Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist

The Complete Guide to Wedding Planning: Your Wedding Planning Checklist and Timeline

Simplify your tasks with a step-by-step wedding planning checklist for a stress-free experience.

• 12 Months Out
• 11 Months Out
• 10 Months Out
• 9 Months Out
• 8 Months Out
• 7 Months Out
• 5 Months Out
• 4 Months Out
• 3 Months Out
• 2 Months Out
• 1 Month Out
• Final Week
• Night Before
• Morning Of

Love is in the air, the ring is sparkling on your finger, and the adventure of a lifetime with your partner is about to kick off—so what’s next? With a whirlwind of tasks before the big day and a boat load of details to navigate, stepping into the world of planning your dream ceremony and reception might feel like a wild rollercoaster. But guess what? It’s all about to become as exciting as a joyride through a candy land!

Now, you might have heard that a year to a year and a half is the typical timeline for engagements, but let’s be real—your story is unique and your timeline might be too! Ever heard of a couple who planned their dream day in just seven weeks? Believe it or not, it’s not only possible but actually doable. If your engagement is on the shorter side, buckle up and condense that schedule. Let’s say you’re wedding date is in six months? Channel your inner superhero, use this wedding planning checklist and tackle the tasks in months 12 to 6 right off the bat.

Remember, this is your adventure, your love story, and your chance to create magic. So, print this wedding planning checklist, follow the timeline, and get ready for a wedding-planning journey that won’t be forgotten!

DOWNLOAD CHECKLIST

Starting the Wedding Planning Process

12 Months Out

• Create the Budget: Time to channel your inner mathematician – crunch those numbers and figure out the cash flow! First, determine who’s paying for what and determine how much you have to work with. Identify what’s a priority to you and what’s not then proceed to allocate funds accordingly. WeddingWire has a great Wedding Budget Breakdown that lists a percentage of your total budget for each area of spending.
• Identify the Guest-List: Oh, if only the whole world could join! But wait, let’s be practical. Decide on your A-list squad by combining budget wisdom and venue capacity. Split the list like a pro: 70% for you two if you’re taking charge, while parents tackle 30%. Negotiate, snip, and strategize till you reach guest-list gold.
• Book Wedding Planner: If your time is crunched as it is and budget allows, then it’s time to recruit the ultimate maestro of wedding magic – the wedding planner. From the first step to the final dance, they’ve got your back, bringing visions to life, managing budgets, and turning logistics into a symphony. See this list of Wedding Planners we love working with and schedule an interview.
• Create Inspo Board: Set a date, and together, envision the perfect wedding day that’s uniquely yours.. Your chosen venue sets the tone, so pick a spot that aligns with your style and spirit. Consider colors, size of event, level of formality, etc.
• Venue Search & Booking: The venue will be the set the tone of your celebration, shaping everything from the food and drinks to floral. Time to explore, compare, and pick a place that speaks to your guest count, taste, and wallet (yes, budget love).
• Catering Selection: Whether it’s the venue’s in-house caterer, a planner-recommended chef, or your cherished food truck, let your taste buds and creativity roam free. Your favorite bottle of beer or a signature cocktail? Grandma’s apple pie, custom macaroons or a traditional wedding cake. Decisions, decisions!

11 Months Out

• Finalize Color Palette & Overall Design: It’s time to dive into the endless ocean of inspiration… Pinterest- pin, click, and pick your favorites. Choose a color palette that speaks to your heart and craft a mood board that will become your wedding canvas. With countless ideas, this is your creative playground—take your time, and remember, you are in charge!
• Book Photo, Video & Entertainment: Quickly book those top-tier vendors before someone else does. The photographer who’ll capture your beauty and the emotion of the day, the band or DJ who’ll spin your night into an epic dance-off, and the videographer who’ll capture your story to view every anniversary. Do your homework and ask all the right questions. Be ready, this will be your A-Team – they will be by your side and will take your event to the next level!

