Wedding planning can be overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to do it all on your own. That’s why we’ve created this Ultimate Month-by-Month Wedding Planning Timeline and Checklist for you. This comprehensive checklist will take you through everything you need to do, from planning your engagement to your honeymoon.
Wedding Planning Checklist 12+ Months Out
o Plan & Throw Your Engagement Party
Your engagement is official, and it’s time to celebrate! Whether you’re having an intimate gathering of close family and friends or a large party open to everyone you know, your engagement party should reflect your relationship and personal style.
o Set a Wedding Date
There are many factors to consider when setting a wedding date. Seasonality, venue availability, and work schedules can all play a role in deciding when to tie the knot. Of course, personal preference is also a factor. Some couples prefer the freshness of spring, while others dream of a winter wonderland wedding.
Each season has pros and cons no matter what time of year you choose. For example, summer is a popular choice for weddings, but that means your date might be competing with other couples for venue availability.
If you’re flexible with your date, early fall is often an excellent time to get married. The weather is usually mild, and there’s less competition for venues and vendors.
o Determine Your Wedding Budget
This is probably one of the most critical steps in wedding planning, and it’s definitely not one to be taken lightly. First, you’ll need to figure out how much you can afford to spend on your wedding and then work within those parameters.
o Talk to Your Partner About Your Top Priorities
Talking to your partner about your wedding priorities is essential in the planning process. This will help you focus on the most important areas and avoid any disagreements down the road. Of course, every couple is different, so there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
Start by making a list of your top priorities.
What elements of the wedding are most important to you? Do you want a lavish affair with all the bells and whistles or a more intimate gathering of close family and friends? Once you have a clearer idea of your own priorities, it will be easier to discuss them with your partner.
Try to be open-minded when discussing your priorities with your partner. It’s important to remember that this is their wedding too, and they may have different ideas about what’s important. However, if you’re able to compromise on some aspects of the wedding, it will go a long way towards ensuring a smooth planning process.
o Wedding Planner Yes/No?
The next step is to decide whether you want to hire a wedding planner or go the DIY route. Here are some things to consider:
How much time do you have? Hiring a wedding planner can be a lifesaver if you work full-time and don’t have much free time. They’ll handle all the details so you can relax and enjoy the ride.
Do you have strong opinions about your wedding? If you know exactly what you want and don’t want anyone to change your vision, then DIY might be the way to go. However, hiring a planner can be a great option if you’re open to suggestions and willing to let someone else take the reins.
What’s your budget? Hiring a planner will cost more than going it alone, but they can also help you save money in the long run by negotiating vendor contracts and keeping track of your budget.
There’s no right or wrong answer; it’s all about what’s best for you and your fiance. So weigh the pros and cons and decide that will let you enjoy your wedding day stress-free!
o Day-of-Coordinator Yes/No?
Similar to hiring a wedding planner, this is another big decision you’ll need to make. Do you want someone to help coordinate all the details on the wedding day, or will you handle that yourself? A good coordinator will take care of all the details on your big day, and they’ll be there to handle any crises that may arise.
o Make Your Initial Guest List
First, decide who you absolutely must invite. This might include immediate family, close friends, and anyone else who has played an essential role in your life.
Once you have your must-invites sorted out, you can start thinking about people you’d like to invite. It’s important to remember that your wedding day is about you and your partner, so don’t feel obligated to invite anyone who doesn’t fit into that category.
Finally, try to be realistic about your budget and venue capacity. It’s easy to get carried away when inviting people to your big day, but it’s important to make sure you can afford to host everyone on your list.
o Choose Wedding Theme & Color Scheme
This is a fun step in the wedding planning process, and it’s one that you’ll definitely want to take your time with. You’ll need to choose a theme and color scheme that reflects your personality and style.
The best way to choose a wedding theme is to start with the season. Are you getting married in the springtime? Go with pastels. Summer? Bright colors always look great in photos. Fall? Consider earth tones. Winter? Metallics are always in style.
