Planning guide
The complete wedding to-do list.
Start with the section closest to your wedding date. You do not need to pretend you have an 18-month engagement if you do not.
What is a wedding checklist? It is a time-based list of decisions, bookings, payments and preparations that shows what needs attention now—and what can wait. Planning in 90 days or less? Use the focused last-minute wedding checklist.
12–18 months before
- Agree on priorities, a guest-count range and a working budget
- Choose a date or a few acceptable date options
- Research and tour ceremony and reception venues
- Create the first guest list together
- Decide whether to hire a planner or coordinator
- Contact high-priority vendors that book early
9–12 months before
- Book photography, video, catering and entertainment
- Choose the wedding party and discuss expectations
- Begin attire shopping and allow time for ordering
- Create the wedding website and registry if wanted
- Send save-the-dates when appropriate
- Record every deposit and future payment date
6–9 months before
- Choose and order invitations
- Plan the ceremony with the officiant
- Book florals, rentals and transportation
- Reserve lodging or hotel blocks if needed
- Schedule attire fittings and alterations
- Begin the reception layout and seating approach
3–6 months before
- Confirm menu and cake or dessert
- Send invitations on the schedule that fits your event
- Build the wedding-day timeline
- Choose important music and ceremony readings
- Finalize décor, signage and rental quantities
- Plan meals, seats and activities for children attending
1 month before
- Follow up on missing RSVPs
- Complete the seating plan
- Confirm vendor arrival times and remaining balances
- Prepare tips and final payments
- Choose the person receiving the wedding handoff
- Pack attire, documents, rings and personal details
1 week before
- Send the final timeline and contact list
- Confirm the day-of point person
- Pack labeled setup boxes and an emergency kit
- Review the weather and backup plan
- Attend the rehearsal if applicable
- Protect time to rest, eat and hydrate
Wedding day
- Eat, hydrate and take personal medications as directed
- Give the timeline to the agreed point person
- Confirm rings, marriage license and vows
- Keep key contact details easy to reach
- Use the handoff instead of answering every question
- Pause long enough to notice and enjoy the celebration
Wedding To Do List
Want this checklist to manage itself?
Use the planner to add dates, assign priorities and keep vendors, guests, payments and the timeline connected.