Wedding Planning Checklist

Your Guide to Wedding Planning: A Checklist & Timeline

A 12 Month wedding planning checklist to eliminate stress during this process.

• 12 Months Out
• 11 Months Out
• 10 Months Out
• 9 Months Out
• 8 Months Out
• 7 Months Out
• 6 Months Out
• 5 Months Out
• 4 Months Out
• 3 Months Out
• 2 Months Out
• 1 Month Out
• Final Week
• Night Before
• Wedding Day

A sparkling ring now sits your finger, and the wedding planning adventure with your partner is on—so what’s first? With a whirlwind of tasks to check off before the wedding day, planning could be a totally rollercoaster ride.

Typically, one to one-and-a-half-year engagement timeline, it’s important to planning a wedding. But, if you need to plan it faster – believe it or not, it’s quite feasible. If your engagement period is shorter than the 12-18 months, buckle down and streamline that schedule. For instance, suppose your wedding date is just six months away. In that case, tackle the tasks scheduled for months 12 to 6 right from the beginning.

This is your adventure so feel free to print out this wedding planning checklist, work the suggested timeline, and prepare yourself for an experience in wedding planning that will either leave you wanting to plan each of your friends weddings or never hear of a single wedding ever again.

DOWNLOAD CHECKLIST

12 Months Before:

• Determine your Budget: It’s time to put on your math hat and crunch those numbers. Define who will be contributing financially and find out the available funds. Determine your priorities and allocate funds accordingly. Online resources like WeddingWire offer budget breakdowns to guide you through each spending category.
• Create the Guest List: As much as you’d love the world to attend, practicality comes into play. Formulate your A-list by considering both budget constraints and venue capacity. Divide the list between the two of you and your parents. It’s a negotiation process that requires trimming and strategic planning to achieve the golden guest list.
• Hire a Wedding Planner: If time is tight and your budget permits, now is the time to enlist the services of a wedding planner. They’re the masters of wedding magic, transforming your visions into reality while managing finances and orchestrating logistics. You can refer to recommended wedding planners and schedule interviews to find the perfect fit.
• Create an Inspirational Board: Choose a date and collectively envision your uniquely perfect wedding day. Since the venue sets the tone, opt for a location that resonates with your style and spirit. Consider factors such as color schemes, event scale, and formality levels.
• Visit and Book the Venue: The venue will set the stage for your celebration, influencing everything from the culinary offerings to the floral arrangements. This is the time to explore different options, compare them, and select a venue that aligns with your guest count, preferences, and budget.
• Decide on Catering: Whether you’re relying on the venue’s catering, a recommended chef, or a cherished food truck, let your culinary preferences shine. From beverages to desserts, make choices that reflect your tastes and preferences.

11 Months Before:

• Determine Color Palette and Design: Immerse yourself in inspiration by scouring platforms like Pinterest. Select a color palette that resonates with your heart and assemble a mood board that will guide your wedding’s aesthetic. This is your creative playground, so take your time and remember, you’re in control.
• Book Photography, Videography, and Entertainment: Secure your top-tier vendors promptly before they get booked by another couple. These professionals capture your most cherished moments and set the musical tone.

10 Months Before:

• Tackle Dress Shopping: Browse online and schedule appointments at bridal shops to find the ideal wedding gown.
• Arrange Guest Accommodations: Organize discounted hotel rooms for your out-of-town guests, ensuring they have convenient lodging. This promotes a sense of togetherness and inclusion among your loved ones.
• Create a Wedding Website: Craft your personalized wedding website, a digital platform to share your love story, event details, and joy with family and friends. Platforms like WeddingWire and Zola offer free templates for this purpose.
• Plan Engagement Photo Session: Prepare for a photoshoot to capture your love in its true essence. Many photographers include engagement sessions in their packages, providing an opportunity to enhance your comfort in front of the camera.

9 Months Before:

• Purchase Your Wedding Dress: It’s time to finalize your wedding gown selection and make the purchase. This may require additional time to allow for ordering and potential alterations.
• Send Save-the-Dates: Inform your circle about the basic details of your celebration, including the date, location and any hotel blocks you’ve arranged for them. Ensure that you include your wedding website for their convenience.

8 Months Before:

• Start Gift Registry: Hit your favorite stores to create your wedding registry. Tailor your selections to your preferences and lifestyles, adding a touch of personalization to what you include.
• Decide on Bridesmaid Attire: Whether you coordinate attire for your bridesmaids or empower them to express their individual styles within a chosen color palette, this is the time to establish their looks. As affordable wedding photographers, we love a nice variety of style while maintaining the chosen color pallet.
• Meet with Florists: Discuss floral arrangements with potential florists, exploring their portfolios and aligning their creativity with your vision.

7 Months Before

• Plan the Rehearsal Dinner: Prepare for the rehearsal dinner, a prelude to your wedding day. While tradition often places the groom’s family in charge, you can infuse your creativity and contribute to the theme and ambiance.
• Book Ceremony Music: Choose the music that resonates with your love story to set the mood for your ceremony. Whether it’s a live quartet, a harpist, or a DJ, opt for songs that hold significance for you.
• Decide on Decor and Rentals: Finalize your decisions on decor and rentals, bringing your vision to life with details that resonate with your wedding theme.
• Discuss Officiant Plans: If you’re enlisting an officiant, ensure they align with your vision and have the necessary credentials. If a friend or family member is officiating, make sure they too are prepared with proper licensing or certification.

