The Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist

Wedding planning involves hundreds of decisions spread across 12+ months. Without a checklist, things get missed. This timeline covers everything from the moment you get engaged to the day you leave for your honeymoon.

12+ months before the wedding

• Set your total wedding budget
• Decide on a general vision (formal, casual, destination, etc.)
• Create a guest list draft (this drives every other decision)
• Research and book your venue
• Choose your wedding party
• Start researching vendors (photographer, caterer, florist)
• Consider hiring a wedding planner

10-12 months out

• Book your photographer
• Book your caterer and schedule a tasting
• Choose your color scheme and theme
• Start shopping for wedding attire
• Book officiant
• Start a wedding website
• Send save-the-dates

8-10 months out

• Book florist and discuss arrangements
• Book DJ or band
• Order wedding dress/suit (alterations take time)
• Research and book hotel room blocks for guests
• Plan engagement party (if having one)
• Start registry

6-8 months out

• Book hair and makeup artists
• Order invitations
• Plan honeymoon and book flights/hotels
• Book transportation (limo, shuttle, etc.)
• Choose cake design and baker
• Buy wedding party gifts

4-6 months out

• Send invitations (include RSVP deadline)
• Finalize ceremony details with officiant
• Book rehearsal dinner venue
• Purchase wedding rings
• Plan seating chart (preliminary)
• Schedule dress fittings

2-4 months out

• Follow up on RSVPs that have not responded
• Finalize seating chart
• Create day-of timeline
• Confirm all vendor details and payments
• Apply for marriage license
• Write vows
• Plan shot list for photographer

1 month out

• Final dress fitting
• Confirm final guest count with caterer
• Create a seating chart
• Prepare tips and final payments for vendors
• Finalize music playlist (and do-not-play list)
• Break in wedding shoes

1 week out

• Confirm all vendor arrival times
• Pack for honeymoon
• Prepare emergency kit (stain remover, safety pins, pain reliever)
• Rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
• Delegate day-of responsibilities to wedding party
• Get cash for vendor tips

Day of

• Eat breakfast
• Follow your day-of timeline
• Give rings to best man/maid of honor
• Enjoy every minute

After the wedding

• Send thank-you notes within 3 months
• Change your name (if applicable)
• Update legal documents
• Submit vendor reviews
• Preserve your dress/suit

Tracking 150+ tasks across 12 months is a lot. Our Wedding Planner Template has a built-in Timeline tab with every task, due dates, status dropdowns, and priority levels so nothing falls through the cracks.