Wedding Planning Checklist
Updated: Jan 4, 2022
Wedding planning can seem stressful because for most, this is a new experience. My job as your coordinator is to ensure you have a stress-free wedding day. You spend a lot of time and money planning your wedding, enjoying it is a must! You didn't hire a full wedding planner? That's okay! I have created an 18-month check list to help guide you during the planning process. This is a general check list. Every wedding is unique so be sure to customize the check list as need for your wedding vision. Remember not to overdo it though! Overdoing will cause unnecessary stress. The rule "less is more" really does apply to your wedding day. Don't let minute details push over the edge. Your number one goal will be to marry the love of your like in the company of closest family and friend.
18 Months
- Celebrate your engagement!
- Choose a wedding date (or a few in case you love a venue that is not available on your desired date).
- Create a mood board to help create you wedding style & design.
- Create a binder or online spread sheet to help organize your contracts, invoices, receipts, etc.
- Create a wedding website.
- Decide who will be in your wedding party. Send them an invite!
- Make a list of 3-5 venues you love and schedule a tour with them. Book your venue once you find the right fit.
- Assemble your team of weddings pros. The sooner you book your vendors the better!
- Get engagement photos taken.
12 Months
- Go dress shopping. The earlier you do this, the more time you allow for alterations. Book alterations no later than 6 months prior to the big day.
- Continue booking your wedding pros. Now is a great time to find some unique ones (beer burros, coffee bar, mariachi band, etc.) if your budget allows.
- Order your wedding bands.
- Begin compiling your guest list and addresses.
- Choose wedding party attire and accessories.
- Begin researching honeymoon destinations.
9 Months
- Order Save the Dates.
- Create a gift registry at 2-3 online/national retailers.
- Begin planning honeymoon
- Order passports if you plan on having a destination honeymoon.
6 Months
- Find hotels (or book a room block) for out of town guests.
- Refine guest list. The more guest = more $$$.
- Send Save the Dates.
- Choose a date for Bachelor/Bachelorette parties.
- Book transportation for couple and/or guests.
- Reserve rentals for wedding day.
- Purchase tux and have fitted (If renting, can book at 3 months out).
- Book hair and make up trial (I recommend doing this on the same day as your bridals).
- Book bridal photos with photographer.
- Schedule dessert tastings.
- Order wedding invitations.
- Book honeymoon flights.
3 Months
- Send wedding invitations 8-12 weeks prior to wedding date.
- Ensure guests can RSVP on your wedding website.
- Meet with coordinator to begin designing your timeline.
- Meet with DJ to design your playlist.
- Meet with florist to choose flowers.
- Book honey moon hotel and the things you plan on doing on your trip.
- Order programs, menus, or other special stationery needed.
- Order wedding favors (is custom order them around 46 months).
Final 30 days
- Visit your county clerk and register for your marriage license.
- Finalize seating chart.
- Write vows and store them in a safe place.
- Book a pet or home sitter if needed.
- Pack for honeymoon. Pack a wedding day bag and a "go bag" that has all of your stuff that needs to go in your getaway car with you.
- Send final head count and seating chart to venue and catering.
- Meet with your coordinator to tie up any loose ends.
- Pack all wedding decorations in labeled boxes so it's easy to unpack and clean up.
- Delegate wedding day tasks to wedding party and family (Best man will take home gifts and alcohol, Mom will take home my car and all decorations, etc.).
This list may seem extensive but if you check in weekly you will stay on top of your planning duties with little to no stress. Every wedding is unique, and every budget is different, be sure to customize this list as it fits to your wedding day vision. This should just be the foundation! Once you sign agreements with vendors, add in your payment schedule or your check-in dates if you have meetings scheduled with them. Most importantly, don't be afraid to ask for help! Your friends and family are equally as excited as you are to celebrate your big day. Congrats and best of luck!