Your Wedding Planning Checklist

So you’re getting married! What an exciting time for you, your fiancé, and your families! Your life is full of beauty, love and happiness. The following is a checklist to help keep your wedding planning running smoothly.

Click Here for a downloadable PDF of this checklist!

12-16 MONTHS

O Announce your engagement

O Begin doing your research by purchasing bridal magazines and visiting with other brides

O Start thinking about a wedding theme and begin a bridal folder with all your ideas

O Work out your wedding budget

O Research venues, photographers, band/DJ, and potential wedding consultants

9-12 MONTHS

O Select your wedding consultant if you are using one

O Select your wedding party members and make sure to ask them

O Start your guest list

O Finalize your wedding theme so you can begin to look for decoration ideas

O Arrange for tastings with caterers and bakers, then select and book

O Book your band/DJ for the reception

O Book your photographer

O Begin research on florists and start collecting pictures of floral ideas

O Book your venues for your wedding and reception

O Start to visit bridal stores for your wedding gown and bridesmaid dresses

O Meet with officiant and begin plans for the wedding ceremony

O Select and order your wedding gown

O If the wedding or reception is in a park or public space, make sure to obtain permits

O Take time to meet with your attendants, informing them of your ideas

O Register for gifts

O Decide on the food and liquor. Let your vendors know your theme

O Order your veil, headpiece, shoes, and other accessories

O Begin researching all travel and lodging information for out-of-town guests (airlines, hotels, car rental) and start thinking about guest gift bags for them

6-9 MONTHS

O Time for your first wedding gown fitting

O Select your bridesmaid and flower girl dresses and begin to consider groomsmen attire

O Select florist and begin coordinating with them O If you are working with a wedding consultant finalize all details with them

O Refer the groomsmen to the formal wear store of

your choice

O Select and order your wedding invitations, thank you cards, and any additional stationery needed

O Book a block of hotel rooms for your out-of-town guests

O Select and purchase your rings

O Proof your invitations and send out your save-the-dates

O Start looking for honeymoon options

4-6 MONTHS

O Finalize your honeymoon destination

O Send your guest list to the host of your shower

O Place your cake order and arrange for delivery

O Make reservations for the rehearsal dinner

2-4 MONTHS

O Address your invitations

O Select your vows

O The groom should try on his tuxedo

O Make your honeymoon reservations

O Make an appointment with a stylist/hairdresser to discuss wedding day hairstyles

O Discuss your bachelorette party plans with your attendants

O Mail your wedding invitations

O Go to your final wedding dress and tuxedo fittings and arrange for pickup or delivery of attire

O Purchase gifts for your wedding party

O Arrange for any transportation for the wedding party

6 WEEKS

O Get your wedding license

O Send rehearsal dinner invitations

O Confirm all music selections needed for ceremony or reception

O Write your newspaper announcement and provide picture for the paper

O Purchase a gift for your spouse-to-be

O Go in for a practice hairstyling for the wedding day and confirm appointment for the big day. Make sure to include attendants in this

4 WEEKS

O Confirm your floral order and delivery of your flowers for the day of the wedding

O Meet with the officiant again to confirm all readings, etc.

O Finalize seating arrangements for guests

O Schedule for a makeup dry run with your makeup artist and then book for the day of the wedding

O Schedule your wedding day manicure and pedicure

O Finalize details with your photographer

O Finalize your honeymoon plans and book your honeymoon

O Post your wedding announcement on your wedding website

O Schedule pickup and return of grooms wear

3 WEEKS

O Contact anyone who has not responded to your invitations

O Finalize the list of reception guests and provide the headcount for the caterer

O Finalize arrangement and placement of wedding flowers and decorations

1 WEEK

O Pick up your wedding dress

O Email the timeline and any pertinent information to bridal party

O Pack for your honeymoon and pick up any travelers checks and accessories needed

O Make sure to delegate wedding day tasks to dependable friends or family

DAY OF THE WEDDING

O Eat a good breakfast

O Have hair styled, nails, and makeup done

O Allow plenty of time to get ready

O Most of all ~ relax and enjoy

Now that you’ve run through the checklist, here are a few words of wisdom from a former bridesmaid, mother-of-the-bride, and bride.

It is your wedding. Do things your way with your style. All three of my kids had completely unique weddings. Each one delightfully, beautifully ‘them’.

Be prepared for a few “oops” and know that when they happen, no one will know except you. So cut yourself some slack!

Ultimately, it is about the love you and your fiancé have for each other. Keep that always first in your mind, heart, and planning process. It is not about how much you spend on your rings, dress, venue or meal, but rather how much you love and are loved. Enjoy the moments of your day while remembering this is how you are beginning your life together.