The Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist

Proper planning will ensure that your wedding goes off as you expect. Wedding planning can be overwhelming, use the checklist below or one similar to make sure you’re not overlooking any detail.

Twelve Months or Earlier

  Announce your engagement.
  Set the date for the wedding. (Consider schedules, vacations, holidays, etc...)
  Determine the type of wedding you want: location, time of day, number of guests, etc...
  Develop a budget and how expenses will be shared.
  Draw up a guest list.
  Create a file for contracts, forms, important papers, etc...
  Attend Bridal Shows.
  Select a Wedding Coordinator (if applicable).
  Select and reserve the ceremony location.
  Select and reserve the officiant.
  Select and reserve the reception location.
  Select and order the bridal gown.
  Determine the color scheme.
  Send engagement notice and photograph to local newspaper.
  Select and book the photographer.
  Select and book the DJ or reception musicians.
  Select the wedding party.

Nine to Twelve Months

  Select flower girl and ring bearer.
Reserve wedding night bridal suite.
Select wedding party's dresses/tuxedos, shoes and accessories.
  Select and book caterer.
  Select and book ceremony musicians.
Schedule fittings and delivery dates for yourself and wedding party.
  Select and book videographer.
  Select and book florist.

Six to Nine Months

  Start shopping for each other's wedding gifts.
  Reserve rental items needed for ceremony and reception.
  Finalize guest list.
  Select and order wedding invitations, thank you notes, wedding programs, etc...
  Address invitations.
  Set date, time and location of rehearsal dinner.
  Schedule Bachelor Party. (optional)
  Schedule Bachelorette Party. (optional)
  Arrange accommodations for out-of-town guests.
  Start planning your honeymoon.
  Select and book all miscellaneous services.
  Register for gifts at Bridal Registry.
  Purchase shoes and accessories.

Four to Six Months

  Select bakery and order cake.
Order flowers.
  Select and order decorations.
  Purchase honeymoon attire and luggage.
  Select and book limo for wedding day.
  Check marriage license requirements.
Shop for wedding rings.
Plan activities for your out-of-town guests (for both before and after the wedding.)
  Purchase gifts for wedding party.

Six to Eight Weeks

  Mail invitations.
  Maintain a record of RSVP's and all gifts received.
  Send thank-you notes upon receipt of gifts.
  Determine hair style and makeup.
  Finalize shopping for wedding day accessories. (toasting glasses, guest book, etc...)
  Check with your local newspapers for wedding announcement requirements.
  Have your formal wedding portrait taken.
  Arrange for name and address changes.

One Week

  Take week off and go over final details.
  Pick up wedding attire and make sure everything fits.
  Finalize guest count with caterer and reception location.
  Gather everything needed for rehearsal and wedding day.
  Review the schedule of events and last minute arrangements.
  Contact all service providers and go over last minute details.
  Confirm honeymoon reservations and accommodations.
  Pick up tickets and travelers checks.
  Finish packing suitcases for the honeymoon.
  Have the Post Office hold your mail and stop your newspapers.

Day Before

  Give accessories to wedding party.
  Give Best Man the officiant's fee.
  Give remaining checks for any other service providers to the designated person.
  Arrange for someone to bring accessories to ceremony and reception.
      (ring pillow, guest book and pen, toasting glasses, cake cutting knife, etc...)
  Arrange for someone to return rental items after the wedding.
  Provide each member of the wedding party with a schedule of events for the wedding.
  Get plenty of rest.

Your Wedding Day!

  Enjoy a good breakfast.
  Have hair, nails and makeup done.
  Have wedding clothes ready two hours early.
  Best Man has marriage license/officiant's fee.
  Groom has honeymoon tickets/money, etc...
  Wedding party arrive one hour prior to wedding.
  Confirm going away outfit will be at reception.
  Give the groom's ring to the maid of honor.
  Simply follow the schedule.
Relax and enjoy the day!