The Best Wedding Planning Checklist for Bride and Groom Ever
BEST WEDDING PLANNING CHECKLIST
The best-laid plans of mice and men (and brides) often go awry, but that’s no reason to throw planning out the window. If you spend the time early on to lay out details and set in place backup plans, when the inevitable setback occurs you’ll be able to take it in stride.
There are lots of things to keep track of when planning your wedding and it can get overwhelming.
Lucky for you, we’ve made this handy list to make it easy for you to check off your tasks.
6 to 12 months
Announce your engagement
Develop a budget
Choose a date
Decide how many people to invite
Research & visit venues
Choose a location for your “I Do’sâ€
Research & visit venues
Create a wedding website
Create a wedding notebook
Reserve a block of hotel rooms for out of town guests
Select your wedding party
Hire a wedding planner
Book an officiant
Hire your photographer
Hire your videographer
Research caterers and florists
Start shopping for a dress
4 to 6 months
Send “save the date†cards
Reserve a block of hotel rooms for out of town guests (p. 54)
Register for gifts
Select an invitation style and determine the wording
Order your gown and veil
Shop for bridesmaids dresses
Determine groomsmen’s attire
Discuss ceremony ideas and wording with the officiant
Set up premarital counseling (some officants require this step)
Book honeymoon and make travel arrangements
Purchase wedding rings
Select baker and confirm wedding cake and decorations
Reserve rental equipment (tent, tables, chairs, etc.)
Schedule tastings with caterers
Finalize floral arrangements
2 to 4 months
Finalize guest list
Invite friends and family to give toasts
Select hairstylist and makeup artist
Consider teeth whitening
Finalize menu
Arrange rehearsal dinner
Mail invitations 8 weeks prior to big day
Update wedding website
Take engagement photos
One month
Organize RSVPs and contact guests who haven’t responded
Get marriage license
Try on wedding dress for shoes with final fitting
Assign seating for reception
Finalize music list
Check bridal party attire
Practice your first dance
Find someone to watch your home or feed pets during honeymoon
Review must-have shots with videographer/photographer
Begin writing thank you notes for early wedding gifts
Write vows and toasts
Update your registry
1 to 2 weeks
Confirm final guest count and wedding day schedule with all vendors
Confirm transportation arrangements
Confirm times and locations for photo sessions
Share wedding day schedule with attendants and family members
Book a spa treatment
Meet with stylist for a test run
Organize wedding dress, shoes and all accessories, including jewelry and bridal emergency kit
Pack for wedding night and honeymoon
The day before
Prepare payment for vendors and determine how they will be delivered
Rehearse with officiant and bridal party
Wedding day
Give yourself plenty of time to get ready
Eat a nutritious breakfast and drink plenty of fluids
Exchange gifts with your groom
Have fun and enjoy the biggest celebration of your life!