# Wedding planning checklist

A step-by-step wedding planning checklist, from setting the budget to the final week before the big day.

## 12 months before

- [ ] Agree on a total budget and who is contributing what
- [ ] Set a rough guest count
- [ ] Choose a date, with one or two backup dates
- [ ] Book the ceremony and reception venues
- [ ] Decide on the style and season of the wedding
- [ ] Start a shared document for vendor quotes and contracts

## 9 to 10 months before

- [ ] Book the photographer and videographer
- [ ] Book the caterer or confirm the venue menu options
- [ ] Book the officiant or confirm civil ceremony requirements and paperwork
- [ ] Hire a band, DJ or playlist plan for the reception
- [ ] Reserve a block of rooms for out-of-town guests
- [ ] Send save-the-dates

## 6 to 8 months before

- [ ] Choose the wedding party and ask them
- [ ] Shop for wedding attire for both partners
- [ ] Order the wedding rings
- [ ] Book the florist or decide on decorations
- [ ] Book transport for the day
- [ ] Plan the honeymoon and check passport validity

## 3 to 5 months before

- [ ] Order and send formal invitations with a reply-by date
- [ ] Taste the menu and choose the cake
- [ ] Book hair and makeup and schedule a trial
- [ ] Plan the ceremony order, readings and music
- [ ] Arrange rentals: tables, chairs, lighting, linens
- [ ] Start the seating plan draft

## 1 to 2 months before

- [ ] Chase outstanding RSVPs
- [ ] Confirm final guest count with the caterer
- [ ] Finalize the seating plan and print place cards
- [ ] Confirm timings and arrival times with every vendor
- [ ] Write vows and speeches
- [ ] Do the final attire fitting
- [ ] Apply for the marriage licence or complete legal requirements in your area

## The week before

- [ ] Pay the final vendor balances and prepare tip envelopes
- [ ] Pack for the honeymoon
- [ ] Send the day-of schedule to the wedding party and family
- [ ] Assign someone to handle questions and last-minute issues on the day
- [ ] Prepare a day-of emergency kit: sewing kit, pain relief, stain remover, tape
- [ ] Deliver decorations, signs and favours to the venue

## The day itself

- [ ] Eat a proper breakfast and drink water
- [ ] Bring the rings, licence and vendor contact list
- [ ] Hand the payment envelopes to a trusted person
- [ ] Take group photos while everyone is present
- [ ] Make sure someone takes gifts and cards home safely

## After the wedding

- [ ] Return rented items and attire
- [ ] Send thank-you notes
- [ ] Order the marriage certificate copies you need
- [ ] Update names and addresses on documents if needed
- [ ] Back up and share the photos and video

- Items: 47
- Category: Weddings & events (https://listomancy.com/lists/events)
- Live page: https://listomancy.com/wedding-planning-checklist
- Export: https://listomancy.com/export/wedding-planning-checklist.md, https://listomancy.com/export/wedding-planning-checklist.csv, https://listomancy.com/export/wedding-planning-checklist.txt

Source: Listomancy (https://listomancy.com). Duplicate this list to edit it: https://listomancy.com/create?from=wedding-planning-checklist