Checklist: Plan a Wedding
Using a checklist can often help you stay organized and in control. Below is a guideline you can rely on to ensure that you don't miss a task or a deadline. Feel free to print a copy, email it to yourself, or share this link with a friend.
 
1. One Year Before
 
Fall in love!
Make a budget.
Determine elements like theme, tone, colors, etc.
Determine the kind of venue you and your partner would like for your wedding. Find a venue.
Set the date and time.
Book your venues, both ceremony and reception sites.
Take photos for engagement announcement.
Announce your engagement via a website, blog, newspaper, post, email, etc.
Plan an engagement party.
Hire a wedding planner or consultant.
Find and book someone to perform your wedding ceremony.
Research online and buy bridal magazines to get inspiration.
 
2. Nine Months Before
 
Make a guest list.
Send 'Save the Date' notices to guests.
Choose members of the wedding party (maid of honor, best man, bridesmaids, ushers, ring bearer, flower girl, etc.)
Discuss where your honeymoon will be, begin researching and set a budget.
Book your honeymoon transportation and accommodation. Find Bed & Breakfasts.
Find a caterer for food and drinks. Go for a few tastings.
Find a wedding cake maker and be sure to go for tastings!
Find a florist and begin choosing flowers (for decoration, bouquets, corsages, boutonnieres, flower girls, etc.)
Find a photographer and/or videographer.
Start shopping for your wedding dress and accessories (jewelry, shoes, veil, gloves, hats, etc.).
Choose and order decorations (centerpieces, balloons, etc.). Find suppliers.
Join a gym, take fitness classes or begin a sport. Get in shape for all those photos!
 
3. Six Months Before
 
Register for gifts.
Choose and order your invitations.
Find a DJ or musician(s).
Order your wedding gown and schedule fittings.
Order your wedding cake.
If traveling abroad for your honeymoon, make sure passports, visas and inoculations are up to date.
Check to see if you'll need rental equipment such as tables, chairs, glassware, dishes, linens, tents, etc.
Book accommodation for the wedding night (for yourselves plus those traveling).
Choose menswear for groom and ushers. Purchase or arrange rentals.
Shop for and order your bridesmaids dresses.
Plan your rehearsal dinner including location, date, time, menu, guest list, etc.
Arrange transportation to and from the wedding, perhaps something special like a limo, horse and carriage, etc?
Go shopping for wedding rings.
Make your own or buy wedding favors.
Purchase wedding accessories (jewelry, shoes, veil, gloves, hats, etc.).
Be sure parents have selected their wedding attire.
 
4. Three Months Before
 
Send out the wedding invitations.
Review the day's events with your officiant who will perform the ceremony.
Meet with your photographer and/or videographer to discuss your wishes and needs.
Meet with your DJ or musician(s) to discuss song selections.
Finalize the menu with your caterer.
Investigate what is required for a marriage license (blood tests, documents, etc.).
If you are changing your name, begin this process now.
Check that documents are in order (legal, insurance, financial, medical, and religious).
Finalize details for rehearsal dinner.
Buy wedding rings.
Attend your bridal shower.
Schedule another wedding gown fitting.
If you are writing your own wedding vows, begin doing so now.
Research hairstyles and makeup. Find and book beauty services.
Buy gifts for the wedding party and your fiance.
Keep a running tally of RSVPs from the invites.
Take dancing lessons.
 
5. One Month Before
 
Call all of your service providers and finalize any loose ends.
Check in with your bridal party and parents to make final arrangements.
Make arrangements for legal documents, appointments with government offices, etc.
Have your final fitting for your wedding gown.
Determine seating arrangements and make place cards.
Schedule a rehearsal session with your hair stylist and makeup artist.
Make wedding programs.
Pick up wedding rings.
If you are moving in together, find a moving company.
Choose a song for your first dance as husband and wife.
Write thank you notes as gifts are received.
 
6. A Few Days Before
 
Remember that even if things don't go according to plan, the day will still be memorable.
Attend your party (bachelor/stag, bachelorette/hen).
Have your rehearsal dinner.
If you aren't doing this on your wedding day, go sign legal documents beforehand.
Collect your wedding gown.
Stage a ceremony rehearsal and practice your vows.
Make sure your maid of honor and best man have their toasts prepared.
Get travel insurance for your honeymoon.
Make arrangements for when you are out of town on your honeymoon. Find a pet sitter, freeze newspaper subscriptions, etc.
Pack for your honeymoon.
Make preparations for fees due on wedding day.
Make arrangements to return rented items (groom's attire, equipment, etc.)
Treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure. Find beauty services.
Visit a tanning salon.
Exchange gifts with your fiance.
 
7. After the Wedding
 
Enjoy your honeymoon!
Send thank you notes.
Ensure paperwork went through for your name change.
Preserve your wedding gown.
Receive photo album and/or video from your photographer and/or videographer.
Order and send photos to your family and/or friends.
Review your insurance policies and finances. Find and meet with a financial advisor to discuss your options as a couple.
Cherish your partner, now and always!
 

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