Wedding Checklist - The ultimate guide to planning your big day
So you’ve said ‘yes’ to the big question! CONGRATULATIONS! You’re getting married and have set the date. The next question is “What should I do next”? Whether you’re planning your special day three months or three years in advance, there is no question about it. It’s going to take just a little bit of organizing!
Welcome to our useful Wedding Checklist. It’s really more like a timeline, what to do and when to do it. Having a checklist also minimizes the negative domino effect that can be caused by simply forgetting to do something on the list. We know that no two weddings are the same; therefore, some of the points on this Wedding Checklist may not be relevant for you. However, it will serve as a guide to help you along the way. Happy planning!
Wedding Checklist
Things to do once you’re engaged
Agree on a date (if you haven’t done so already)
Share the vision of your dream wedding with your fiancé
Set your budget
Begin setting out your guest list and agree on the number of guests you will be inviting
Research and create a list of potential Venues for your day of nuptials
Decide the ceremony location (if you prefer a different location from the venue)
Ask your bridesmaid’s/groomsmen to do the honors
One year before your big day
Start looking for your dress and suite
Discuss and agree on your decor colors
Agree with what kind of entertainment you would like to have (Wedding DJ, Live Band, etc.)
Discuss venue decor (Uplighting, Flowers, Place settings, etc.) (DIY or wedding planner if required)
Consider Wedding Insurance
Book your ceremony location
Book your wedding planner (if necessary)
Book your entertainment (Wedding DJ, Band, Soloist, etc.)
Book your Photographer
Book your Videographer
Book your Officiant
Schedule premarital counseling with your pastor or a premarital counselor
See our blog on Questions you should ask a wedding DJ before hiring.
About 8 months before your big day
Rent/Buy dresses and suits for bridal party (bridesmaids, groomsmen, etc.)
Place an order for your wedding cake
Book your Caterer (if not included with venue)
Discuss and decide on the menu, hors-d’oeuvres, drinks, etc.
Book your Bartender
Create your RSVP List
Purchase and Send out ‘Save The Date’ cards
Plan your honeymoon (Destination, how many days, budget, etc.)
Book your honeymoon
About 6 months before your big day
Plan your bachelor and Bachelorette parties
Plan your ceremony timeline and music
Plan your reception timeline and music
Discuss plans and share logistics with all hired vendors
Book Limo services or other Car Company
Get excited because you’re halfway there
About 4 months before your big day
Look at options for flowers
Sort out the legalities (Registrar, Celebrant, etc.)
Decide on invitations, the order of service, etc.
Book your Hairstylist/Barber
Book your Makeup Artist
Book your Nail Technician
Finalize your Order of Service, Prayers, Readings etc.
Get even more excited
About 2 months before your big day
Choose your Wedding Rings
Send out your invitations
Attend a wedding dress fitting
Organize gifts for bridal party, parents etc.
Go for your makeup trial
One month before your big day
Contact all your suppliers and find out if everything is in order (This can be done by the wedding planner)
Final wedding dress fitting
Print the Order of Service for the ceremony
Print the Order of Service for the reception
Finalize design of the wedding cake
2 weeks before your big day
Finalize your RSVP list
Finalize plans with all vendors
Organize final payments required to be paid to your vendors and suppliers
Make final payments for honeymoon
One week before your big day
Provide final guest numbers to your venue and caterer
Get place cards and menu printed
Full dress and wedding rehearsal
Make sure that everything has been marked complete on your checklist
Confirm pick up times with your Limo or other Car Company
Pack for your honeymoon
2 days before your big day
Drop off all place cards, menus, favors etc. at your venue
Make last-minute table plan changes if required
Confirm final look of the wedding cake
Groom: final fitting and pick up formal wear
The day before your big day
Rehearse your ceremony with everyone involved
Get a good nights sleep
Your Wedding Day
Make sure you have the wedding rings
Get married
Dance, party and enjoy your family, friends, and guests
Enjoy every single moment of your special day!
Honeymoon time! YAY!
Whether you’re a few months away or a year from your big day, plan each stage with confidence!