Once you’ve selected a season, it’s time to start thinking about your color scheme. Do you want your wedding to be soft and romantic? Pale pink and cream are always lovely choices. If you’re looking for something a little more dramatic, try navy and white. And if you want something truly unique, consider purple and green.
o Gather Wedding Inspiration (Pinterest, Instagram, Blogs, Magazines)
Check out Pinterest, Instagram, Wedding blogs, and Magazines for inspiration!
o Research & Select the Venue
This is a significant step, and you’ll want to take your time selecting the perfect venue. It needs to accommodate both you and your guests, and it should also reflect your wedding style and theme.
With so many stunning venues out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. The good news is that there’s no need to rush into a decision. By taking the time to do your research and ask the right questions, you can find a perfect venue for your big day.
To get started, sit down with your fiance and brainstorm a list of must-haves for your wedding venue. For example, do you want an outdoor ceremony? Is it important that the venue is close to your home or an airport? Once you have a general idea of what you’re looking for, you can start your search.
There are many great resources for finding wedding venues, from online directories to wedding magazines. You can also ask friends and family members if they have any recommendations. Once you’ve compiled a list of potential venues, it’s time to start doing some digging.
Find out how much each venue costs and what fees are included in the price. Ask about availability on your desired date and whether the venue has any flexibility if you need to make changes to your date.
Finally, be sure to ask about the venue’s policy on decorations and outside vendors. You’ll want to make sure that you can personalize your space and bring in your own vendors if you so choose.
Check out this post to help you find the perfect venue!
o Find & Select a Caterer
First, decide what kind of food you want to serve. Do you enjoy a formal sit-down dinner or a more casual buffet? Once you’ve decided on the style of food, it’s time to start looking at caterers. Ask your friends and family for recommendations, and look at online reviews.
Once you’ve found a few caterers you like, it’s time to start narrowing down your choices. Ask about their experience catering African weddings, and be sure to get a taste of their food before you commit.
Consider the size of your guest list and the type of event you’re planning to help you select a caterer that will accommodate your overall needs.
Expert Tip:
Start gathering wedding inspiration early on in the planning process. This will help you get a better idea of what you want your wedding to look like.
Wedding Planning Checklist 11 Months Out
o Confirm Your Date
Agree on the final date for your wedding.
o Book Your Photographer & Videographer
Your wedding photographer and videographer are two of the most important vendors you’ll book for your big day. They will be responsible for capturing all of your cherished memories!
When it comes to choosing a photographer, it’s important to find someone whose style you love and who you feel comfortable with. Then, be sure to take a look at their portfolio to get a sense of their work, and be sure to read reviews from past clients. You should also have a consultation with them to discuss your vision for the day and make sure they’re on the same page as you.
The same thing goes for booking a videographer. Booking your wedding photographer and videographer well in advance will ensure that you get the professionals you want at the price you want.
o Book Your Wedding Band or DJ
Start by thinking about the kind of atmosphere you want to create on your wedding day. Do you want something more traditional or modern? Next, consider your budget and what you’re willing to spend on music.
o Book Your Florist/Wedding Stylist
Your florist/wedding stylist will help you choose the perfect theme for your wedding and bring your vision to life.
o Book Hotel Room Blocks
If you’re expecting guests from out of town, you’ll want to start booking hotel room blocks as soon as possible to accommodate them. This is especially important if you are having a destination wedding.
o Book Transportation
If you’re planning on providing transportation for your guests, don’t forget to make the required arrangements.
o Book Hair & Makeup Artist
On your wedding day, you should feel like the best version of yourself, and that often starts with your hair and makeup. But before you can enjoy your wedding-day glow, you need to find the right hair and makeup team to make it happen.
While you don’t need to lock in your hair and makeup team the minute you get engaged, it’s good to start thinking about who you want to hire as soon as you have a date and venue set for your wedding.
Popular hair and makeup artists often book up months (sometimes even a year) in advance. Once you know when and where your wedding will be taking place, start doing some research on local vendors or reach out to recommendations from friends.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options and booked an appointment for a hair and makeup trial, there are a few things to keep in mind that will help make the most of the experience.
First, come prepared with photos of hair and makeup looks you love. This will give your artist a better idea of the style you’re going for. Second, don’t be afraid to speak up if you’re not happy with something — after all, it’s your big day!