10 Months Out

• Dress Shopping: Get ready to steal the spotlight! Browse the internet then schedule appointments with your bridal shop to find the perfect gown for your wedding day!
• Book Hotel for Guests: Arrange discounted hotel rooms so guests don’t have to search for close by accommodations. It’ll be nice for your family & friends to be at the same hotel or resort. They will all feel more included in your celebration.
• Create a Wedding Website: It’s time to create your wedding website! This is where your love story, details, and joy can be shared with all your family and friends. WeddingWire and Zola both have free templates for you to use.
• Schedule Your Engagement Session: Time to get in front of the camera and let your love shine. Most photographers include an engagement session, and those that don’t, you’ll surely be able to add one – making this the perfect time to get camera-confident. Feeling a little camera-shy? No worries, we’ve got killer tips to make you pose like a pro and a list of our favorite engagement session locations.
• Start Looking for Invitations: Invitations will set the feeling and vibe of your wedding to your guests. For custom-made invitations, team up with a stationery designer to craft a suite that speaks all about your wedding. If you aren’t wanting custom, waiting till the six-month mark is totally ok because invites will be sent to guests six to eight weeks before the grand event.

The Big Details are Planned

9 Months Out

• Purchase Dress: Now’s the time to decide on and purchase the dress. Often times, you’ll need to order the dress and can take 6+ months to come in, so don’t delay on this one.
• Send Save-the-Dates: It’s time to give your circle the basic details about your celebration. The date and location have been set, so let the countdown begin. Be sure to include your wedding website so they can follow along and any hotel block arrangements you have for them.

8 Months Out

• Gift Registry: It’s time to go “shopping”—wedding style! Grab your fiancé because you’re not just registering for stuff, you’re curating domestic bliss. Sure, essentials like sheets and pots are like the bread and butter, but spice things up! Are you explorers? Master chefs in the making? Secret philanthropists? Tailor that registry to your dynamic duo dreams and make it YOU.
• Bridesmaid Attire: Ready to work on the look for your wedding party? Bring your girls for a dress shopping party and check them in the dresses you’re eyeing and don’t forget the accessories. OR let your their personalities shine by picking the color palette and let them run wild with the styles. And guess what? Mismatched dresses are the new thing and as Phoenix wedding photographers, we love the variety!
• Schedule to Meet with Florists: Time to smell the roses! Finding the floral professional who’ll bring your floral dreams to life is a journey worth taking. Ask friends, stalk Insta, and dive into recommendations from your planner or venue coordinator. This florist is your creative partner, so make sure they vibe with your vision and budget. When you’re in sync with your blooms, magic happens!

7 Months Out

• Rehearsal-Dinner: Time to set the stage for rehearsal dinner! Tradition says the groom’s family takes the lead here, but don’t miss the chance to shine if you’re taking charge here. Whether it’s a classy dinner orchestrated by your future mother-in-law or your own creative masterpiece, pick the theme and venue that make your hearts happy. Imagine a cozy family-style feast at your go-to restaurant or a laid-back bash like a backyard BBQ.
• Book Ceremony Music: Let your ceremony start with the harmonious sounds from a quartette, harpist or a DJ. When it comes to songs, go for the ones that speak to your you – the more personal, the better!
• Decor & Rentals: Ready to turn your venue into a scene from your wildest dreams? it’s time to book your decor and rental items. Upgraded chairs, draping, dance floors, lounge furniture and event table scapes – these items make your vision come to reality.
• Book Your Officiant: Often times Officiants are found from a friends recommendation but if you don’t have that, your next option would be soliciting officiant referrals from other vendors you’ve already hired. When hiring an officiant, make sure they will personalize your ceremony to reflect your relationship and story.

