Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but with a thorough wedding checklist, you can make sure you don't forget any important details. Whether you're planning a small, intimate ceremony or a grand, elaborate affair, this wedding checklist will help you stay organized and on track.
9-12 months before the wedding:
Set a budget
Determine your guest list
Choose a venue
Choose a date
Choose a theme
Choose your wedding party
Hire a wedding planner (optional)
6-9 months before the wedding:
Book your vendors (photographer, videographer, florist, DJ or band, caterer)
Choose your wedding attire (dress, tuxedo, suits)
Choose your wedding rings
Choose your wedding invitations and stationery
Choose your wedding favors
Start planning your honeymoon
Obtain your marriage license
3-6 months before the wedding:
Finalize your guest list and send out invitations
Book any transportation for the wedding day
Finalize your wedding ceremony and reception details
Choose and book your wedding vendors (hair and makeup, entertainment, rentals)
Choose and order your wedding cake
Finalize your wedding day timeline
Confirm details with all vendors
1-3 months before the wedding:
Meet with your wedding planner to finalize all details
Confirm all vendor contracts
Touch base with your wedding party to confirm their participation and roles
Finalize your seating chart
Purchase any necessary wedding day accessories (veil, shoes, jewelry)
Finalize your wedding day timeline
1-2 weeks before the wedding:
Confirm final headcount with your caterer
Pick up your marriage license
Attend any final fittings for your wedding attire
Pack for your honeymoon
Have a final meeting with your wedding planner to go over all details
Delegate tasks to your wedding party or any other helpers for the day of the wedding
1-2 days before the wedding:
Have a rehearsal for the ceremony
Gather any necessary items for the ceremony and reception (vows, rings, unity candle, etc.)
Set out any wedding favors or decorations that you are responsible for
Get a good night's rest
Wedding day:
Eat a good breakfast
Have your hair and makeup done
Get dressed
Attend your ceremony and take part in all the special traditions and moments
Take photographs with your wedding party and family
Enjoy your reception and celebrate with your loved ones
After the wedding:
Send thank-you notes to your guests
Order any additional prints or copies of your wedding photos
Update your personal and legal documents with your new name (if you choose to change it)
Review and pay any outstanding vendor invoices
Take some time to relax and enjoy your honeymoon
By following this wedding checklist, you can be sure to cover all the necessary details for your big day. It's important to stay organized and on top of things, but don't forget to have fun and enjoy the process. With some careful planning, you can have a beautiful and memorable wedding that you and your partner will cherish for years to come.