Wedding Planning Checklist: Key Tasks & Timeline

Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, but with a clear timeline, it’s easy to stay on track. Use this guide to organize your wedding plans and ensure everything runs smoothly!

12-18 Months Before the Wedding

• Set Your Budget: Establish your overall wedding budget and how much you want to spend on each aspect (venue, decor, dress, etc.).
• Create Your Guest List: Start drafting your guest list to get an idea of the number of people attending.
• Book Your Venue: Popular venues book up fast, so reserve your venue as soon as possible to get the date you 
• Hire a Wedding Planner (Optional): If you want someone to guide you every step of the way, a wedding planner is a great way to go!
• Choose Your Wedding Theme/Style/Colors: Decide on the overall aesthetic you want your wedding to reflect and the colors for your wedding to guide decor and attire decisions.

9-12 Months Before the Wedding

• Book Major Vendors: Secure your photographer, videographer, caterer, florist, decor, and entertainment/DJ.
• Start Wedding Dress Shopping: Begin shopping for your dress to allow time for ordering and alterations.
• Send Save-the-Dates: If you have a destination wedding or expect many out-of-town guests, consider sending save-the-dates now.
• Choose Wedding Party: Select and invite your bridesmaids, groomsmen, and other important roles for the big day.

6-9 Months Before the Wedding

• Finalize Your decor: Review decor options and begin more detailed design creation. 
•  Finalize Guest List: Solidify your guest list and start collecting addresses for invitations.
• Book Hair and Makeup: Lock in your beauty team to ensure they’re available for your date.
• Plan Honeymoon: Start researching and booking your honeymoon destination.
• Order Invitations: Finalize the design and start the ordering process for your wedding invitations.
• Order Wedding Cake: Meet with bakers and arrange tastings to choose your perfect cake.

3-6 Months Before the Wedding

• Schedule Dress Fittings: Ensure alterations are scheduled and on track for your wedding dress.
• Plan Ceremony Details: Choose readings, music, and vows for the ceremony.
• Arrange Transportation: Book any transportation for the day of, like limousines or shuttles.
• Mail Invitations: Send out your wedding invitations.
• Design and Order Decor Items: Finalize your decor choices and place orders for custom items like signage, table settings, and lighting.

1-2 Months Before the Wedding

• Get a Marriage License: Apply for your marriage license, which may have a waiting period depending on your location.
• Create Wedding Day Timeline: Organize a detailed schedule of your wedding day, including when vendors should arrive.
• Confirm Vendor Details: Double-check all contracts, schedules, and payments with your vendors.
• Plan Seating Chart: Organize where guests will sit at your reception and order printing services.

1-2 Weeks Before the Wedding 

• Final Dress Fitting: Have your final fitting to ensure your dress fits perfectly.
• Pack for Honeymoon: If you’re leaving immediately after the wedding, have your honeymoon bags ready.
• Create a Packing List: Create a list with everything you will need at the venue. This can help ensure you don’t forget anything on the day-of! 
• Prepare Final Payments: Gather any remaining vendor payments or tips for easy distribution on the wedding day.

The Night Before

• Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner: Hold your rehearsal, followed by a rehearsal dinner with your wedding party and close family.
• Review Packing List: Review the packing list one last time to ensure you have everything packed. 
• Relax and Enjoy: Spend time with friends and family, and get a good night’s sleep!