Planning a wedding can be overwhelming and stressful, especially if you’ve never planned a wedding before. Fortunately for you, I’ve been involved with hundreds of weddings and have now put together a comprehensive wedding planning checklist.
Before you carry out any involved project, it’s always a good idea to have a checklist. A checklist will take you step by step through the process and ensure nothing is overlooked.
Before we get into the wedding planning checklist, the first thing you need to do is mark your calendar for the day you plan on applying for your marriage license. Check your local government for details on how to do this. Some states have deadlines for when you can apply and when you can actually get married.
Also, think of a unique #hashtag to use for when you make wedding related posts to social media and for guests to use on the day of the wedding for any pictures they may take and post. Here’s an example of our #dubreezyweddings hashtag I use on instagram.
Wedding Planning Checklist Next Steps
Now that you know when to apply for your marriage license and got your cool #hashtag, the next steps are to figure out the budget for your wedding, think about the style of wedding you want (formal affair vs intimate gathering vs large party vs a unique wedding).
Work these things out together with your fiancé and write them down so you can stick to your plan. Once you’ve come up with a plan, don’t be afraid to delegate duties out to friends and family to help ease the burden of planning a wedding. You’ll be surprised at how many things get checked off the wedding planning checklist.
Also, make sure you have someone on the day of to coordinate whether it’s a professional wedding planner or a trustworthy friend who is not a member of the wedding party. They will oversee your vendors, deliveries, rentals, DJ, etc. Give this person a list of vendors and everything they need to watch out for.
Wedding Planning Checklist
Please use this wedding planning checklist as a general guide to planning your wedding. There may be other things you need to add or things you may not do on this list.
After the engagement – six months and before
- Select a wedding date and time.
- Buy a wedding notebook or organizer.
- Decide on ceremony/reception location.
- Pick a caterer.
- Start compiling names and addresses of guests.
- Decide on wedding attendants (bridesmaids, groomsmen, etc.).
- Shop for a wedding gown and headpiece.
- Select a photographer.
- Select a videographer.
- Start collecting photos from both of your childhoods to the present for a slideshow.
- Select dresses for your bridesmaids.
- Find a florist.
- Create a personal wedding website on Wedding Wire or The Knot.
- Send an announcement to your local paper.
- Register at the bridal registry stores of your choice.
- Reserve Dubreezy Entertainment as your wedding DJ.
- Decide on a honeymoon destination and start making reservations.
- Decide on an officiant.
- Throw an engagement party.
- Reserve a block of hotels for traveling guests.
- Select your wedding colors.
- Get engagement photos taken.
Four to five months before
- Compile the final guest list.
- Make sure all deposits are paid for vendors reserved.
- Finish planning the honeymoon.
- Order wedding gown.
- Order wedding cake.
- Have groom and groomsmen fitted for attire.
- Purchase your wedding rings.
- Order invitations, thank you notes, napkins and wedding programs.
Two to three months before
- Plan a ceremony rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
- Address invitations and mail four to six weeks before the wedding.
- Make beauty appointments: hair, nails, makeup, etc.
- Arrange for final fittings for your gown and bridesmaids dresses.
- Make your transportation arrangements for the wedding day.
- Purchase gifts for your attendants.
- Get accessories: garter, unity candle, ring bearer pillow, etc.
One week to a month before
- Decide where you’ll be living and send change of address cards to post office and others.
- Confirm accommodations arranged for traveling guests.
- Get your final count of guests to caterer.
- Make lists for photographer, videographer and DJ.
- Provide all the necessary information to the day of coordinator.
- Pick up wedding rings and make sure they are the correct sizes.
- Pick up wedding attire and make sure it all fits.
- Make sure bridesmaids have their dresses, shoes and accessories and they all fit.
- Make sure you’re eating right and getting enough sleep.
- Have bachelor and bachelorette parties.
The wedding day
- Eat a good breakfast.
- Relax and enjoy getting ready for your big day.
- Go to the hairdresser a few hours before the wedding.
- Put all accessories you will need in one place.
- Be ready two hours before if pictures are being taken before the ceremony.
- Just enjoy the day!
After you’ve completed the wedding planning checklist.
Once all you’re months of planning have paid off and you’ve had so much fun at your wedding, here are the final details to make sure of…
- Change your name on your social security card, driver’s license, passport, vehicle registration, bank accounts, insurance, paychecks, etc.
- Make sure all rented formal wear is returned.
- Post your favorite pictures to social media using your custom #hashtag.
- Send out thank you cards to guests and vendors.
- Go on the HONEYMOON!!!
I hope this wedding planning checklist helps guide you to your wedding day. Here it is in pdf printable format.
CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR FREE COPY
photo credit: https: Eden, Janine and Jim (top) Kim S. (middle) Grand Velas Riviera Maya (bottom)