And lastly, trust your gut. If you don’t feel like the artist is a good fit, don’t be afraid to keep looking.
o Cake
Your wedding cake is not only a delicious dessert, but it is also a key part of your wedding décor. First, decide on the style of your cake.
Are you looking for something classic and elegant or something more unique? Once you’ve decided on the style of your cake, it’s time to start thinking about flavor.
Try to choose a flavor that will please everyone at your wedding, from the kids to the grandparents.
Next, consider decorations. Do you want your cake to be simple and classic or adorned with flowers or other embellishments? Finally, don’t forget to budget for your cake.
Wedding cakes can be expensive, so make sure you have an idea of how much you’re willing to spend before you choose your baker.
Once you’ve considered all of these factors, it’s time to start looking for a baker. Ask friends and family for recommendations, and look for bakers who specialize in the cake style you’re looking for. When you’ve found a few potential bakers, schedule tastings so you can choose the perfect cake for your big day!
o Determine Your Wedding Party
Of all the decisions you’ll make leading up to your wedding day, who will stand by your side as you exchange vows might be the hardest. From family members to childhood best friends, plenty of people hold a special place in your heart.
There are a few things to keep in mind as you make your selections. First, consider how many people you want at your wedding party. A smaller wedding might call for a smaller bridal party, while a larger one could warrant a bigger group.
Once you have a number in mind, start making your way through your inner circle and determine who you absolutely couldn’t imagine not having by your side. From there, begin thinking about the roles you’ll need to fill.
Most weddings have maids or matrons of honor and best men, but if there’s someone you’d like to honor with a different title, don’t be afraid to get creative. And lastly, don’t forget about logistics. Consider things like distance and schedule when making your final choices.
At the end of the day, the people standing next to you on your wedding day should be those you love and who will make the planning process as enjoyable as possible.
Wedding Planning Checklist 10 Months Out
o Buy Wedding Attire for Bride & Groom
It’s time to shop for your wedding attire! For the bride, think about the style of your dress and the overall feel of your wedding day look. You’ll want to choose a dress that makes you feel beautiful and confident and that complements the overall aesthetic of your wedding.
It’s also important to keep in mind the practical aspects of your dress, such as the fabric and silhouette. Choose a fabric that will travel well and won’t wrinkle and a silhouette that will be comfortable to wear all day long.
For the groom, it’s all about finding the right balance between stylish and practical. You’ll want to choose an outfit that looks great in photos but is also comfortable enough to wear all day long.
Keep in mind the formality of your wedding when choosing your attire – a suit or tuxedo is usually appropriate for a formal affair. At the same time, a more casual look might be better for a relaxed celebration.
o Buy Wedding Attire for Bridal Party
After finding your own wedding day attire, it’s time to start shopping for the rest of your wedding party!
If you’re having a hard time deciding on styles, consider letting your bridesmaids choose their own dresses. This can be a great way to let each woman show her personal style, making the dress shopping process a lot easier for you. If you decide to go this route, make sure to give your bridesmaids plenty of time to shop to find a dress they love.
For the groomsmen, start by choosing the color palette for their attire. You’ll want to choose a color that compliments your own wedding day look and will work well with the overall aesthetic of your wedding.
Once you have a color in mind, start shopping for suits or tuxedos. If you’re having trouble finding something everyone likes, consider renting suits or tuxedos instead. This can be a great way to get everyone matching attire without breaking the bank.
o Pick Wedding Accessories (Shoes, Jewelry…)
Once you’ve found the perfect outfits for both of you, it’s time to accessorize! The right accessories can really make your wedding day look complete.
o Create a Wedding Website
This is optional, but it can be a great way to keep your guests updated on the latest wedding news and details.
o Start Wedding Registry
A wedding registry is a great way to get the gifts you really want and need. Plus, it takes the guesswork out of gift-giving for your friends and family.
The first step is to decide which retailer or retailers you want to use for your registry. There are a few factors to consider when making this decision, such as whether you want an online or in-store registry, whether you want a universal registry that allows guests to purchase gifts from any store, and whether you have a specific store in mind that you would like to register with.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s time to start adding items to your registry. Remember to include a mix of large and small items, as well as essential and non-essential items, so that there’s something for everyone on your list.
