Wedding checklist

12 months before

• Set an overall budget and identify who’s contributing

• Draft a rough guest count

• Choose a date range and wedding style (city, destination, size, vibe)

• Research venues; tour top options

• Book venue (ceremony + reception) and lock your date

• Hire a wedding planner/coordinator

• Start a master checklist + planning spreadsheet

11 months before

• Book top-demand vendors :

  • Photographer/videographer

  • Caterer (if not included)

  • Band/DJ

• Start researching officiant options (and requirements)

• Begin inspiration boards for décor, attire, florals

• Start attire shopping (especially if ordering):

  • Wedding dress/outfit

  • Suit/tux plan

10 months before

• Choose wedding party (if having one)

• Create your wedding website draft

• Collect guest addresses (start now—this takes time)

• Decide on color palette and overall design direction

• Book the remaining major vendors:

  • The Peachy Keen Photo Booth

  • Florist

  • Rentals (tables, chairs, linens) if needed

  • Hair + makeup artists

9 months before

• Book transportation (if needed): shuttle, getaway car

• Book ceremony musicians

• Start planning honeymoon basics (passport checks, rough budget)

8 months before

• Finalize save-the-date plan

• Order and send save-the-dates

• Reserve hotel room blocks (and share info on website)

• Plan engagement photos

• Confirm early logistics: rain plan, indoor/outdoor considerations

7 months before

• Plan registry (create and publish)

• Begin menu and beverage discussions (with caterer/venue)

• Start planning ceremony structure (readings, vows, music)

• Shop for wedding bands

• Book cake baker/dessert vendor

6 months before

• Send invitations to print (or finalize digital invite system)

• Book officiant

• Schedule dress fittings / tailoring plan

• Choose bridesmaids/groomsmen attire and set ordering deadlines

• Book any additional vendors:

  • Lighting

  • Live painter

  • Childcare

• Plan décor details (signage, guest book, favors, seating display)

5 months before

• Finalize invitation suite details (inserts, maps, RSVP method)

• Plan rehearsal dinner (venue/host list)

• Plan welcome party/brunch

• Meet with photographer to outline must-have shots

• Start planning day-of timeline draft (ceremony start, speeches, etc.)

4 months before

• Mail invitations (or set digital send date)

• Book hair/makeup trial(s)

• Plan rentals + floor plan with venue (tables, seating style)

• Choose linens, tableware, and key décor pieces

• Book/confirm bartending and alcohol plan (if separate)

3 months before

• Track RSVPs and follow up as needed

• Finalize ceremony script details with officiant

• Create seating plan draft as RSVPs come in

• Finalize music selections (processional/recessional, first dance, etc.)

• Order favors/signage/printed day-of materials (programs, menus)

• Confirm honeymoon bookings (if traveling)

2 months before

• Finalize guest list and submit counts to caterer

• Finalize menu and cake/dessert tasting selection

• Confirm timeline with key vendors

• Get marriage license requirements checklist (timing, documents)

• Purchase/prepare accessories:

  • Shoes

  • Jewelry

  • Veil/tie/belt

  • Undergarments

• Prepare welcome bags (if doing)

1 month before

• Final venue walkthrough (if possible)

• Finalize seating chart and place cards

• Confirm all vendor details in writing:

  • Addresses

  • Arrival times

  • Final balances + tipping plan

• Create and share the final day-of timeline with wedding party and vendors

• Write vows and speeches

• Confirm rehearsal details

• Pack an emergency kit (safety pins, stain remover, meds, etc.)

2 weeks before

• Confirm final RSVPs and any dietary restrictions

• Confirm transportation schedules and pickup points

• Print or finalize:

  • Seating chart

  • Place cards

  • Programs

• Final fitting / final attire pickup

• Plan payments: checks/cash/envelopes, who distributes tips

1 week before

• Obtain marriage license (within your jurisdiction’s timing rules)

• Final beauty prep: hair color, nails, skincare timing

• Confirm weather plan and communicate if changes are needed

• Pack for honeymoon

• Prepare vendor contact list and share with a point person

1–2 days before

• Rehearsal + rehearsal dinner

• Steam/press attire

• Deliver items to venue/coordinator (if allowed):

  • Décor

  • Guest book

  • Signage

  • Favors

  • Place cards

• Charge devices; gather rings, license, vows

• Early night + hydrate

Wedding day

• Eat Breakfast and drink water all day

• Give rings + license to responsible person

• Follow timeline; designate someone for vendor questions

• Enjoy your day!

After the wedding

• Return rentals and borrowed items

• Send thank-you notes

• Preserve attire (cleaning/storage)

• Review photos/video timeline; order albums/prints

• Update name/change documents (if applicable)

• Close out vendor tips/reviews