The Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist: What to Do and When

Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming with so many details to consider and tasks to complete. To help you stay organized and ensure that nothing slips through the cracks, we’ve created the ultimate wedding planning checklist. Follow this guide to keep your wedding preparations on track and enjoy a stress-free journey to your big day!

12+ Months Before: The Foundation of Your Wedding

1. Research and interview wedding planners
   • Did you know wedding planning takes roughly 500-600 hours? If you don’t think you can commit to this yourself, find yourself a planner who will take this burden off your shoulders.
2. Set a Budget
   • Determine your total budget and allocate funds to various aspects of the wedding, including venue, attire, and catering.
3. Create a Guest List
   • Draft an initial list of guests to estimate the number of attendees and make venue selection easier.
4. Choose a Date and Venue
   • Select a wedding date and book your venue. Popular locations can book up quickly, so secure your spot early.
5. Start Researching & Booking Vendors
   • Begin researching and reaching out to vendors such as photographers, florists, and caterers.

6-9 Months Before: Bringing Your Vision to Life

1. Send Save-the-Dates
   • Notify your guests of your wedding date and location with save-the-date cards.
2. Choose Your Attire
   • Start shopping for your wedding dress or suit and schedule fittings. Don’t forget about accessories!
3. Plan the Wedding Registry
   • Set up your wedding registry and share it with your guests.
4. Plan the Honeymoon
   • Research and book your honeymoon destination and accommodations.

3-6 Months Before: Finalizing Details

1. Send Out Invitations
   • Design and send out your formal wedding invitations. Include RSVP instructions and any additional information.
2. Create a Wedding Timeline
   • Develop a detailed timeline for the wedding day, including the ceremony, reception, and other key events.
3. Finalize Menu and Cake
   • Choose your reception menu and finalize details with your caterer. Select your wedding cake design and flavors.
4. Schedule Hair and Makeup Trials
   • Book trial sessions for your hair and makeup to ensure you’re happy with the look for your big day.
5. Order Wedding Favors
   • Select and order wedding favors for your guests as a token of appreciation.

1-2 Months Before: The Final Countdown

1. Confirm Details with Vendors
   • Reconfirm all details with your vendors, including arrival times, setup requirements, and contact information.
2. Have a Final Dress Fitting
   • Ensure your wedding dress or suit fits perfectly and make any necessary alterations.
3. Create a Seating Chart
   • Develop a seating chart for the reception and communicate it to your venue.
4. Prepare Your Wedding Day Emergency Kit
   • Pack an emergency kit with essentials such as safety pins, pain relievers, and a sewing kit.
5. Confirm Guest List
   • Follow up with guests who haven’t RSVPed and provide final headcount to your venue and caterer.

1 Week Before: Last-Minute Preparations

1. Confirm Arrangements
   • Double-check all arrangements with your vendors and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
2. Rehearse the Ceremony
   • Conduct a rehearsal with your bridal party and officiant to ensure everyone knows their roles.
3. Pick Up Attire
   • Collect your wedding dress or suit and any accessories.
4. Prepare Payments and Tips
   • Organize payments and tips for your vendors to distribute on the wedding day.
5. Relax and Enjoy
   • Take some time for yourself to relax and enjoy the final moments before your wedding day.

Day Of: Enjoy Your Dream Wedding

1. Eat a Good Breakfast
   • Start your day with a nutritious breakfast to keep your energy up.
2. Stay Hydrated and Relaxed
   • Drink plenty of water and take deep breaths to stay calm and enjoy the day.
3. Follow Your Timeline
   • Stick to your wedding day timeline and enjoy each moment as it comes.
4. Have Fun!
   • Most importantly, have fun and celebrate with your loved ones. Your wedding day is the start of a beautiful new chapter!

Conclusion

With this ultimate wedding planning checklist, you’ll be well-prepared to handle all the details and enjoy your big day. Remember, the key to a successful wedding is staying organized and keeping a positive attitude. If you need any help along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional wedding planner who can make your dream wedding a reality. I’d love to help!