And don’t forget about the little things that will make your life easier after the wedding, like towels, bedding, and kitchen appliances.
o Take Engagement Photos
Taking engagement photos is a wonderful way to commemorate this special time in your life. Not only will you have beautiful pictures to look back on, but it’s also a great opportunity to get comfortable in front of the camera before your wedding day.
o Pick Your Wedding Stationery (Save the Dates, Invitations…)
As any bride knows, wedding stationery is one of the most important details of the big day. Not only do save the dates and invitations set the tone for the event, but they also help guests to stay organized and on track.
First, think about the overall look and feel of your wedding. Are you going for a formal or informal vibe? Do you want something classic or trendy? Your stationery should reflect the style of your event.
Next, decide on a color scheme. This will help tie all of your wedding details together, from the bridesmaids’ dresses to the flowers.
Once you have a general idea of what you’re looking for, it’s time to start shopping around. There are many great stationery vendors out there, so take your time to find one that offers quality products and reasonable prices.
Finally, personalize your wedding stationery! For example, add a photo of the happy couple or include a sweet message to let your guests know how excited you are to celebrate your big day with them.
If you are planning on making your own wedding invitations, take a look at this post.
Wedding Planning Checklist 9 Months Out
o Send Save the Dates
o Plan Entertainment
The entertainment you choose for your wedding should reflect your personality as a couple and set the tone for the entire event. So before you start planning, sit down with your fiancé and brainstorm a few ideas that would be fun for both of you. For example, do you want a band or a DJ? Would you like to have any special performers?
Once you have a few ideas, start researching and getting estimates from different vendors. And don’t forget to ask your friends and family for recommendations!
o Book Rentals Where Needed
Think about booking all the necessary rentals for your weddings, such as chairs, draping, and linens. You’ll want to book these as soon as possible to ensure you get the best selection.
Wedding Planning Checklist 8 Months Out
o Track Your Expenses
Keep tracking those expenses to stay on budget!
o Finalize Guest List & Gather Relevant Information from Guests
It’s time to finalize your guest list and start gathering contact information from your guests. This will come in handy for sending out invitations and updates.
o Get Insurance Where Needed
Think of having a wedding insurance policy in place in order to cover any potential disasters that could happen.
o Start Thinking About Your Honeymoon
Start gathering ideas about your honeymoon destination and think of the timeline. For example, are you leaving shortly after the wedding or waiting a few weeks or months?
Wedding Planning Checklist 7 Months Out
o Find Rehearsal Dinner Location
As you get closer to the wedding date, it’s time to start thinking about the rehearsal dinner. This is usually a smaller, more intimate event held the night before the wedding. It’s a great opportunity for the bride and groom to spend time with their immediate families and wedding party.
o Order Wedding Favors
Wedding favors are a fun way to show your guests how much you appreciate them. There are tons of fantastic favor ideas out there, so take your time to find something that fits your budget and wedding theme.
o Find & Select Flower Girl and Ring Bearer Outfits
o Schedule Premarital Counseling
If you’re thinking of doing premarital counseling, now is the time to start looking for a counselor and setting up appointments. While the idea of pre-marital counseling may not be the most romantic thing in the world, it’s definitely something worth considering before tying the knot.
Not only can counseling help to identify potential areas of conflict, but it can also provide couples with the tools they need to resolve disagreements effectively. In addition, counseling can help couples develop a greater understanding of each other’s needs and expectations.
As a result, scheduling pre-marital counseling is one of the best things you can do to ensure a happy and long-lasting marriage.
Wedding Planning Checklist 6 Months Out
o Attend Premarital Counseling
o Find & Buy Wedding Rings
They say that your wedding ring should reflect your personal style—and we couldn’t agree more. So whether you’re drawn to the classic elegance of solitaire or the timeless shimmer of a pave band, the perfect ring is out there waiting for you.
Start by browsing through different ring styles to get an idea of what you like. Once you’ve zeroed in on a few options, it’s time to schedule some appointments with jewelers. At these consultations, you’ll be able to try on different rings and get a feel for what looks and feels best on your finger.
In addition, be sure to bring along any other jewelry that you regularly wear so that the jeweler can get an accurate sense of your personal style. Lastly, don’t forget to factor in your budget when ring shopping.
