“Your Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist: From ‘Yes!’ to ‘I Do!'”
I know wedding planning can feel a bit overwhelming, especially when you’re not sure where to start, but don’t worry—I’ve got you! From the moment you say “Yes!” to the moment you walk down the aisle, this checklist is here to keep you organized and stress-free. It breaks everything down step by step, so you won’t miss a single detail. Whether it’s finding the perfect dress or locking in your vendors, I’ll make sure we cover it all, so you can relax, enjoy the process, and focus on what matters most—celebrating your love story!
12+ Months Before:
- Announce the Engagement: Share the exciting news with family and friends.
- Set a Budget: Determine your overall budget and allocate funds based on priorities.
- Choose a Wedding Date: Pick a meaningful date for your wedding.
- Hire a Wedding Planner: Find a professional planner to help bring your vision to life and guide the planning process.
- Start Venue Search: Research and book your ceremony and reception venues.
- Create a Guest List: Draft a preliminary list of guests.
- Research and Book Vendors: Start researching caterers, florists, photographers, and videographers.
- Select the Wedding Party: Choose who will stand by your side as bridesmaids, groomsmen, and other key roles.
9-12 Months Before:
- Send Save-the-Dates: Notify guests of your wedding date.
- Begin Dress Shopping: Start looking for and ordering your wedding dress.
- Hire Key Vendors: Secure your photographer, videographer, florist, DJ/band, and caterer.
- Plan Your Honeymoon: Research destinations and book your honeymoon trip.
- Engagement Party: Consider hosting an engagement party to celebrate with loved ones.
6-9 Months Before:
- Order Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Select and order dresses for your bridal party.
- Book an Officiant: Hire someone to officiate your wedding ceremony.
- Start Hair and Makeup Trials: Schedule trials with potential hairstylists and makeup artists.
- Finalize the Guest List: Confirm your guest list for invitations.
- Send Wedding Invitations: Mail invitations and keep track of RSVPs.
3-6 Months Before:
- Menu and Cake Tasting: Finalize your menu and confirm the cake design after tastings.
- Order Wedding Cake: Confirm and order your cake from your bakery.
- Purchase Wedding Rings: Choose and buy your wedding bands.
- Finalize Ceremony & Reception Details: Work with your planner to create a day-of timeline and schedule key moments.
- Book Rentals: Ensure you have all necessary rentals like tables, chairs, and linens.
1-3 Months Before:
- Apply for Marriage License: Ensure you’ve applied for all legal documentation needed for your marriage.
- Create a Seating Plan: Design and finalize seating arrangements for the reception.
- Confirm Vendor Details: Reconfirm times and specifics with your vendors.
- Purchase Wedding Accessories: Shop for shoes, jewelry, veil, and other important items.
- Send Rehearsal Dinner Invitations: Plan the rehearsal dinner and invite key attendees.
- Hair & Makeup Trials: Complete trials to finalize your look for the day.
1 Month Before:
- Final Dress Fitting: Make sure your wedding dress fits perfectly.
- Confirm Honeymoon Details: Double-check your reservations and travel plans.
- Break in Your Shoes: Wear your wedding shoes around the house to break them in.
- Prepare Vendor Payments: Organize final payments and tips for vendors.
- Finalize Day-of Timeline: Ensure your wedding planner and vendors have the schedule.
1 Week Before:
- Pack for Honeymoon: Prepare all essentials for your trip.
- Distribute the Wedding Day Timeline: Share your timeline with vendors, the wedding party, and family.
- Confirm Vendor Arrivals: Reconfirm delivery times and setups with all vendors.
- Relax & Pamper: Get a manicure, pedicure, and have some relaxation time.
- Practice Your Vows: If writing your own vows, take time to rehearse them.
Wedding Day:
- Eat a Good Breakfast: Fuel up for the big day ahead!
- Get Ready: Relax and enjoy getting ready with your bridal party.
- Let Your Planner Manage the Day: Your wedding planner will handle all logistics—trust them to take over!
- Get Married: Walk down the aisle and say “I do!”
- Celebrate: Enjoy the reception and all the moments you’ve carefully planned.