Planning your dream wedding is an exciting and rewarding journey! With so many moving parts and important decisions to be made, it’s an opportunity to create a memorable celebration of love. Having a detailed plan in place will keep you on track and ensure every detail is thoughtfully considered.
A structured wedding planning checklist can serve as your roadmap, breaking down the various tasks into manageable steps to be completed over a year. This not only brings peace of mind but also allows you to fully embrace the journey leading up to your special day, and of course, the day itself, with joy and excitement.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through an exhaustive wedding planning schedule and checklist for the entire year before your big day. From setting a budget to paying your vendors after your big day, we’ve got every detail covered. Each section will provide detailed advice and tips to bring ease to your wedding planning process. Let’s dive in!
Wedding Plan Checklist: 10-12 Months Before Your Wedding Day
Set Your Budget
Your budget is the critical starting point for your wedding planning as it dictates virtually every decision you’ll make. It’s essential to sit down with all involved parties and decide on a realistic budget. Clearly define where the money is coming from and how it will be allocated, accounting for every anticipated expense.
Draft Your Guest List
Your guest list is intrinsically tied to your budget and venue selection, so it’s a good idea to work on this early on. Begin with a dream list and then narrow it down based on logistical and budgetary constraints. Remember that every guest you invite will increase your expenses.
Pick a Date
The wedding date will be one of the most significant decisions you make. Be flexible, but do keep in mind any dates that hold sentimental value for you and your partner. Some venues might offer better rates on less popular days, which could also affect your selection.
Tour and Book Venues
Once you have a date in mind, start looking at venues. Select a few and schedule tours. Consider practical aspects such as capacity, location and style. Once you find the ideal place, don’t hesitate to book it, as popular venues book out quickly.
Hire a Wedding Planner (If Desired)
A professional wedding planner can be an invaluable asset, particularly if time and complexity are issues. They can help you navigate the planning process, offer vendor recommendations, negotiate contracts and manage the finer details, allowing you to focus on the joy of the upcoming celebration.
Find a Wedding Planning App or Website
Technology has made wedding planning easier than ever! There are numerous apps and websites available that can help you stay organized, track your budget and provide inspiration for every aspect of your big day. Find a wedding planning app that suits your needs and make use of it throughout the planning process.
Start Looking at Vendors
Research various vendors such as florists, caterers and photographers. Seek referrals and look at online reviews. It’s also a good idea to ask your venue for recommendations, as they often work closely with a network of trusted professionals.
Choose Your Wedding Party
Selecting your wedding party can take time and requires careful thought. Choose the people who are your closest confidants and who you envision standing by your side on your big day. Be clear about your expectations and any financial commitments early on.
Wedding Planning Checklist: 8-9 Months Before Wedding Day
Book Photographer and Videographer
High-quality photos and videos are essential for capturing memories that will last a lifetime. Book a photographer and videographer whose style you love and who has a solid reputation for being professional and reliable.
Take Engagement Photos
Engagement photos can be used for save-the-dates, your wedding website and even your invitations. This is also a great opportunity to get to know your photographer and feel comfortable in front of the camera before the big day.
Set Up Your Registry
Creating a wedding registry is a fun, anticipated part of the wedding planning process. Register for items you both need and that represent your style. Select a variety of price points to accommodate the budgets of all your guests.
Reserve Hotel Rooms for Out-of-Town Guests
To ensure the comfort and convenience of your out-of-town guests, reserve a block of hotel rooms at a nearby hotel. Many hotels offer special rates for wedding parties and guests, so be sure to inquire about these savings.
Find Your Officiant
Whether it’s a religious figure or a close friend, your officiant plays a significant role in your ceremony. Meet with potential candidates and be clear about the type of ceremony you want. Ensure they are available on your chosen wedding date.
Order Your Wedding Dress
Your wedding dress shopping process can take time, with multiple fittings over several months. Therefore, start the selection process early and consider factors such as style, fit and the overall look and feel you want to create. It’s important to order your dress so that it arrives in time for all necessary alterations.
Do the Same for the Groom
While the groom’s attire may not take as long to select or fit, it’s an equally important decision. Wedding planning to have the groom’s attire ready well in advance will allow for any necessary alterations and ensure its prepared for the big day.
Wedding Plan Checklist: 6-7 Months Before Your Wedding Day
Finalize and Compile Addresses
Gather the addresses of all your invited guests. This can be a time-consuming process, so start early. Be sure to have complete and updated mailing addresses in a digital format that can be easily shared with those helping with the process.
