When you’re in the planning process for perhaps the most important and biggest day of your life, there are so many tasks and little details you need to remember! Give yourself plenty of time to plan and arrange these details with our wedding planning checklist. This way, you can make your wedding planning process way less stressful and have more fun!
Whether you are a few months away from your wedding day or a year, planning a simple and intimate wedding, or lavish, big celebrations, the steps in our practical wedding planning checklist remain the same.
Here’s the step-by-step wedding planning checklist and timeline for you!
Wedding Planning Checklist 9 to 12 Months Before
Set Your Budget
Start your wedding planning by determining how much money you have to spend on your big day, based on your own and family contributions.
Make a Guest List
Before you start looking at your venue, having an estimated guest count early on is crucial.
Select Date & Venue
Most popular dates and venues get booked far in advance, so it’s best to find a venue and date now for better availability.
Discover & Collect Inspiration
Now it’s time to collect inspiration from social media. So start browsing wedding blogs, Pinterest, and Instagram to get some wedding-style inspirations.
Choose Wedding Party
Decide who will be at your wedding party. So go ahead and choose your groomsmen, bridesmaids, maid of honor, flower girl, or anyone else you want him/her to stand beside you on your wedding day.
Hire Important Vendors
Keep in mind that professional vendors, such as photographers, videographers, planners, florists, and DJs, all tend to book up to over a year in advance, so start hiring must-have vendors early.
Wedding Planning Checklist 6 to 8 Months Before
Purchase Your Dream Dress:
Start shopping for your wedding dress and accessories. Give yourself enough time to find your dream wedding dress.
Book Hotel Rooms For Guests:
Reserve hotel rooms for your out-of-town guests. It’s important to start looking early for better availability close to the reception venue.
Send Out “Save the Dates”:
It’s time to let everyone officially know where and when you are going to the knot.
Wedding Planning Checklist 2 to 5 Months Before
Arrange Guest Transportation:
What your guests secretly want is pre-arranged transportation. Think about minibuses, limos, and town cars.
Schedule The Event:
If you have wedding planners, then they will help you schedule your event (the first dance, the cake cutting, and so on.) Send your event schedule to every vendor once you finalize the event timeline.
Send The Wedding Invitations:
Send wedding invitations with RSVPs at least six to eight weeks before the wedding date.
Finalize The Little Wedding Tasks:
Narrow down the list by finalizing the small details such as dress fitting, menu, guest list, invitation cards, decoration, seating chart, marriage license, and gifts. Finalize these little things 2 to 5 before the wedding date.
Wedding Planning Checklist 1 Month Before
Congratulations! You’ve made it to the final month of your wedding planning. Most of the hard work is done at this point, but still, there are some details that remain.
- Get your marriage license at your county clerk’s office
- Choose your wedding cake
- Visit the tailor for your last fitting
- Reconfirm arrival time with all vendors
- Give your photographer shortlist
- Give the song selection to your DJ or band
- Prepare wedding day emergency kit
- Relax, smile, and enjoy your day!
Your FREE PRINTABLE Wedding Planning Checklist
That’s a lot to remember, but don’t worry. I have a free Wedding Planning Checklist for you that has everything you need.
All you have to do is print it and put it in a binder for safe keeping. It’s an instant download with no sign-ups required.
Enjoy… and remember to breathe. You’ve got this!
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