If you’re recently engaged, it’s time to start planning your big day! It can be difficult to know exactly what to do and when, so today we’re sharing a wedding planning checklist to walk you through all the steps and nitty-gritty details. You can even print out this checklist to mark off each step and keep yourself organized. We also included a place to list vendors and their contact info at the bottom. Happy planning!
12 Months To Go
- Decide on the amount of guests
- Set wedding budget
- Choose your wedding date
- Book your ceremony and reception venues
- Decide if you want a wedding planner
- Draft guest list and their addresses
- Plan wedding party
9 – 11 Months To Go
- Research and book photographer/videographer
- Determine catering services or choose from venue caterers
- Book florist
- Finalize guest list
- Shop for your wedding dress
- Book a DJ or band
6-8 Months To Go
- Taste wedding cake options and order your cake
- Take engagement photos
- Hire a hair and makeup stylist
- Discuss honeymoon plans and book travel arrangements
- Reserve accommodations for out-of-town guests
- Determine if you’ll have open bar
3-5 Months To Go
- Send out wedding invitations
- Select a ceremony officiator or religious celebrant
- Order your wedding rings
- Shop for bridesmaids dresses and groomsmen’s suits
- Book hair and makeup trials
- Book hotel rooms for night before/day after wedding celebrations
- Finalize wedding itinerary, food menu and floral arrangements
- Determine and select rehearsal dinner venue
- Order wedding favors and centerpieces
- Plan and organize bridal shower and bachelor/bachelorette parties
1-2 Months To Go
- Get the marriage license
- Collect RSVP’s and finalize guest list for the last time
- Confirm the wedding venue decorations and set up
- Determine seating chart
- Walk through itinerary with bridal party
- Order beverages and alcohol if you’re having an open bar
- Buy a guest book and other wedding day accessories
- Put together gifts and favors for bridal party
- Have final dress fitting
- Decide who will MC for the night and say your toasts
- Select entrance and first dance song
- Write wedding vows
- Confirm honeymoon plans
1-2 Weeks To Go
- Pick up rings, wedding dress and groom’s suit
- Ensure bridesmaids and groomsmen have their outfits
- Give the DH any last minute playlists or slideshows to play
- Pack for honeymoon
Week Of:
- Confirm vendor arrival times
- Organize guest transportation
- Pack an emergency kit
- Get your nails and other beauty preparations done
- Give bridal party their gifts
- Get excited for your big day!
Day Of Your Wedding!
- Eat breakfast
- Spend time with your bridesmaids
- Contact your wedding planner or delegate to your maid of honor
- Share a special moment with your spouse
- Enjoy your ceremonies!
Are you planning a wedding of your own? Tell us all about it in the comments!
Happy Planning!