While it’s tempting to splurge on an extravagant design, it’s important to stay within your means. After all, you’ll be wearing this ring for the rest of your life!
o Attend Dress Fitting
o Plan Bachelor & Bachelorette Party
This is a time-honored tradition that is enjoyed by many. The ladies go out for a night on the town while the fellas have a more subdued evening. When it comes to deciding on a date, there are a few things to take into account. You will want to make sure that everyone can attend, so be mindful of work schedules and other commitments. In addition, you will want to choose a date close to the wedding.
Wedding Planning Checklist 5 Months Out
o Order Wedding Invitations
There are plenty of ways to create beautiful, unique invitations that reflect your personal style.
First, consider your overall wedding theme and color scheme. Do you want something classic and elegant, or fun and whimsical? Once you’ve settled on a general look, you can start narrowing down your options. There are endless possibilities when it comes to wedding invitations, so it’s important to take your time and browse around until you find something you love.
Next, think about the wording of your invitation. Traditional invitations usually include the bride’s name first, followed by the groom’s name. However, there are no set rules, so feel free to get creative with your wording.
Finally, don’t forget about the details! Once you’ve chosen your ideal invitation, add all the pertinent information like date, time, and location.
o Book Transportation for Newlyweds
You want to make sure that you and your spouse arrive at the ceremony and reception on time and in style! While some couples opt for a traditional limousine, others choose to book a unique form of transportation, such as a vintage car or even a horse-drawn carriage.
o Select Music for Your Wedding Ceremony and Reception
The first step in choosing music for your wedding is to decide what type of atmosphere you want to create. Do you want something fun and upbeat or something more romantic and reflective? Once you have a vision in mind, you can start to select specific songs.
Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, start thinking about timing. When will each song be played? Will there be any special dances? Remember to provide this list to your DJ or bandleader well in advance of the big day so that they can be prepared.
o Plan Your Buffet or Menu’
To plan your buffet or menu, start by considering the size and location of your wedding. Then think about the time of year your wedding will take place.
Buffet-style dining is always a popular option for weddings. It allows guests to choose their own meals and customize their plates according to their preferences. If you opt for a buffet, be sure to offer a variety of hot and cold dishes, as well as both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more formal dining experience, consider seated service with a set menu. In either case, be sure to ask your caterer for help in planning the perfect menu for your wedding.
o Talk to Your Officiant
You’ll want to chat about your ceremony vision (short and sweet? religious? including any cultural or family traditions?), how you met and fell in love, what kind of personality you both have, your favorite things about each other and what you’re excited about for the future. He or she will likely ask you to share a little bit about your families, too, so they can get to know them a little better and integrate them into the ceremony.
If you have any religious requirements or preferences, be sure to mention those as well. By the time your wedding day arrives, you should feel confident that your officiant knows you and your spouse-to-be as a couple and is prepared to personalize your ceremony just for you.
o Book Honeymoon
Booking your honeymoon should be a fun and exciting experience! After all, it’s one of the most important trips you’ll ever take together.
To help make the process as smooth as possible, we’ve created a step-by-step guide to booking your honeymoon. First, decide on a budget. This will help narrow down your options and ensure that you don’t overspend.
Next, start researching destinations. Consider factors like weather, activities, and dining options. Once you’ve settled on a destination, it’s time to start looking for accommodations. Be sure to read reviews and compare prices before making a final decision.
Finally, don’t forget to book your travel insurance! This will protect you in case of cancellations or delays. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your honeymoon is everything you’ve dreamed of and more! Thank us later ;).;)
Wedding Planning Checklist 4 Months Out
o Send Invitations for Bridal Shower
o Final Tasting with Caterer
o Finalize Your Program
o Hair and Makeup Trial
Wedding Planning Checklist 3 Months Out
o Send Wedding Invitations
o Order Guests Favors
o Marriage License
A marriage license is required in order to have a legal wedding ceremony. The good news is that getting a marriage license is relatively easy.
You can usually obtain one from your local courthouse or city hall. The process of obtaining a marriage license usually takes a few weeks, so it’s important to plan ahead. You’ll need to bring along identification such as a driver’s license or birth certificate.
