A Monthly & Weekly Wedding Planning Checklist
I know how much goes into a wedding and it can be a lot of work. But it can be overwhelming to know where to start! This is long and it doesn’t cover absolutely everything but it should definitely help. Hopefully this checklist will help you know where to start and how to plan your wedding and get you on the right track!
9-12 months
- Announce your engagement
- Select your wedding date
- Determine your budget and if and how expenses will be shared
- Hire a wedding planner or coordinator
- Determine the type of wedding: location, theme, formality, time of day, guests
- Get something like a binder or planning app to keep track of appointments and such
- Keep a record system of all payments and when they are due
- Create a rough draft of your guest list and an approximate number of guests
- Select and reserve ceremony site
- Obtain any documents you may need
- Select and order bridal gown
- Select and book your photographer and set a date for your engagement shoot
6-9 months
- Select and book caterer, if needed
- Select and book officiant
- Select wedding party and give them a list of their duties and what’s expected of them
- Select attire for bridesmaids, flower girls, and mothers of the bride and groom
- Select and book band or DJ for reception
- Select and book videographer
- Select and book florist
- Register for wedding gifts
4-6 months
- Schedule fittings for bridesmaid gowns if needed
- Arrange for marriage prep courses if needed
- Reserve rental items
- Finalize guest list
- Order invitations and other stationary
- Start planning your honeymoon
- Shop for gifts for each other, parents, and wedding party
- Buy shoes and other bridal accessories
- Select and order wedding rings
2-4 months
- Take engagement photos
- Order wedding cake
- Order wedding favors
- Select your wedding decor
- Book wedding day transportation if needed
- Address your invitations and send them out
- Go on hair and makeup trials and book
- Get any needed permits for photography
6-8 weeks
- Record who has RSVPed
- Purchase ceremony and reception accessories such as guest book, champagne glasses, etc
- Select and reserve attire for the groomsman
2-6 weeks
- Finalize all food and beverages for wedding
- Finalize all details with the ceremony and reception
- Arrange for final fitting of bridal gown
- Make a detailed wedding day timeline and send a copy to all vendors and the bridal party
- Touch base with all your vendors and make final arrangements
- Contact guests who haven’t replied
- Pick up wedding rings
- Create reception seating plan if needed
- Finalize your music selection
- Arrange for someone to watch your place or pets if needed
1 week
- Give caterer and reception venue final tally of guests
- Pack for your honeymoon
- Finalize reception favors
Day before
- Drop off all accessories and decor at ceremony and reception locations
- Have final payments ready for vendors if some still need paid
- Make sure everything is ready to go for your honeymoon
- Make sure wedding party has their itinerary
Wedding day!
- Eat breakfast (seriously eat something)
- Pack anything on your ‘to bring’ list into cars
- Make sure maid of honor and best man have the rings
- Make sure you have your marriage license and any necessary photography permits
- Put your engagement ring on
- Remember to drink lots of water and get enough to eat
Remember to take a moment to enjoy the details of the day that you planned so long and hard for!
LET’S TALK ABOUT YOUR DAY!
Give me the details! Let’s talk about your wedding or elopement day. Just fill out the form & I’ll be in touch with you soon. The more info you give me the better! You can also view pricing info.