wedding planning checklist
Planning a wedding can be both exciting and overwhelming. To help you navigate through the process, we’ve compiled a comprehensive checklist with descriptions and how-tos for each step.
The Wedding Planning Checklist can also be downloaded for printable and and external use as a template.
>>Download the FREE Wedding Planning Checklist PDF Here<<
Wedding Planning Checklist
Budget & Basics
Venue & Vendors
Attire & Invitations
Details & Decor
Final Preparations
Week of the Wedding
Day Before
Wedding Day
Post-Wedding
Budget & Basics
Determine Your Budget
- How to: Start by listing all potential expenses, including venue, attire, catering, and entertainment. Consider using a spreadsheet to track costs and allocate funds accordingly.
Choose Potential Dates
- How to: Consider significant dates, season, and availability of key participants. Check with important guests to avoid scheduling conflicts.
Draft a Guest List
- How to: Begin with immediate family and close friends before extending to more distant relatives, coworkers, and acquaintances. Keep your budget and venue size in mind.
Venue & Vendors
Book Ceremony and Reception Venues
- How to: Research and visit several locations. Consider size, location, amenities, and cost. Book early to secure your date.
Hire a Wedding Planner (Optional)
- How to: If desired, interview and select a planner based on experience, style, and budget compatibility.
Secure Key Vendors
- How to: Research and meet with caterers, photographers, florists, and entertainers. Review portfolios, discuss your vision, and compare quotes.
Attire & Invitations
Order Wedding Dress and Suit
- How to: Shop early for attire to allow time for fittings and alterations. Consider your theme, venue, and personal style.
Send Save-the-Date Cards
- How to: Send these out 6-8 months before the wedding, especially if you’re planning a destination wedding or marrying during peak season.
Order Wedding Invitations
- How to: Choose a design that matches your wedding theme. Include all necessary information and send them out 2-3 months before the big day.
Details & Decor
Plan Ceremony and Reception Decor
- How to: Decide on a color scheme and theme. Consider decorations like flowers, table settings, and lighting that align with your vision.
Decide on Menu and Music
- How to: Taste test with caterers and decide on a menu that suits your budget and guests’ dietary needs. Hire a DJ or band and discuss your playlist preferences.
Final Preparations
Purchase Wedding Bands
- How to: Shop together for rings that fit your style and budget. Order in advance to allow time for sizing and engraving.
Apply for a Marriage License
- How to: Check local requirements, gather necessary documents, and apply within the designated timeframe before your wedding.
Confirm Arrangements with All Vendors
- How to: Finalize details, schedules, and payments. Provide vendors with a day-of timeline to ensure smooth coordination.
Week of the Wedding
Pack for the Honeymoon
- How to: Prepare your luggage based on your destination, weather, and planned activities. Don’t forget passports and important documents!
Plan and Attend Rehearsal Dinner
- How to: Organize a run-through of the ceremony. Host a dinner for the wedding party, family, and out-of-town guests.
Prepare Tips and Final Payments for Vendors
- How to: Envelopes with cash or checks for vendors. Designate a trusted person to distribute them on the wedding day.
Day Before
Check in with Wedding Party and Family
- How to: Confirm roles and responsibilities. Ensure everyone knows the schedule and any last-minute details.
Pack an Emergency Kit for the Wedding Day
- How to: Include items like safety pins, stain remover, a sewing kit, and pain relievers. Assign someone to keep it on hand.
Wedding Day
Follow the Schedule, but Stay Flexible
- How to: Keep a relaxed attitude. Delays and minor hiccups can happen, but they won’t overshadow your special day.
Make Sure Someone Is Designated to Handle Day-of Issues
- How to: Assign a wedding planner, friend, or family member to be the point of contact for any issues that arise.
Post-Wedding
Send Thank-You Cards
- How to: Write personalized notes to guests and vendors. Aim to send these within two months after the wedding.
Review Vendors
- How to: Provide feedback on their services. Positive reviews are greatly appreciated and help future couples.
Ensure All Vendor Payments Have Been Finalized
- How to: Review contracts and confirm that all payments have been made. Keep records for your files.
This checklist covers the essentials of wedding planning, offering guidance from the initial stages to post-wedding tasks. Remember, every wedding is unique, so tailor this guide to fit your dream day.
