The Wedding Checklist

By sticking to this checklist, you'll not only stay ahead of the curve, but you'll also keep stress at bay, making the whole wedding planning process smoother and—dare I say it—actually fun! Instead of feeling like you’re juggling a million things at once, you’ll have a clear roadmap, taking a huge weight off your shoulders.

12-18 Months Out: Build the Vision

Dream Big, Then Lock It Down
Before diving into wedding madness, sit down with your partner and picture your perfect day. Is it a small, intimate gathering? Or are you throwing the biggest party of your life? Lock in the date. No date, no wedding. Once you’ve both aligned on your vision, it’ll be easier to move forward with the rest.

Know the Rules (AKA Legal Stuff)
Check out your local marriage laws. Some places have crazy waiting periods or need specific documents. Handle that now, so you don’t get hit with any surprises later.

Consider Wedding Insurance
Yep, you heard me. It’s a real thing, and it’s smart. Stuff happens—vendors flake, weather ruins outdoor plans—so a little insurance can save you a huge headache (and wallet pain). This may not be at the top of your mind, but it's worth considering. Better safe than sorry!

Set Your Budget, But Don’t Be Rigid
Here’s the deal: weddings cost money. Set your budget early, but keep it flexible. After your dream session, you’ll have a better idea of your priorities. Allocate funds to what matters most to you—whether it’s photography, food, or the venue. Consider adding a buffer for those unexpected extras.

Draft Your Guest List
Your budget and venue size will guide your guest count. Start by making an initial list with everyone you want to invite. From there, you can tweak it as your plans solidify, but knowing the approximate number helps with booking venues and vendors.

Scout Venues
This is your backdrop for the whole day, so choose wisely. Do you want scenic outdoors, urban vibes, or a cool historical spot? Visit a few, check the vibe, and book fast before someone else does. Keep in mind, venues often set the tone for your entire wedding experience.

Lock in Key Vendors
Now’s the time to identify your priority vendors and book them. Photographers, videographers, and caterers are usually top of the list, but also consider entertainment and floral design. Popular vendors book up fast, so make your selections early, because the good ones book up a year or more in advance. Get on their calendars now, especially if you have specific people in mind.

Food, Glorious Food
Have you started thinking about food? Caterers often need lead time to source ingredients and create a menu that matches your taste. Be prepared to schedule tastings so you can fine-tune the menu. Guests remember the food—don’t leave them hungry.

8-12 Months Out: Putting Things in Motion

Pick Your Crew
Now’s the time to ask your closest friends and family to be a part of your wedding crew. Think carefully about who will support you emotionally (and logistically) throughout this journey! This is your squad—the people who’ll have your back on the big day—so choose wisely. Ask in a way that feels special, because this crew will make or break your day.

Start Dress/Suit Shopping
Don’t sleep on this. Wedding dresses take months to come in, and then there are alterations. Get the ball rolling now, so you’re not panicking down the road. Same goes for your bridal party’s attire—getting this sorted early helps avoid stress later.

Plan Your Engagement Shoot
By now, your photographer should be booked. Time to get those killer engagement photos. Not only are they great for save-the-dates, but it’s also a chance to get comfy in front of the camera.

Build Your Wedding Website
Speaking of wedding websites, this is a great way to keep guests in the loop. Include your wedding date, venue location, accommodation info, and registry details. It’s a one-stop shop for your guests to get all the important info. Save yourself from answering a million questions. It's the easiest way to keep everyone in the loop.

Send Save-the-Dates
Once you’ve nailed down the date and venue, send out those save-the-dates. Especially if you’re getting married during busy times. The earlier they know, the better!

Book Accommodations for Guests
Got out-of-town guests? Lock down room blocks at nearby hotels and negotiate group rates. Make it easy for your guests to book by listing this on your website.

Start Planning the Honeymoon
Don’t forget to plan your getaway! Whether it’s a far-flung vacation or a cozy staycation, start booking flights and accommodations so you have something to look forward to after the wedding. Get the details sorted now, so you’ve got something epic to look forward to when all is said and done.

4-8 Months Out: The Details Matter

Final Attire Selections
You’ve got your dress or suit. Now it’s time to make sure the rest of your crew is locked in. Ensure your dress, tux, and bridal party outfits are ordered and sized. Comfort is key, so make sure everyone is happy with their attire. You don’t want your maid of honor fussing with her dress all night.

