Apr 3, 20203 min read

The Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist

When planning a wedding, the list of tasks and to-do's seem to be ever-growing and never-ending! It's so important to stay organized and on top of everything to ensure that every detail gets handled, but it can be overwhelming if you don't have a good place to start. Our Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist will simplify your wedding to-do's all in one place. Keep this checklist handy for easy reference and check back every few months to ensure you're on target for the big day. Good luck!

13 to 24 Months Before Your Wedding

This refers to longer engagements, but these tasks can be handled at the one year mark as well.

Tell all your family and friends you’re engaged!
Insure your engagement ring
Set up a wedding website
Start a Pinterest board
Start planning your guest list to get a good idea of numbers
Start your wedding budget
Choose your wedding date/season
Choose a wedding theme
Host an engagement party
Begin looking at venues

1 Year Before Your Wedding

Book reception facility
Book your officiant
Hire a wedding planner (if necessary and budget permits)
Have an engagement photo shoot (hint – this is a good way to find out in advance if you’ve chosen the right photographer for your wedding)
Choose your wedding party
Choose your color scheme
Plan and budget for your honeymoon
Order your passport if you plan to travel for your honeymoon
Start wedding dress and bridal party shopping
Start researching your bachelor/bachelorette parties
Get started on a health and skincare routine

6 to 9 Months Before Your Wedding

Finalize your guest list
Hire your photographer
Book your DJ, musicians or other entertainment
Hire your florist, caterer and other wedding vendors
Order your invitations and thank you cards
Purchase your wedding dress and bridal party dresses
Send out save the date cards
Book any transportation needs and reserve hotel rooms for out-of-town guests
Book a suite for your wedding night
Revisit your budget to make sure you’re on track and make any adjustments
Confirm any rentals you may need, including a tent, tables, chairs, linens and table settings

4 Months Before Your Wedding

Order your flowers
Register for marriage classes
Book your rehearsal dinner
Decide on your hair and makeup style and book appointments with stylists
Have several tasting sessions and choose your cake and food
Start writing your vows and choose any ceremony readings
Create a schedule of the ceremony and reception activities
Schedule dress fittings for yourself and your bridal party
Purchase your rings
Plan the menus for all your pre-wedding events
Purchase gifts for your wedding party

6 to 8 Weeks Before Your Wedding

Send out your wedding invitations (can be done earlier if you're expecting international guests or a destination wedding)
Start tracking RSVPs
Arrange for your marriage license
Plan any name change documents and insurance
Finalize your reception menu
Finalize any outstanding vendor bookings
Purchase a guestbook
Purchase favors
Create a seating plan
Confirm any travel arrangements
Get together with your bridal party to help you coordinate the details of the day
Purchase your wedding accessories including shoes, jewelry, veil, ring pillows, gloves etc.

1 Month Before Your Wedding

Finalize your wedding vows
Have a trial hair and makeup day
Finish tracking and following up RSVPs
Final fitting of your gown
Find something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue!
Pick up your wedding rings
Start preparing DIY elements of your wedding
Prepare thank you cards
Prepare a shot-list for your photographer
Get a facial and continue with your skincare routine

2 Weeks Before Your Wedding

Finalize your guest list and give a final headcount to your reception facility, caterer etc.
Confirm all final arrangements with your vendors
Send detailed instructions to your bridal party and vendors, including the final schedule for the ceremony and reception
Pack for your honeymoon
Provide a final song-list to your DJ/musicians
Print place cards
Prepare payment for all your vendors
Write speeches
Pick up your wedding dress

1 Week Before Your Wedding

Build a bridal emergency kit with tissues, lipstick, band aids, a sewing kit, safety pins etc.
Check the weather forecast and make any required alternative plans
Have a spa day with your bridal party. (Be careful about getting a facial this close to your wedding day. It may cause breakouts.)

1 to 3 days Before Your Wedding

Get a manicure/pedicure
Wedding rehearsal or pre-wedding dinner
Pack all your wedding day items including your rings, booking receipts, passports, shoes, accessories, vows and your marriage license
Arrange for someone in your wedding party to transport any gifts or flower arrangements before and after the wedding
Finish DIY elements and arrangements
Arrange for return of rental items
Get as much rest as possible