Send Out Save-the-Dates
With your date and venue confirmed, it’s time to notify your guests. Save-the-dates are a thoughtful and stylish way to inform them of the upcoming wedding so they can mark their calendars and begin making any necessary travel plans.
Design and Order Invitations
Invitations set the tone for your wedding and should reflect the style and theme you’ve chosen. Work with a stationer to create custom designs or select from existing templates from an online store. Be sure to plan on ordering extra for any last-minute additions to your guest list.
Choose Bridesmaid Dresses
Work with your bridal party to select the bridesmaid dresses. Coordinate colors and styles that complement your wedding dress and the overall theme of your wedding. Allow enough time for alterations and shipping, if needed.
Caterer and Florist
Your caterer and florist are critical in creating the ambiance and experience of your wedding day. Plan to book these services well in advance and begin the process of menu and floral arrangements to ensure they align with your vision.
Plan for Transportation
Decide on the mode of transportation for various points on your wedding day, such as the limo for the bridal party or transportation to and from the ceremony and reception venues for guests. Make the arrangements and book as necessary.
Reserve Equipment and Rentals
This includes items such as chairs, tables, linens and tents. Many venues offer some of these items, but others may need to be rented. Arrange for delivery and setup on your wedding day to avoid last-minute stress.
Wedding Planning Checklist: 4-5 Months Before Wedding Day
Cake Tasting and Ordering
Your wedding cake should be a beautiful and delicious centerpiece. Schedule a tasting with your chosen baker to decide on flavors and design. Plan to finalize and place your order and confirm delivery details for your wedding day.
Send Your Invitations
Traditionally, invitations go out six to eight weeks before the wedding, so mail them in four to five months. Include important information such as the RSVP date, meal options (if applicable) and confidence in the attire to be worn.
Rehearsal Dinner Plans
Finalize and book the details of your rehearsal dinner. This celebration is typically the evening before the wedding and serves as a casual gathering for your wedding party and immediate family to relax and connect before the big day.
Hair and Makeup Artists
Begin shopping around for hair and makeup artists. Book trials to decide on your desired look and finalize any special requests you have. Be sure to book them for the wedding day, too.
Musical Selections
Your music sets the mood, so lock in your choices for the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception. Whether it’s a DJ, live band or ensemble, ensure they have the selection of music required to fulfill your vision.
Wedding Dress Fitting
Your first dress fitting should be about four to five months before your wedding. Additional fittings will be required, so be sure to have a clear schedule with your seamstress and make arrangements as necessary.
Bachelorette and Bachelor Parties
While the details can vary widely, it’s time to start planning these celebrations. This is a great opportunity to relax and unwind with your closest friends before the final push leading up to the big day.
Wedding Plan Checklist: 3 Months Before Your Wedding Day
Finalize Your Menu
Taste all the options your caterer has to offer. Decide on the final menu and any specialty options for guests with dietary restrictions. Confirm the details and be sure to have your final headcount secured.
Order or Print Programs
Programs are a great way for guests to follow along with the ceremony. Whether you personalize them with a monogram or programs that fold out with your entire ceremony breakdown, be sure to order or print these at this time.
Meet with Your Officiant
Together, review the ceremony and ensure every detail is in place. This includes readings, any special traditions and the vow structure. Make any necessary changes or additions at this time to have a seamless ceremony.
Finalize Rings
Resize or design custom wedding bands for an added personal touch. Be sure to order them so they arrive on time and address any issues that may arise.
Finalize Flowers
Meet with your florist to review the final plans and arrangements. Make any changes and finalize what flowers and greenery will be used in your ceremony and reception.
Create a Wedding Day Timeline
This detailed plan should include the timing for hair and makeup, when vendors will arrive and the sequence of events from ceremony to reception. Share this with your wedding party and vendors to ensure everyone is aligned on the day’s schedule.
Wedding Planning Checklist: 2 Months Before Wedding Day
Meet with Your Photographer
Review shot lists and discuss any particular photos you want to ensure on your wedding day. Go over the timeline and locations for the best photo opportunities.
Review with Your Entertainment
Whether you’ve chosen a DJ or a live band, review the playlist and overall ambiance you’d like for the cocktail hour and reception. Share the timing of special moments that will require specific music.
Bridal Party Gifts
It’s time to find groomsmen and bridesmaid gifts! Show appreciation to your wedding party by gifting them something special. This can be as simple or extravagant as you’d like and serves as a great gesture of gratitude for the role they play in your special day.
Bachelorette and Bachelor Party Recap
Share the highlights of these celebrations, remembering that this may be the last time to relax before the final push towards your wedding day. Reflect on the upcoming commitment you are making and the excitement that lies ahead.
