Download the Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist!

By Emily Co

Juggling our everyday lives with wedding planning can be quite a struggle, but you can enjoy the planning process more when you're organized. It's overwhelming when you're not sure what's next on the to-do list, so I've created a general timeline for brides out there who need the reminders or reassurance that they're already on track. You can download the wedding planning checklist here.

Wedding Planning Checklist

    9-12 Months Before

  • Set a budget, and determine how costs will be divided.
  • Select a date, and reserve venue(s).
  • Start the guest list to get your best cost estimate.
  • Find an officiant.
  • Start a separate folder for receipts.
  • Select your wedding party.
  • Hire a planner or day-of coordinator.
  • Book a florist, photographer, and DJ or band.

    6-9 Months Before

  • Find a caterer if the venue doesn't offer one.
  • Choose bridesmaids' attire.
  • Register for gifts.
  • Start planning your honeymoon.
  • Select and order a bridal gown!
  • Create a wedding website.
  • Arrange transportation.

    4-6 Months Before

  • Finalize guest list.
  • Send save-the-date announcements.
  • Reserve any rental items needed for ceremony/reception.
  • Shop for wedding invitations.
  • Finalize a date, time, and location for rehearsal dinner.
  • Choose ceremony readings, and reach out to readers.
  • Arrange room blocks at hotels for out-of-town guests.
  • Meet with your officiant.

    2-4 Months Before

  • Mail invitations.
  • Shop for your wedding rings.
  • Order wedding cake.
  • Obtain marriage license after 90-day mark.
  • Find your makeup artist and hairstylist, and make your day-of and trial-run appointments.
  • Purchase favors and gifts for welcome baskets.

    6-8 Weeks Before

  • Send rehearsal-dinner invitations.
  • Reserve tuxedos for groomsmen.
  • Finalize the menu and the flowers.
  • Meet with vendors to work out details.

    2-6 Weeks Before

  • Print seating cards and programs.
  • Create seating plan and wedding-weekend timeline.
  • Have your final dress fitting.
  • Write vows.
  • Finalize all details, and confirm with vendors.

    1 Week Before

  • Expect lots of last-minute things to come up, so try not to save anything that could have been finished sooner.
  • Confirm arrival times with vendors and wedding party.
  • Set aside checks or tips to distribute to vendors.
  • Delegate tasks to wedding party.

After you've nailed down your wedding budget, get cracking on the rest of the checklist, and don't forget to have fun. You're a bride! Try to enjoy every moment leading up to your big day.