Wedding Planning Checklist
Your Complete Monthly Timeline
Planning a wedding ranks among life's most exciting yet overwhelming experiences. With countless decisions to make and vendors to coordinate, couples often wonder where to begin and how to stay on track. The secret lies in breaking down the entire process into manageable monthly tasks with clear deadlines.
This comprehensive wedding planning checklist provides a detailed month-by-month roadmap that ensures nothing falls through the cracks. From setting your initial budget to walking down the aisle, you'll discover exactly what to accomplish at each stage of your journey. Whether you're planning an intimate backyard ceremony or a grand ballroom celebration, this timeline adapts to weddings of all sizes and styles.
12+ Months Before: Building Your Foundation
Establish Your Budget and Guest Count
Your wedding budget shapes every decision that follows. Start by determining how much you can realistically spend, then allocate funds across major categories. Typically, venue and catering consume 40-50% of your budget, while photography, attire, flowers, and entertainment split the remaining costs.
Guest count directly impacts your budget and venue options. Create a preliminary list including immediate family, close friends, and extended relatives. Remember that each additional guest increases catering, invitation, and venue costs.
Secure Your Venue
Popular wedding venues book 12-18 months in advance, especially for peak season dates (May through October). Begin your venue search immediately after setting your date. Consider both ceremony and reception locations, keeping travel time between sites minimal for guest convenience.
When visiting venues, ask about:
Availability for your preferred date
Capacity limits and setup options
Included amenities and restrictions
Cancellation policies and payment schedules
Vendor requirements and preferred supplier lists
Book Essential Vendors
After securing your venue, immediately book your photographer and videographer. These professionals often have limited weekend availability and book up quickly. Review portfolios carefully, meet candidates in person, and ensure their style matches your vision.
Choose Your Wedding Party
Ask your closest friends and family members to stand beside you on your wedding day. Give them plenty of advance notice so they can plan accordingly and budget for their participation. Discuss expectations clearly, including pre-wedding events, attire costs, and time commitments.
10-11 Months Before: Locking in Key Details
Finalize Major Vendors
Book your caterer, florist, and entertainment during this period. Research multiple options, read reviews, and schedule in-person meetings. For catering, discuss menu options, dietary restrictions, and service styles. Florists should understand your color scheme and preferred flowers, while entertainment vendors need to know your music preferences and event timeline.
Don't forget to secure your officiant. Whether choosing a religious leader, friend, or professional celebrant, book early to ensure availability.
Start Dress Shopping
Wedding dress shopping requires significant lead time. Dresses typically take 4-6 months to arrive, plus additional time for alterations. Start browsing styles online to identify preferences, then schedule appointments at bridal salons.
For grooms, begin exploring suit or tuxedo options. Consider whether you'll rent or purchase, and factor in time for alterations.
Send Save-the-Dates
Mail save-the-dates 6-8 months before your wedding, especially for destination weddings or holiday weekends. Include essential information: your names, wedding date, city/state, and note that a formal invitation will follow.
8-9 Months Before: Refining Your Vision
Finalize Your Guest List
Work with your partner and families to create your definitive guest list. This affects catering numbers, seating arrangements, and invitation quantities. Consider creating A and B lists if you're hoping for some declines to stay within budget.
Create Your Wedding Registry
Register at stores offering various price points and product categories. Include items you actually need and want in your new home together. Consider experiences or cash funds for your honeymoon alongside traditional household items.
Plan Your Honeymoon
Research destinations, compare prices, and book flights and accommodations. Ensure passports are current for international travel. Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially for expensive trips or international destinations.
6-7 Months Before: Design and Communication
Order Wedding Invitations
Design and order your wedding invitations, allowing time for printing, addressing, and mailing. Your invitations should reflect your wedding style and include all necessary information: ceremony and reception locations, timing, dress code, and RSVP instructions.
Consider hiring a calligrapher or using digital addressing services for a polished appearance.
Book Additional Services
Secure transportation for the wedding party, hair and makeup artists, and any specialty vendors like photo booths or live painters. These services often book up during peak wedding season.
Schedule Menu Tastings
Work with your caterer to finalize your menu through tastings. Consider your guests' dietary restrictions and preferences. Discuss service style, presentation, and any special requests.
4-5 Months Before: Invitations and Celebrations
Send Wedding Invitations
Mail invitations 6-8 weeks before your wedding date. Include response cards with clear RSVP deadlines, typically 3-4 weeks before the wedding. Consider creating a wedding website with additional details and updates.
Order Your Wedding Cake
Meet with bakers, schedule tastings, and place your cake order. Discuss delivery, setup, cutting fees, and any special dietary needs. Consider alternatives like dessert bars or multiple smaller cakes.
Plan Pre-Wedding Events
Coordinate with your wedding party to plan bachelor/bachelorette parties, bridal showers, and rehearsal dinners. Delegate planning responsibilities to avoid overwhelming yourself.
2-3 Months Before: Final Details
Confirm Vendor Arrangements
Contact all vendors to confirm arrangements, review contracts, and provide updated timelines. Share your final guest count with caterers and venue coordinators.
Apply for Your Marriage License
Research requirements in your jurisdiction and apply for your marriage license. Note any waiting periods, expiration dates, and required documentation.
Schedule Final Fittings
Complete final dress fittings and alterations. Schedule hair and makeup trials to perfect your wedding day look. Take photos during trials to see how everything photographs.
1 Month Before: Final Preparations
Create Your Seating Chart
Organize seating arrangements considering family dynamics, guest relationships, and table sizes. Prepare place cards, table numbers, and any special seating requirements.
Confirm Final Details
Call all vendors to confirm arrival times, setup requirements, and day-of logistics. Create a detailed timeline for your wedding day and share it with key vendors and wedding party members.
Prepare for Your Rehearsal
Organize your rehearsal dinner and coordinate with your wedding party about their responsibilities. Confirm the rehearsal time and location with your officiant.
1 Week Before: Rest and Delegate
Handle Final Preparations
Pack for your honeymoon and prepare any items you're personally handling on the wedding day. Confirm weather forecasts and finalize backup plans if needed.
Delegate Responsibilities
Assign specific day-of tasks to reliable family members or friends. Prepare tip envelopes for vendors and create a day-of emergency kit with essentials like stain remover, safety pins, and pain relievers.
Prioritize Self-Care
Get plenty of sleep, eat nutritious meals, and stay hydrated. Consider relaxing activities like massages or quiet time with your partner. Avoid trying new skincare products or dramatic hair changes.