Wedding Planning Checklist
18 – 12 MONTHS PRIOR
- Decide on style of wedding
- Select date based upon reception location availability
- Reserve ceremony site
- Reserve officiant
- Choose attendants
- Begin guest check list
12 – 6 MONTHS PRIOR
- Gift registry
- Order bridal dress
- Contract photographer
- Contract videographer
- Contract band or DJ
- Contract transportation
- Contract florist
6 – 4 MONTHS PRIOR
- Book rehearsal dinner
- Ceremony rehearsal plans
- Bridesmaids dresses / shoes
- Music for ceremony
- Order tuxedos / men’s attire
- Contract florist
- Coordinate mother’s attire
- Make honeymoon plans
- Order invitations
- Contact hairdresser
- Select favors
- Order rings
- Gown fittings
- Second deposit due for reception and catering
- Attend a bridal tasting
- Menu and detail meeting
2 MONTHS PRIOR
- Complete final guest list
- Select attendants’ gifts
- Apply for marriage license
- Address and mail invitations
- Select music for ceremony / reception
1 MONTH PRIOR
- Confer with photographer
- Confer with videographer
- Confer with florist
- Confer with band / DJ
- Review duties with bridal party
- Wedding announcements to newspapers
- Write thank you notes as gifts arrive
- Record invitation responses
- Arrange seating for reception
3 WEEKS PRIOR
- Final apparel fitting
- Confirm rental attire
- Prepare placecards
- Confirm the ceremony
- Plan to have something old, something borrowed,
something blue
- Wear wedding shoes to break in
2 WEEKS PRIOR
- Confirm services contracted and determine balance due
- Confirm the due dates for all final payments
1 WEEK PRIOR
- Pack for wedding trip and honeymoon
- Make sure dress is pressed
- Take placecards, glasses, guest book, favors, cake knife and server to the venue
- Try to relax!
AFTER THE WEDDING
- Send thank you notes to both sets of parents / wedding hosts
- Gift acknowledgements
- Preserve gown