Half Way Through the Wedding Planning Checklist

5 Months Out

• Book Lighting Professional: As a wedding photographer – it really is all in the lighting! Those candles, uplights and lamps set the stage, creates dimension in your images, and gives the space a nice evening vibe after the sun drops.
• Book Guest Transportation: This may not be necessary if your guests are mainly local. But if you have lots of guests from out of town, bring on the shuttle bus!
• Book the Newlyweds Transportation: If you want a tandem bicycle, a vintage get away car or a limo for your grand exit to the honeymoon suite, it’s all about whisking yourselves away in style.
• Plan the Honeymoon: Whether it’s a surprise or a mutual planning adventure, get on the same wavelength about budget, timing, and that sweet getaway.
• Dress the Groom: Suit or tux? Buy or rent? That’s the first decision. Then, it’s all about color, fit and flair. Make sure your dance moves are safe with a well-fitted ensemble! If you’re renting, steer clear of the classic rental pitfalls and try on your rental before leaving the shop.
• Check Your Passport:  If your honeymoon will be taking you out of the country, make sure your passport is valid and not expiring soon. Currently Passport new applications and renewals are taking 3 months. Plan ahead to avoid the anxiety of waiting for it to come in.

4 Months Out –

• Tasting with Caterer: Get ready to dive into the world of flavors, because your caterer is about to dazzle your taste buds. More than just a meal, it’s a masterpiece of customization and choices.
• Cake Tasting: Time to choose a cake that’s as sweet as your love story. Follow your taste buds’ desires, no need to stress about pleasing everyone. Don’t forget to share your design inspo too!
• Wedding Rings: Go shopping for those wedding bands!
• Groomsmen Attire: It’s time to suit up the groomsmen and dads! Pick for them or let them pick, it’s up to you. Personally we like the groomsmen to be wearing the same color but let them pick their style.
• Hair & Makeup Trial: Before you hit the makeover chair, do some homework. Raid your old pics for past triumphs, then peek into the social media glam world (just don’t fall into the filter trap!). With inspiration, it’s trial time. Be as specific as you can about what you want – and don’t want. Let those beauty pros work their magic!

3 Month Out

• Order Invitations: First rules: order extra for the “oops” moments, ensure they arrive on time, and set up an RSVP system. Express yourselves, match the vibe, and support the theme of your wedding in your invitations.
• Order Favors: Cue brainstorm mode! It’s time to get creative with a party favor. Could be custom cookies, mini photo frame, popcorn, wine cork or really anything that people know you love.
• Photo-Booth Rental: Photo booths are all the rage, and why not add a dash of pizzazz? A wild alternative that’ll have your guests striking poses like true rockstars!
• Write those Vows: Time to jot down your promises – the promises that make your love story unique! Traditional or not – your vows, your rules.
• Identify Ceremony Readings: Wedding readings are the pieces that make the ceremony YOURS. Could be a Bible verse or a nonreligious reading that sparks you. And if you’re giving your readers the freedom to choose, sprinkle guidance like confetti.
• Meet with Your Officiant: Make sure your officiant vibes with your vision. And if you’ve enlisted a friend or family member, make sure they’ve done their homework and have obtained the proper licensing or certification required to make it legal!

2 Months Out

• Mail Invitations: Get those beauties in the mail! Oh, and don’t forget the RSVP cards – add a sprinkle of magic with self-addressed, pre-stamped envelopes for their journey back!
• Dress Fitting: The first one should be 2 to 3 months after ordering if extensive alteration are required. This one should be at about the 6 weeks mark where minor alterations are required. Don’t forget your undergarments, they should be worn for your fittings – whether it’s shape wear or lingerie.
• Pick up Your Marriage License: Getting that marriage license may need some research. Google your state’s rules, gather the required documents and complete the application.
• Purchase Wedding Party Gifts: Wedding party gifts are a token of your appreciation – thoughtful, functional, and tailor-made for each of your besties. Be creative and make it special.
• Provide Music Selections: Make sure your entertainment has your music selection for each part of the day. They will be able to provide a list of specific events that you’ll be able to fill in.
• Buy the Little Things: Table numbers, champagne flutes for toasting, the cake topper, etc. But let’s not forget things like signs, ring-bearer bling, and flower-girl basket.