After the application has been processed, you’ll be able to pick up your marriage license. [please fact-check the process of obtaining a marriage license in the US]
o Buy Thank You Gifts for Bridal Party, Family & Friends
o Write Your Vows
Before you start writing your vows, take some time to reflect on why you’re getting married. What are your hopes and dreams for your relationship? What qualities do you admire in your partner? What do you love most about them? These reflections will help you identify the key themes you want to communicate in your vows.
Once you’ve identified the themes, start brainstorming specific promises that you can make to your partner. These promises can be big or small, serious or lighthearted. The important thing is that they come from the heart and reflect your unique relationship.
Once you have a list of promises, start refining them into vow-worthy statements. Remember, vows are meant to be declarations of love and commitment, so make sure that your words reflect that intention.
Finally, don’t forget to practice! This is probably the most important step of all. Reading your vows aloud will help you gauge their emotional impact and ensure that they flow smoothly. Plus, it’ll help to calm your nerves on the big day!
o Meet with Your Officiant One More Time
o Buy/Craft DIY Items
If you’re planning on doing any DIY items for your wedding, now is the time to start crafting or buying them. This could include things like photo booths, centerpieces, or favors. By getting a head start on these items, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the rest of your wedding planning process.
o Draft Seating Charts (if you are planning on having one)
o Finalize Flowers and Other Décor
o Schedule Dress Fitting
o Finalize Wedding Day Accessories
o Start Your Wedding Beauty Prep
Start your wedding beauty prep now (skincare, hair care, and all that good stuff), so you have plenty of time to make sure you look and feel your best on your big day!
Wedding Planning Checklist 2 Months Out
o Attend Bachelor/Bachelorette Party
o Print Out Wedding Paper Goods (Menus, Wedding Sign)
o Draft Day-Of Timeline
The first thing you’ll need to do is gather all of the essential details, such as the start and end times of your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. Next, you’ll want to reach out to your key vendors (think: photographer, videographer, florist, band, or DJ) to get their input on timing. Once you have all of this information, you can begin mapping out your timeline.
o Finalize Music Selection for Ceremony & Reception
o Buy Small Items (Cake Stand, Guest book, Card Box)
Wedding Planning Checklist 1 Month Out
o Pay Your Wedding Vendors According to Payment Plan
The most important rule when it comes to payment is to never pay in cash. Always use a check, credit card, or wire transfer, so you have a record of your payment. When it comes to timing, most vendors expect to be paid in full by the time of the wedding (or shortly thereafter).
However, some vendors may be willing to work with you on a payment plan.
For example, if you’re working with a photographer who charges $2,000 for her services, you may be able to put down a deposit of $500 when you sign the contract and then make two more payments of $750 – one a month before the wedding and the other after the wedding.
Of course, this will require some planning on your part, so make sure you’re prepared to make your payments on time.
If you’re working with a wedding planner, they may be able to help you coordinate payments to vendors.
o Final Alterations for Wedding Attire
o Finalize Seating Chart
o Finalize Day-Of Timeline
o Get the Last RSVPs
o Confirm Final Menu
o Final Venue Visit
o Prepare Tip Envelopes for Vendors
Thanking your wedding vendors with a tip is a thoughtful way to show your appreciation for their hard work. Although it’s not required, it’s customary to tip vendors who go above and beyond, as well as those who provide personal services on your big day.
You can either pre-address and stuff envelopes with the correct amount of cash or set up a designated person to hand out tips as they become due.
Keep in mind that while tipping is appreciated, it’s never expected, so don’t let it put a strain on your wedding budget.
o Break in Wedding Shoes
o Finalize Vows
o Groom’s Fitting
o Bride’s Dress fitting
Wedding Planning Checklist 2 Weeks Out
o Confirm All RSVPs
Make sure you have a final headcount of your guests.
o Confirm Details With All Vendors
Double- and triple-check that your vendors have the correct contact information for you (and your wedding planner or day-of coordinator, if you’re using one). This includes your home address, email address, and phone number.
Review your contracts carefully to make sure that all of the details are correct, including your names, the date of the event, the location, and the start and end time.