5 Months Before:

• Arrange Lighting Services: Secure lighting services to create the perfect ambiance for your wedding day, enhancing the atmosphere and highlighting key elements.
• Coordinate Guest Transportation: If necessary, arrange guest transportation to ensure a smooth and convenient experience for attendees from out of town.
• Organize Newlyweds Transportation: Plan your transportation for the big day, whether it’s a unique vehicle or a stylish ride to your honeymoon suite.
• Plan Honeymoon Details: Collaborate with your partner to plan the details of your honeymoon, ensuring that both timing and budget align with your dreams.
• Groom’s Attire: Decide on the groom’s attire, whether it’s a suit or tuxedo, and ensure it’s tailored to perfection.
• Check Passport: If your honeymoon involves international travel, make sure your passport is valid and not expiring soon. Allow ample time for passport processing if needed.

4 Months Before:

• Attend Tastings with Caterer: Indulge in tastings to finalize your catering choices, creating a menu that aligns with your tastes and preferences.
• Cake Tasting: Select a cake design and flavor that resonates with your preferences, and ensure it complements the overall theme of your wedding.
• Purchase Wedding Rings: Purchase your wedding rings and ensure they’re a perfect fit.
• Coordinate Groomsmen Attire: Ensure that the groomsmen and fathers are dressed according to your vision, either by selecting their outfits or allowing them to choose within the designated color palette.
• Book Hair and Makeup Services: Confirm hair and makeup services, provide the inspiration photos so they professionals understand your desired look and are well-prepared.

3 Months Before:

• Order Wedding Invitations: Place your order for the wedding invitations, allowing time for delivery, addressing, and sending them out.
• Order Wedding Favors: Decide on wedding favors and order the items that will delight your guests, reflecting your personalities and theme.
• Book Photo Booth: Consider adding a photo booth to your celebration for some added fun and memorable moments.
• Write Your Vows: Write your personalized vows that encapsulate your love story and the promises you wish to make to each other.
• Select Ceremony Readings: Finalize your ceremony readings and ensure they resonate with your emotions and the atmosphere you wish to create.
• Meet with Officiant: Confirm the ceremony details with your chosen officiant and ensure they align with your vision.

2 Months Before:

• Send Invitations: Mail out your wedding invitations, including RSVP cards with pre-stamped envelopes for easy response.
• Attend Dress Fittings: Attend your second dress fitting, ensuring that your gown is tailored to perfection for the big day.
• Obtain Marriage License: Gather the necessary documents and complete the application for your marriage license, adhering to your state’s regulations.
• Purchase Wedding Party Gifts: Select thoughtful gifts for your wedding party, expressing your gratitude for their support and participation.
• Share Music Choices: Provide your entertainment team with your chosen music selections for various parts of the wedding day.
• Buy the Little Details: Purchase or gather the smaller details, such as table numbers, champagne flutes, cake topper, and other decorative elements.

1 Month Before:

• Assemble Gift Bags: Prepare gift bags or favors for your guests.
• Make Final Vendor Payments: Ensure that all vendors are paid in advance, so you can enjoy a stress-free wedding day.
• Create Seating Chart: Organize the seating chart, considering relationships and dynamics to create a harmonious atmosphere.
• Prepare Place Cards: Create place cards or escort cards to guide guests to their designated seats.
• Venue Walk-Through: Conduct a final walk-through of the venue with your planner or coordinator, confirming all details for the big day.
• Prepare Tips for Vendors: Prepare envelopes with tips for vendors who don’t own their businesses, acknowledging their efforts and contributions.

Final Week

You’ve made it: the week leading up to your wedding day. Take a moment to congratulate yourself – because it’s clear that you’ve earned every bit of it! Now, let’s delve into the remaining particulars:

• Pamper Your Nails: Prepare your nails for their close-up with a manicure and pedicure.
• Last Dress Fitting: Attend your final dress fitting – consider bringing along your mother or maid of honor to learn the process of bustling your dress.
• Honeymoon Packing: Are you ready for a relaxing getaway? Begin packing your bags for your well-deserved honeymoon. Remember to pack your passport if your travel plans take you abroad!
• Clean the Ring: Visit your jeweler for a professional cleaning – your engagement ring should sparkle more brilliantly than ever.
• Confirm Last-Minute RSVPs: Gather those remaining responses to finalize the headcount.
• Rehearse Your Vows: Practice reciting your vows aloud – whether they’re heartfelt, humorous, or a blend of both, ensure you’re prepared for that special spotlight moment.

The Night Before:

• Relax and Recharge: Enjoy a nourishing meal and take time to relax, ensuring you’re well-rested for the big day.
• Pack Essentials: Assemble a clutch or bag with essential items you’ll need throughout the day.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and energized for the festivities.
• Get Adequate Sleep: Rest well and prepare yourself for the exciting day ahead.
• Organize Wedding Items: Pack your car with any items needed for the ceremony and reception, ensuring everything is easily accessible.
• Gather Detail Items: Group all the detail items that your photographer will capture for your wedding photos.

The Morning of the Wedding:

• Prioritize Comfort: Avoid straining your feet and rest as much as possible in the morning.
• Start with Breakfast: Begin the day with a nutritious breakfast to sustain you throughout the day.
• Hydrate: Continue to drink water to maintain your energy levels.
• Prepare Dress and Veil: Remove your dress and veil from their bags early and, if needed, have them steamed for a pristine look.
• Embrace the Moments: Embrace every moment and treasure the journey as you step into this new chapter of your life.

Remember, this is your story, your journey, and your special day to cherish. Enjoy every moment, and let the genuine joy of the occasion shine through. We hope you’ve found this wedding planning checklist helpful. For additional guidance and tips on wedding planning, explore our resources section dedicated to all things weddings.