Wedding Checklist

12+ Months Before the Wedding: Start With the Big Stuff

Planning starts here—the foundation of your wedding day depends on the early decisions you make now.

• Set Your Budget: Talk with your partner and families about your overall budget. Decide how you’ll divide expenses and where to allocate funds, like the venue, food, attire, and photography. Keep a small buffer aside for unexpected costs.
• Draft Your Guest List: Create a rough list to help with venue size, catering, and seating. Divide guests into essential and optional categories for flexibility.
• Choose the Wedding Date: Pick a date that fits your timeline and planning needs. Keep in mind the season, holidays, and how convenient it’ll be for guests to travel.
• Book the Venue: Secure your ceremony and reception venues early, especially if you have a popular location in mind.
• Hire a Planner (Optional): A wedding planner can manage logistics, vendor coordination, and timelines, saving you stress later on.

9–12 Months Before the Wedding: Book the Key Players

This stage is about getting your team together and building the atmosphere for your big day.

• Book Key Vendors: Secure your photographer, videographer, caterer, florist, band or DJ, and officiant. The best vendors are often booked far in advance.
• Start Dress Shopping: Begin searching for your wedding gown. It often takes months for the dress to arrive and be altered to perfection.
• Launch the Wedding Website: Create a simple website where guests can find event details, RSVP, and check your registry.
• Send Save-the-Dates: Send these out about 8–12 months before the wedding, especially if guests are traveling long distances.
• Plan the Engagement Party: Celebrate with family and friends. It’s a fun way to share your engagement news and kick off the countdown.

6–9 Months Before the Wedding: Get into the Details

Now it’s time to focus on style, décor, and travel arrangements.

• Order Wedding Attire: Order your dress and accessories like shoes, veil, and jewelry. Also, pick outfits for your bridal party and schedule fittings.
• Finalize Theme and Décor: Choose your color scheme and decorations. Share your design ideas with your florist and planner.
• Book Guest Accommodations: Reserve hotel room blocks near your venue for out-of-town guests. Provide details on your website for convenience.
• Plan the Honeymoon: Book flights, accommodations, and excursions. Make sure your passports are up to date and travel insurance is in place.

3–6 Months Before the Wedding: Finalize the Fun Stuff

You’re halfway there—now it’s about refining details and personal touches.

• Send Invitations: Mail formal invitations about three to four months before the wedding. Include RSVP details and meal selections.
• Schedule Hair and Makeup Trials: Try different looks to see what feels right. Bring inspiration photos for reference.
• Host the Bridal Shower: Have your bridal party or family organize a shower to celebrate you before the big day.
• Plan the Rehearsal Dinner: Book a location, decide on a guest list, and plan a menu that sets a relaxed mood.
• Order the Wedding Cake: Schedule tastings with your baker, select flavors, and finalize the design.
• Write Your Vows: Begin drafting your vows or ceremony script to reflect your love story and values.

1–3 Months Before the Wedding: Tie Up Loose Ends

As the wedding approaches, the small details make all the difference.

• Apply for Your Marriage License: Research your local requirements and schedule your appointment. Bring necessary documents and identification.
• Confirm Vendors: Review contracts, verify arrival times, and confirm final payments. Share your event schedule with everyone.
• Create a Day-of Timeline: Plan out the wedding day from start to finish, including vendor arrivals, ceremony time, meal service, and speeches.
• Schedule Final Fittings: Try on your wedding attire and make final adjustments for the perfect fit.
• Purchase Wedding Bands: Choose your rings and allow time for resizing or engraving.

1–4 Weeks Before the Wedding: Final Prep Mode

You’re in the home stretch—this is where all your hard work pays off.

• Confirm Guest Count: Provide your final headcount to your caterer, venue, and rental company.
• Arrange the Seating Chart: Start with family and close friends, then build out the rest of the tables thoughtfully.
• Print Stationery: Finalize menus, table numbers, seating charts, and signage for your event.
• Pack for the Honeymoon: Create a packing list so you don’t forget essentials like travel documents and medications.
• Break In Your Shoes: Wear your wedding shoes around the house to make them more comfortable.

Wedding Week Checklist: Keep It Smooth and Simple

The last week before the wedding is all about balance—finishing tasks and taking care of yourself.

• Pamper Yourself: Get a manicure, pedicure, or spa treatment to relax before the big day.
• Rehearsal and Dinner: Go through the ceremony with your wedding party, then enjoy dinner with family and friends.
• Handle Final Payments: Label envelopes for tips and balances, and assign someone to distribute them.
• Pack an Emergency Kit: Include fashion tape, safety pins, mints, deodorant, sewing supplies, tissues, and stain remover.
• Prepare Outfits: Steam your dress, organize accessories, and check that everything is in perfect condition.

Wedding Day: Take It All In

Today is your moment—enjoy every part of it.

• Start with a Good Breakfast: Eat a light, energizing meal to keep your energy steady.
• Stick to the Timeline: Trust your planner or point person to keep things moving smoothly.
• Stay Present: Focus on the love and celebration. Take in every moment—you’ll want to remember it forever.

After the Wedding: Wrap Things Up

Your wedding may be over, but a few finishing touches help close the chapter beautifully.

• Send Thank-You Cards: Write personalized notes to guests and vendors within a few weeks after the event.
• Preserve Your Dress: Take your gown to a specialist for proper cleaning and preservation.
• Return Rentals: Make sure all borrowed or rented items are returned on time.
• Review Vendors: Leave reviews for your vendors to share your experience and help future couples.
• Organize Photos: Once you receive your pictures, back them up digitally and create albums to keep your memories safe.

Conclusion

Planning a wedding doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. When you follow a detailed checklist, you keep everything organized, stay calm, and enjoy the process instead of stressing through it. Every step—from setting your budget to sending thank-you notes—brings you closer to creating a day that feels perfectly yours. The key is balance: plan carefully but remember to savor the moments along the way.

Key Takeaway: A good wedding checklist keeps you organized and on schedule. It helps you manage your time and enjoy the planning process, making sure your big day runs smoothly and feels unforgettable.

FAQs

What’s a realistic timeline for wedding planning?

Most couples start planning about 12 to 18 months ahead. This allows enough time to book venues and vendors without rushing.

Can we skip sending save-the-dates?

You can, but save-the-dates are helpful for destination weddings or if many guests will travel long distances.

What should go into a wedding emergency kit?

Include essentials like bobby pins, breath mints, sewing supplies, tissues, safety pins, and pain relievers for last-minute fixes.

Is it okay to have a small bridal party?

Absolutely. There’s no rule for size—your bridal party should include whoever means the most to you.

When should final payments to vendors be made?

Most vendors require payment one to two weeks before the wedding. Check your contracts and arrange envelopes ahead of time.