Wedding Checklist

9-12 Months Before the Wedding

o Announce the engagement to family and friends
o Create a Budget
o Set a wedding date
o Hire a wedding planner
o Start a guest list
o Book a ceremony and reception hall
o Choose catering company if separate from the reception hall
o Plan an engagement party

6-9 Months Before the Wedding

o Send save the dates
o Hire florist for bouquets, boutonnieres, centerpieces, and arrangements, etc.
o Hire photographer and /or videographer
o Hire DJ or band
o Select an officiant
o Start shopping for wedding dress, veil, shoes, jewelry, etc.
o Pick bridesmaid dresses
o Book a block of rooms at a hotel for out-of-town guests
o Book bridal suite
o Plan honeymoon
o Research and pick a destination
o Book airfare
o Determine if a passport, visa, or immunizations will be needed

4-6 Months Before the Wedding

o Design and order wedding invitations
o Taste test and order wedding cake
o Finalize catering menu
o Choose rental items if needed
o Purchase the wedding rings
o Order groomsmen apparel
o Select groom’s tux
o Research for wedding hair and makeup
o Select readers, musicians, ushers, etc. if needed for the ceremony
o Sign up for gift registries
o Plan Bachelorette party and bridal shower (confirm dates if someone is planning and
organizing for you)
2-4 Months Before the Wedding
o Finalize the guest list
o Send out the invitations 8 weeks before the wedding
o Select music for ceremony and reception
o Book makeup artist and hairstylist
o Order wedding favors
o Organize wedding transportation
o Transportation to and from the venue?
o Transportation to and from the airport?
o Purchase bridal party gifts

1-2 Months Before the Wedding

o Design wedding programs
o Finalize ceremony details (songs, officiant, readings, etc.)
o Write vows
o Have final bridal gown fitting

3-4 Weeks Before the Wedding

o Get marriage license
o Meet with makeup artist and hairstylist to finalize makeup and hair
o Do final venue walk-through with all vendors
o Send out rehearsal dinner invitations

1-2 Weeks Before the Wedding

o Finalize the wedding day schedule and share with the wedding party and vendors
o Pick up wedding dress
o Give final head count to caterer and reception venue
o Reconfirm plans with:
o Venue
o DJ/Band
o Videographer
o Florists
o Hairstylist and Makeup
o ____________________________
o ____________________________
o ____________________________
o Finalize seating arrangements
o Prepare place cards
o Make final payments for all services
o Pack for wedding and honeymoon
The Day Before the Wedding
o Prepare payment envelopes
o Rehearse ceremony with wedding party and officiant
o Give rings to best man
o Get manicure and pedicure
o Confirm flight arrangements for the honeymoon

The Day Is Here!

o Hair and makeup
o Say “I do!”
o Have a blast at the reception

After the Wedding

o Have wedding gown cleaned and stored
o Preserve bouquet
o Write and send thank you cards/notes
o Apply and finalize name change with social security, bank accounts, etc.
o Meet with photographer and/or videographer to receive photos and video

Now at last they were beginning Chapter One

of the great story no one on earth has ever read, which goes on forever.
in which every chapter is better than the one before.
C.S. Lewis