Wedding Checklist

 

12 to 24 Months:

Arrange for Both Families to Meet

Create a File for All Documentation

Take an Engagement Photo

Announce Your Engagement

Set a Wedding Date

Hire Pastor/Official to Perform Wedding Service

Select & Book Ceremony Location

Select & Book Music for Ceremony

Discuss Level of Formality & Number of Guests

Establish a Budget and Agree How Expenses Will Be Shared

Attend Bridal Shows/Expos

Select & Book Reception Site

Select & Book Disk Jockey for Reception

Select & Book Caterer (if necessary)

Select & Book Photographer

Select & Book Videographer

Select Bridal Party

Establish Apparel for Bride, Groom & Bridal Party

Order Bridal Gown

6 to 12 Months:

Schedule Events

Order Invitations & Thank You Notes

Rehearsal Dinner

Bachelor Party (optional)

Bridesmaid's Party (optional)

Reserve Limousine Service for Wedding and Bachelor(ette) Parties

Select & Book Ceremony & Reception Materials

Reserve Tents, Tables, Chairs, Linens

Reserve Dishes, Glasses & Utensils (if not provided by caterer)

Arches, etc.

Balloons

Additional Decorations

Select & Book a Florist - Choose Floral Arrangements

Select & Book Decor for Reception

Select & Order Wedding Cake

Finalize Mother's, Bridesmaid's & Groomsmen's Apparel

Confirm Delivery Date of Wedding Gown

Arrange Dancing Lessons (if necessary)

Make Honeymoon Plans & Reservations

Request Time Off Work (as needed)

Reserve Bridal Suite for Wedding Night (if not included with reception location)

 

3 to 6 Months:

Ensure Passports, Photo Id and Other Required Documents are In Order

Order Invitations & Thank You Notes

Order Ceremony Programs

Finalize Invitation List

Begin Addressing Invitations

Select & Book Hair Stylist and Makeup Artist

Establish Bridal Registries (2 minimum)

Purchase Bride's Garter

Purchase Bride's GarterAccessories (shoes, etc.)

Purchase Ceremony & Reception Items

Unity Candles

Taper Candles

Candle Holders

Toasting Glasses

Cake Knife

Server Set

Cake Top

Guest Book

Pen Set

Ring Pillow

Flower Girl Basket

Wishing Bubbles

Wedding Bells

Rice, Confetti, Bird Seed

Buy Wedding Rings

Buy Wedding Gift for Spouse

Buy Gifts for Bridal Party

Select First Dance Song

Select Songs for Parent Dances

Select Cake Cutting Song

 

1 to 3 Months:

Send Invitations (no less than six weeks before wedding)

Check Marriage License Requirements

Distribute Schedule of Events to Bridal Party

Final Fittings & Pick-Up Dates for Dresses & Tuxedos

Rehearsal & Rehearsal Dinner Schedule

Wedding Day Schedule

Hair & Makeup Appointments

Time & Place to Meet for Ceremony

Transportation to Reception Arrangements

Schedule Final Fittings

Wedding Dress

Bridesmaid's Dresses

Tuxedos

Order Favors for Reception

Arrange to Move Belongings to New Residence

Get Marriage License

Confirm Honeymoon Reservations

Arrange for Transportation to Airport

Begin Packing for Honeymoon

Place Wedding Announcement in Local Newspaper(s)

2 to 4 Weeks:

Finalize All Vendor Arrangements

Contact Guests That Have Not RSVP'd

Make Seating Plans

Create Reception Place Cards (if not provided by reception location)

Finalize Menu with Caterer/Reception Site

Finalize Program with Disc Jockey Service

Remind Bridal Party of Schedule and Commitments

Wrap Bridal Party Gifts

Ensure Out-of-Town Guests Have Accommodations

Make Arrangements of Cleaning & Storage of Gown

Make Arrangements for Preservation of Bouquet

Confirm Hair/Makeup/Nail Appointments

Finalize Payment/Write Checks for Vendor Services

Finalize Arrangements for Ceremony & Rehearsal

Wedding Party Attire

Wedding Party Gifts

Wedding Rings & Pillow

Flower Girl Basket

Cake Knife

Toasting Glasses

Wishing Bubbles, Rice, Confetti, etc.

Prepare Emergency Kit (Tylenol, Gum, Mints, Makeup, Hairspray, Pins & Sewing Kit)

Pick Up Tickets & Travelers Checks for Honeymoon