Check with All Vendors
Ensure all details are confirmed, and any last-minute needs are being addressed. Having this check-in will give you peace of mind and an opportunity for any final adjustments.
Groom’s Attire
It’s time for the groom to be fitted for his suit or tuxedo. Ensure that all groomsmen also have their attire ready to go and address any issues with fit or delivery at this time.
Vendor Payments
Send out any final payments or tips to vendors, as they typically are due the month of the wedding. This will prevent any financial transactions from occurring on your actual wedding day.
Wedding Plan Checklist: 1 Month Before Your Wedding Day
Obtain Your Marriage License
Make arrangements to obtain your marriage license. Bring all necessary documents and comply with any waiting periods or other local requirements.
Final Wedding Dress Fitting
Your dress should fit flawlessly at this point. Speak up if you have any issues with the fit. Take time to practice walking in it and ensure you are comfortable with your wedding day look.
Rehearsal Dinner Invitations
Send out formal invitations to your rehearsal dinner. Include all pertinent details and gather RSVPs to ensure you have an accurate headcount for this event as well.
Create Final Seating Chart
Plan out where each guest will sit. Be sure to include any special accommodations based on family or social dynamics. Double-check that your seating plan is inclusive and accommodating for all guests.
Write Your Vows
Personal, heartfelt vows can be the most memorable part of your ceremony. Start this reflective process early enough to give your words the consideration they deserve. Practice reading them out loud to build confidence in your delivery.
Get Final Payments Ready
Put together all the checks required to pay off vendors on your wedding day. Assign a trusted person to distribute these payments, so it’s one less thing for you to worry about.
Pack Your Wedding Emergency Kit
Prepare a kit with essentials like pain relievers, water, a sewing kit, mints and other personal items you may need on the big day. Share this responsibility with a member of your wedding party who will be with you throughout the day.
Wedding Planning Checklist: 1 Week Before Wedding Day
Final Vendor Check-Ins
Connect with all your vendors to ensure they have the final timeline and details. Reconfirm arrival times and any other last-minute arrangements.
Final Headcount
Provide the final headcount to your caterer and any vendors who need this information for preparation. Be sure to account for any last-minute RSVPs and communicate these as well.
Prepare for Day-of Payments
If you have not paid vendors in advance, prepare checks or cash in labeled envelopes. Organize tips for individuals like your band, waitstaff and other service providers, as well as any other agreed-upon cash payments.
Break in Your Wedding Shoes
Wear your wedding shoes around the house to break them in for comfort. If they’re closed-toe, consider adding gel insoles for additional cushioning. Ensure they have a good scuff-free polish for the big day.
Make Final Guest Calls
Reach out to any guests who have not RSVP’d to confirm if they will join. You need a precise headcount for your caterer, so these final confirmations are crucial.
Send Wedding Day Timeline to Vendors
Ensure that the final version of your wedding day timeline includes all vendor arrivals and set-up times. Share it with all involved parties to guarantee everyone is on the same page.
Hair, Nails and More
Treat yourself to a final day of relaxation with a spa day. Get your hair and nails done for your upcoming nuptials. This is also a good time for any necessary touch-ups to your hair color or cut.
Wedding Plan Checklist: After the Wedding Day
Pay Any Remaining Balances
If you have not already paid all balances, take care of any remaining vendor payments promptly. This will mark the official closing of your wedding accounts.
Write Thank You Notes
Express sincere thanks to everyone who helped make your day special, including vendors, the wedding party and any friends or family who went above and beyond. Personalized thank-you notes are always appreciated.
Preserve Your Wedding Gown
Have your wedding dress cleaned and preserved to keep as a special memento of your big day. Ensure it’s done by a reputable specialist who understands the needs of your gown.
Change Your Last Name
If you decide to change your last name, begin the process of doing so officially. This includes updating your social security card, driver’s license, passport, bank accounts and any other relevant documents or registrations.
Research Life Insurance
Now that you’re married, it’s a great time to consider life insurance as an investment in your future together. Research different options and consult with an expert to determine what’s best for your needs.
By following these detailed wedding planning tips, you’re setting yourself up for a wedding day that reflects your love, style and attention to detail. Embrace each stage of the process, and the end result will be a day that you cherish for a lifetime. Congratulations on taking these first steps toward a beautiful future together!
Ready to plan your dream wedding? Our team of designers has a stunning selection of wedding dresses awaiting you. Visit our website to see them all and find a store near you to try them on.