Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist

December 17, 2019

Wedding Planning Checklist

downloadable wedding planning guide at the end of this post!

This is it!! You just got ENGAGED!! And it’s time to start planning your wedding day!

Planning a wedding can become overwhelming! (This is why we eloped ha!) Having the day you always envisioned can take a lot of work and organization! This is why I’m sharing with you the ultimate wedding planning checklist! If you stay organized and make a plan everything will fall into places! This list is only an idea of what you could look for for your day! Not everything will apply for you but it’s always good to get inspired and to not forget anything! Wedding planning can be a lot of fun and I hope this list will help you achieve your dream day!

To help you start on your dream wedding I created this ultimate wedding planning checklist! You can see the list below in this article and also download for free the planning guide that you can keep on your computer or phone!

1 Year

Get inspired! CHECK OUT, MY PINTEREST BOARDS!
Choose a color scheme!
Work out your budget. Remember to prioritize what is most important to you on your wedding day
Select your wedding party
Start your wedding guest list
Hire a planner
Reserve your date at your dream venue
Research photographers, bands, caterers, florists, rentals, officiants, etc.
Start a wedding binder to keep all of your quotes, brochures, and notes in one place

8 Months

After researching your vendors hire your wedding photographer & videographer
Book a florist
Take your engagement photos! Don’t know what to wear? Check my latest blog
Buy your dress!
Create a wedding website
Meet with caterers
Reserve a block of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests
Book the officiant

7-6 Months

Purchase your invitations
Finalize your guest list and request addresses
Start planning your honeymoon!
Choose the bridesmaids’ dresses
Reserve any rentals you may need (chairs, tents, linens, etc.)
Arrange Transportation
Send out save-the-dates!

4-5 Months

Time to order your cake.
Send your bridal shower guest list to your host
Check on the status of your wedding invitations
Book the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner venues
Schedule hair and makeup artists
Choose your processional music and reception playlist
Go to your first dress fitting, and pick up some accessories while you’re at it!
Purchase/rent groom’s attire
Book accommodations for your wedding night
Provide guest lists to the maid of honor and best man for bachelor and bachelorette parties and bridal shower

3 Months

Work with your caterer to finalize the menu for the reception
Print menu cards
Meet with your florist to finalize the florals for the event
Purchase the rings
Finalize the event schedule and start creating the day-of-timeline
Print programs
Order your wedding favors
Meet with officiant and coordinate readings from friends and family as well as anything else to include in the ceremony

2 Months

Review the playlist with the band and DJ, and provide them with “don’t play” and “must play” lists
Send out invitations
Submit your announcement to the local newspaper
Let loose at your bachelor/bachelorette parties
Send out as many final payments as you can
Touch base with all vendors
Make sure groomsmen attire has been purchased/rented

1 Month

Get your marriage license
Attend your last dress fitting
Send out rehearsal-dinner invitations
Purchase alcohol and finalize your signature cocktails if needed
Confirm times for all of the vendors, and send out your day-of timeline again
For the reception, create your seating chart
Purchase wedding party gifts
Write vows
Enter all RSVPs you have received into your guest list
Check on hotel room blocks
Call guests who have not yet RSVP’d for a final headcount
Make sure members of the wedding party know their roles and duties come the wedding day