If anything needs to be changed, reach out to your vendor as soon as possible to make sure that the changes are made in a timely manner.
o Final Meeting with Wedding Planner/Day -of Coordinator
Your final meeting with your wedding planner or day-of coordinator is the perfect time to go over any last-minute details and make sure that everything is on track for your big day.
Be sure to discuss your timeline for the day, as well as any ceremony or reception details that need to be finalized.
You should also confirm that your vendors are all booked and confirm their contact information. It is also a good time to ask any final questions that you may have about the logistics of your wedding day.
o Organize All Decorations
o Prepare Wedding Day Emergency Kit
Every bride knows that there is always the potential for something to go wrong on her wedding day. So from a ripped seam to a missing piece of jewelry, it’s crucial to be prepared for anything!
o Confirm Beauty Appointments
o Provide a List of Shots to Your Photographer
When discussing your wedding day vision with your photographer, be sure to provide a list of must-have shots. This will ensure that all key moments and people are captured in your wedding photos.
Of course, you’ll want to start with the basics like the bride and groom getting ready, the ceremony, and the reception. But don’t forget to also include more personal moments, like a picture of your grandmother’s ring or your parents dancing together. And don’t forget the important details, like your wedding dress or the cake.
By providing a comprehensive list of shots, you can be sure that your wedding photographer will capture all of the memories that you want to cherish for a lifetime.
o Introduce Your Photographer to Important Family Members
Not only will your photographer be responsible for capturing all of the magical moments on your big day, but they’ll also be documentarians, preserving your memories for years to come. For that reason, you must take the time to introduce your photographer to the key players in your wedding and to important family members.
If an introduction is not possible, be sure to at least provide your photographer with a list of names so that they can be sure to capture everyone important to you (you could show them a picture of important family members).
o Practice Your Vows Aloud
Wedding Planning Checklist the Week Before
o Give Final Headcount to Venue & Other Vendors
o Touch Base with Vendors Once More
o Provide Final Timeline to Vendors
o Get Wedding Rings Cleaned
o Refresh Hair Color
o Manicure & Pedicure
o Book a Massage
o Final Dress Fitting
o Final Fitting for Groom
o Confirm Travel Arrangements for Honeymoon
o Pack Your Bag for Your Overnight Stay at Hotel (if you won’t be staying home) and For Your Wedding Night
If you’re not staying at home the night before your wedding, you’ll need to pack an overnight bag with all of your essentials for your wedding day.
Wedding Planning Checklist The Day Before
o Give Vendors Day-Of-Contact Information
o Pack Personal Items in a Clutch
o Design Person Who Will be Keeping Your Personal Items
o Bring Items & Small Décor to The Venue
o Give Gifts to Family & Wedding Party
o Rehearse Ceremony
Wedding Planning Checklist The Day Of
o Prepare All Items for Details Shots
o Exchange Notes with Your Spouse to Be
On your wedding day, you’ll have a million things on your mind as you get ready to marry the love of your life.
Amidst all the excitement, don’t forget to take a few moments to write a note to your spouse-to-be.
Exchange notes with each other right before you walk down the aisle, and you’ll both be able to savor the moment and remember what was going through your head on this special day. It’s a small gesture that will mean so much, now and in the years to come.
So go ahead and jot down a few thoughts, remembering to keep them short, sweet, and from the heart.
Wedding Planning Checklist After the Wedding
o Send Thank You Cards
o Pay All Vendors
o Freeze the Rest of Your Cake
o Get Your Wedding Dress Cleaned
o Name Changing Process
After you say “I do,” you have the option to change your last name, create a hyphenated last name or keep your maiden name as your middle name.
No matter what you decide, there is a process you’ll need to follow to make it official.
If you’re planning to change your last name after the wedding, be sure to update your social security card, driver’s license/identification card, and passport—you’ll need these documents when you change your name on other accounts like your bank insurance and credit cards.
Other places where you’ll need to update your information include:
-Your employer
-Utility companies
-The post office
-Your doctor and other medical providers
-Your loan providers
-Your subscription services
Final Thoughts
Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but with the help of this Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist, you can make sure that everything is taken care of and that your day goes off without a hitch!
From planning your engagement to selecting your wedding dress, you can use this wedding checklist to help you with all of your planning needs!
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