I know how much goes into planning a wedding and that is why I’ve created this page as a wedding checklist. It is perfect to always refer to, so you can be organized on the go! Congratulations and happy planning!
wedding planning
Announce Engagement
Select Wedding Date
Hire wedding consultant/coordinator
Determine type of wedding: location, theme, # of guests, formality, time of day
Determine budget and how expenses will be shared
Buy a binder to keep track of appointments & events
Develop a record keeping system for payments
Create an approximate number guest list
Decide if you will be inviting children or not
Select & reserve ceremony site
Select & book Ian Joesph Jones Photography for wedding photography & set a date for your engagement shoot
Select & book reception location
Select & order bridal gown Determine color scheme
If ceremony or reception is at a home, arrange for any home improvements
Obtain passports, visas, birth certificates, any documents needed for travel and/or marriage licenses
9 - 12 / months
wedding planning
6 - 9 / months
Select & book caterer, if needed
Select & book Officiant (Minister, Priest, Rabbi, other)
Select wedding party
Give wedding party a list of their responsibilities
Select & buy attire for bridesmaids and flower girl
Select & buy attire for mothers of the bride & groom
Select & book ceremony musicians
Select & book live band or DJ for reception
Select & book videographer
Select & book florist
Register for your wedding gifts (this can be done sooner)
wedding planning
Schedule fittings for custom made bridesmaids gowns
Arrange marriage prep-courses, if necessary
Reserve rental items
Select & book decorator
Finalize an A & B list of guests
Select & order invitations & other wedding stationery
Set date, time & location for rehearsal dinner
Select & book honeymoon night suite Arrange accommodations for out-of-town guests
Start planning your honeymoon
Shop for your wedding gifts to each other
Shop for your wedding gifts for your wedding party
Shop for your wedding gifts for your parents
Buy shoes, lingerie & accessories for the bride
Buy shoes & accessories for the bridesmaids
Select & order wedding bands
4 - 6 / months
wedding planning
2 - 4 / months
Take engagement pictures with Ian Joseph Jones Photography Select & order wedding cake
Order party favors
Select & order decorations
Purchase honeymoon attire & luggage
Select & book wedding day transportation
Start addressing your invitations
Plan activities for out-of-town guests (optional)
Go on trials & book wedding day hair & makeup
Send out your invitations
Select ceremony readers
Select ushers to seat your guests
Select guest book attendant
Select your MC Mail invitations to shower
Get photography permit, if needed
wedding planning
6 - 8 / weeks
Record RSVPs & early wedding gifts
Record shower gifts & send thank-yous
Purchase ceremony & reception accessories: guest book, toasting glasses, ring pillow, etc.
Select & reserve groomsmen’s wedding attire
Mail invitations to rehearsal dinner
Plan bridesmaid luncheon
Select something old, new, borrowed, blue
wedding planning
Finalize all food & beverages for wedding
Finalize all ceremony details with Officiant
Finalize all rehearsal arrangements
Finalize all floral arrangements
Final fittings for yourself & bridesmaids
Make a wedding day itinerary & give a copyto your wedding party & vendors
Finalize all details with all your vendors
Decide order of receiving line & head table setting
Contact guests who haven’t replied
Pick up wedding rings
Visit reception site for floor plan & create reception seating plan
Give musicians a list of your music selections
Inform attendants when & where to pick up attire Print out seating cards
2 - 6 / weeks
wedding planning
1 / week
Give caterer/reception venue final tally of guests
Pack for your honeymoon
Wrap reception favors
Arrange mail collection while you are on honeymoon
wedding planning
rehearsal dinner
Drop all wedding accessories & decor off at ceremony & reception locations
Make sure you bring all gifts that will be handed out at dinner
Make sure you have all final payments in envelopes for wedding day
Pack over night bag for honeymoon suite
Make sure wedding party has their itinerary
Make sure the gentlemen have the right color socks
Review VIP seating with ushers at ceremony location
wedding planning
wedding day!
Eat breakfast
Pack anything remaining on your “To Bring” list in cars
Make sure Maid of Honor & Best Man have the rings
Make sure you have your marriage license, photo permit & Special Occasions Permit, if needed
Put your engagement ring on your right hand
Remember to take a moment to enjoy the details of the day you planned so long & hard for!