Just One Month Before Wedding Day

1 Month Out

• Assemble Gift Bags: Assemble the gift bags – may not be the most fun task but gather your girls and make a girls night out of it.
• Pay Vendors: Make sure everyone is paid, keep tabs on your payments like a pro. For those day-of payment distributions, pass the envelopes to your maid of honor or venue coordinator, so you can enjoy your wedding celebration!
• Create the Seating Chart: Enter the seating chart challenge! It’s like a jigsaw puzzle of relationships, egos, and potential party-perfect combos. Map out your venue’s space, decide on the head table (if you’re having one), and one by one assign each guests a table.
• Create Place Cards: Escort cards, place cards – let’s decode the difference! While both lead your guests to their seats, Escort cards identify a table where place cards are the ultimate of specificity. They not only show the table but pinpoint the exact spot. Whatever you choose, let them dazzle with your wedding theme.
• Venue Final Walk-Through: Grab your list of questions, and bring along your planner, mom or maid of  honor. Time for that final venue walkthrough – make sure everyone is on the same page and everything’s is assigned a place for the big day!
• Tip Envelopes: For the pros who don’t own their business, tipping is customary. From photo & video team to  musicians and makeup artists, spread the love – and yes, don’t forget the wedding planner, if you have one!
• Break-In the Wedding Shoes: Those wedding shoes are perfectly beautiful! BUT are they comfortable? Where those shoes the month leading up to the wedding day to avoid blisters and painful feet. Pro Tip: Wear them on carpeting only to avoid scuff marks if you love the detail photos your photographer creates!

Final Week

You’ve reached the ultimate countdown: the last week before your wedding day. Give yourself a high-five – cause we KNOW you deserve it! Now, let’s dive into the last details:

• Manicure & Pedicure: Get those fingers and toes picture ready.
• Final Dress Fitting: Final dress fitting – bring along mom or your maid of honor, so they master the art of bustling your dress.
• Pack for Honeymoon: Ready for vacay vibes? Pack your bags for that honeymoon escape. Don’t forget the passport if you’re jetting out of the country!
• Clean Your Engagement Ring: Swing by your jeweler for a pro cleaning – that engagement ring should dazzle like never before.
• Last Minute RSVP-ers: Round up those stragglers to determine the final headcount.
• Practice your Vows: Practice those vows out loud – heartfelt, funny, or a mix of both, make sure you’re ready for that spotlight moment.

The Big Day is Tomorrow

The Night Before

• You’re gonna need all that energy for the whirlwind ahead – eat a good meal.
• Pack a clutch or a little bag with a few of your personal items.
• Sip that water like you’re toasting to the best day ever! Just stay hydrated so you’re ready to sparkle.
• Get your sleep – tomorrow’s a big day, and you’ve got memories to create!
• Pack the car with anything you’ll need for the ceremony and party. Suitcases, survival kits – trust us, you won’t want to do this on wedding day.
• Be sure to have all your “Detail” items in one place ready for you photographer – just don’t make them go on a scavenger hunt for all the things.

The Morning of Wedding Day

• It’s going to be a long day, stay off your feet as much as possible!
• Start your day with a delicious breakfast.
• Keep sipping that water – staying hydrated is your secret weapon to making it thru the day!
• Take your dress and veil out of the bag early, and if they need a little love, have someone work their steaming magic on them.
• Spread the love and give thanks to your crew!

Take a moment to soak it all in. All the time and energy of wedding planning is coming together today!

This day will go by so fast. Our encouragement to you is embrace every moment.

Not everything will go as planned so just go with it, don’t let the little hiccups ruin your wedding day.

We hope this wedding planning checklist will be helpful. If you need more wedding planning tips? Visit our resources link for all things weddings.