Wedding Planning List

I’ve prepared a complete wedding planning checklist for your reference to help make sure you have everything sorted.  Please feel free to download and use it.

Anyone is free to use this download a PDF version

12+ Months Before

    Set overall budget

    Decide who is contributing financially

    Define wedding style/theme

    Draft preliminary guest list

    Choose preferred season/date range

    Research ceremony venues

    Research reception venues

    Book ceremony venue

    Book reception venue

    Book photographer

    Book videographer

    Book caterer

    Book DJ or band

    Book officiant

    Book florist

    9–12 Months Before

      Choose bridesmaids / groomsmen

      Ask wedding party officially

      Start wedding dress shopping

      Research suits/tuxedos

      Book hair & makeup artist

      Reserve rentals (tables, chairs, linens)

      Choose color palette

      Create wedding website

      Book hotel room blocks

      Start registry

      6–9 Months Before

        Send save-the-dates

        Schedule catering tasting

        Choose menu

        Book cake designer

        Plan ceremony music

        Arrange transportation

        Book honeymoon

        Check passport validity

        4–6 Months Before

          Order wedding dress

          Order bridesmaid dresses

          Order suits/tuxedos

          Buy wedding shoes

          Plan ceremony outline

          Write vows

          Research marriage license requirements

          Finalize floral arrangements

          2–3 Months Before

            Finalize guest list

            Order invitations

            Send invitations

            Create reception layout

            Draft seating chart

            Choose wedding favors

            Hair trial

            Makeup trial

            1 Month Before

              Final dress fitting

              Confirm headcount with caterer

              Create wedding day timeline

              Confirm all vendors

              Prepare tip envelopes

              Apply for marriage license

              Break in wedding shoes

              1 Week Before

                Final venue walk-through

                Finalize seating chart

                Pack décor items

                Confirm transportation times

                Rehearsal & rehearsal dinner

                Pack honeymoon bags

                Wedding Day Essentials

                  Marriage license

                  Rings

                  Vows

                  Vendor contact list

                  Emergency kit

                  Phone chargers

                  Cash for tips

                  After the Wedding

                    Return rentals

                    Preserve dress

                    Write thank-you notes

                    Review vendors

                    Change name (if applicable)

                    Order photo album