Order Invitations
Time to design and order your formal invites. Pro tip: order a few extras for any last-minute guests or errors. Double-check that all essential info is correct and that they match your overall wedding vibe.

Hair & Makeup Trials
This is crucial. Book trials for hair and makeup now to avoid any surprises. Bring inspiration photos of your dress and venue to ensure your look ties in perfectly with the overall aesthetic.

Plan the Ceremony & Reception
This is where it all comes together. Think about decor, music, seating arrangements, and flow. Share your vision with your vendors and make sure everyone’s in sync.

Register for Gifts
Get your gift registry in order. Whether it’s kitchen gadgets or honeymoon funds, give your guests options and make sure it’s easy to find.

Finalize Honeymoon Plans
By now, flights and hotels should be booked. The last thing you want is to scramble for honeymoon details while you’re tying up wedding logistics. Breathe—we’re almost there.

2-4 Months Out: Finalizing Everything

Guest List? Locked.
Your guest list should be solid and finalized now. It’s time to send those formal invitations out into the world, and be prepared for the RSVPs to start rolling in shortly afterward.

Schedule Dress Fittings
If your beautiful dress has arrived, now is the time to start scheduling those important fittings. Be sure to bring along all your undergarments and shoes, as this will help you nail the perfect fit for your special day.

Vendor Check-ins
Now is the perfect time to make sure that every vendor is completely clear on all the important details—such as delivery times, set-up procedures, breakdown schedules, and any other relevant information. If something feels off, it’s best to fix it now to make sure a smooth and successful event.

Get Your Marriage License
This one’s definitely a must-do. Be sure to check your state’s rules thoroughly, apply well in advance, and obtain your marriage license. Remember, without a license, there’s no wedding—so don’t forget to take care of this.

Book the Rehearsal Dinner
Make sure to get the rehearsal dinner venue booked well in advance. Whether it’s a casual gathering or a more formal setting, this special event serves as the last chance for everyone to relax and enjoy each other’s company before the big day shows up.

1-2 Months Out: It's Game Time

Chase RSVPs
Got ghosted on some RSVPs? It's important to follow up with your guests. You need to confirm the final headcount in order to effectively lock in the seating arrangements and catering numbers for your event.

Confirm Vendors One Last Time
Go over the final timeline with your vendors. Double-check that they know where to be and when. Everyone needs to be on the same page.

Create the Day-of Schedule
Build out your wedding day timeline, down to the minute. Share it with your bridal party and vendors to keep everyone on track.

Buy the Rings
You’re this close—if you haven’t bought your wedding rings yet, do it now. Add engraving if you want to make it personal. And most importantly, make sure they fit.

Break in Your Shoes
Don’t let blisters ruin your day. Break in those shoes now so you can walk down the aisle pain-free.

2 Weeks Out: Final Prep

Final Dress Fitting
Last fitting—your dress should fit like a glove now. Make any final tweaks so you’re feeling flawless.

Triple-check Vendors
Confirm all the details again with your vendors. It’s worth repeating—better safe than sorry.

Sort Out Payments
Get all your payments and tips ready for vendors. Have them organized so there’s no scrambling on the big day.

Pack for the Honeymoon
Start packing for your honeymoon right now. Taking the time to prepare ahead of time will make your transition to this exciting next chapter much smoother.

1 Week Out: The Final Countdown!

Lock in Seating Arrangements
Make any last-minute adjustments to the seating chart and then share it promptly with your wedding planner or the venue staff. This ensures that everyone is on the same page and that your special day proceeds as smoothly as possible.

Brief Your Squad
Make sure everyone in your bridal party knows the plan. Go over their roles so there’s no confusion on the day.

Wedding Rehearsal
Run through the ceremony with your officiant and bridal party. Smooth out any rough patches.

Delegate, Delegate, Delegate
Assign someone trustworthy to handle the small stuff on your big day. You should be fully immersed in the joyous moments, not burdened with worrying about the logistics and details.

That’s it! Again, stick to this list and you'll be dealing with less stress. Remember, this is about celebrating your love story, so keep your focus on what really matters: you and your partner. So, don’t sweat the small stuff! Stick to the timeline, tackle things step by step, and soon enough, you'll be cruising through your wedding planning journey like a seasoned pro.

The venue, the flowers, the seating chart—those are all important, but they’re just the backdrop to the bigger picture. With this plan, everything else will naturally fall into place.

Cheers!