.

  • Hire a Wedding Planner: If desired, book a planner to help with organization and logistics.

  • Book the Venue: Reserve the ceremony and reception venues.

  • Engagement Photos: Schedule an engagement shoot with your photographer.

9-12 Months Before the Wedding

  • Book Key Vendors:

    • Photographer/Videographer

    • Caterer

    • Florist

    • Band/DJ

    • Officiant

  • Wedding Party: Choose your bridesmaids, groomsmen, and other attendants.

  • Dress Shopping: Begin looking for your wedding dress and schedule fittings.

  • Save the Dates: Order and send save-the-date cards.

  • Create a Wedding Website: Share important details and updates with guests.

6-9 Months Before the Wedding

  • Reserve Rentals: Chairs, tables, linens, lighting, and other decor.

  • Transportation: Book transportation for the wedding day (e.g., limos, buses).

  • Hair & Makeup: Hire stylists and schedule a trial run.

  • Bridal Party Attire: Order dresses and suits for your wedding party.

  • Plan the Honeymoon: Book flights, accommodations, and activities.

  • Decor & Details: Start crafting or sourcing decorations.

4-6 Months Before the Wedding

  • Invitations: Finalize and order wedding invitations.

  • Timeline: Create a detailed timeline for the day.

  • Menu Tasting: Schedule tastings with your caterer and finalize the menu.

  • Cake Tasting: Sample and order your wedding cake.

  • Music Selection: Choose ceremony and reception songs.

  • Seating Plan: Start thinking about how to arrange guests.

2-3 Months Before the Wedding

  • Send Invitations: Mail out wedding invitations.

  • Confirm Details: Reconfirm bookings with all vendors.

  • Marriage License: Apply for your marriage license.

  • Accessories: Purchase wedding shoes, jewelry, and other accessories.

  • Favors: Order wedding favors for guests.

  • Guest Book: Choose a guest book or alternative.

1 Month Before the Wedding

  • Final Fitting: Attend your final dress fitting and make adjustments if needed.

  • Guest Count: Provide final guest count to the caterer.

  • Seating Chart: Finalize the seating arrangement.

  • Timeline: Share the timeline with your vendors and wedding party.

  • Emergency Kit: Pack a wedding day emergency kit (e.g., sewing kit, tissues, snacks).

  • Beauty Prep: Schedule final beauty appointments (e.g., waxing, facials).

1 Week Before the Wedding

  • Confirm Appointments: Reconfirm times with hair, makeup, and transportation.

  • Pack for Honeymoon: Ensure your luggage is ready if you’re leaving soon after.

  • Rehearsal Dinner: Confirm plans and finalize the guest list.

  • Vows: Write or finalize your vows.

Wedding Day!

  • Eat & Hydrate: Start your day with a healthy breakfast and stay hydrated.

  • Relax: Allow extra time for getting ready and enjoy the moment.

  • Enjoy Your Day: Trust your vendors and savor every moment with loved ones.

Post-Wedding To-Do’s

  • Thank You Notes: Send thank-you notes to guests and vendors.

  • Photo Album: Work with your photographer to create an album.

  • Gift Returns: Return any duplicate gifts or items you won’t use.

  • Name Change: If applicable, start the name-change process.