Wedding Checklist

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Wedding Checklist
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Our free wedding planning checklist covers a 12 month span, but you can adjust the schedule to your own timeline, whether you're planning two years or one month in advance. Then, simply start at the top of the list below and browse through each group of tasks before tackling them one by one.

Bride and Groom on Wedding Day Strolling Along Beach

Congrats -- you're engaged! :) "So, now what?" you might ask. The key tool when you start out, and throughout your wedding planning journey, should be a good wedding checklist. So whether you're just getting started planning your wedding or have most of the basics down but want to know what to do next, you're in the right place.

You may also wish to refer to this wedding planning timeline which can be helpful as you create your own unique wedding plan.

12 Months Before

Announce your engagement to family and friends and plan an engagement party
Place an engagement announcement in your local newspaper
Sign up for a wedding website to keep your guests informed about event details, area information, etc.
Work on the budget
Consider purchasing wedding planning software to organize everything, or hire a wedding planner to help secure contracts, etc.
Choose a wedding date - select a few days in case your first choice is booked
Choose a location and reserve your ceremony and reception site(s)
Begin a rough guest list and compile current addresses
Decide on who you'd like to have as your attendants, including your maid of honor and best man
Begin shopping for your wedding gown
Attend a local bridal show or two and jot down notes about any vendors you really liked
Purchase a wedding planning organizer or calendar to keep track of important dates and appointments (fittings, showers, etc.)

6-9 Months Before

Research and choose one or more bridal gift registry
Order your wedding gown and buy undergarments that you will wear with it (bring these to all fittings)
Order other bridal accessories - shoes, gloves and veil
Begin shopping for bridesmaids dresses
Find an officiant who will perform your ceremony
Research vendor websites and blogs, schedule appointments and book ceremony musicians, a wedding band or DJ, photographer, videographer, caterer and florist

4-6 Months Before

Select and order your wedding invitations, invitation envelopes and thank-you cards
Hire a calligrapher, if desired (check with a local stationery store for referrals)
Select and purchase wedding favors and wedding favor accessories - boxes, personalized wedding ribbon, labels, etc.
Purchase any desired ceremony and reception decorations - unity candles, vases, aisle runner, etc.
Start researching wedding cake pictures and local bakeries for ideas
Book your honeymoon and verify that you have any necessary travel documents including passports and visas
Book a room for your wedding night, if you will be leaving for your honeymoon the next morning
Book hotel rooms or arrange other accommodations for out-of-town guests
Finalize your guest list and send out save-the-date cards, if using
Print out directions to the ceremony, reception, rehearsal dinner and hotel(s) for guests
Compile a list of area information and things to do for out-of-town guests
Reserve transportation for you and your wedding party to and from the wedding, as well as a bus or trolley for your guests (if necessary)

2-4 Months Before

Find out what your state's requirements are for obtaining a marriage license and get blood tests done, if required
Order tuxedos for the groom and groomsmen
Meet with your caterer to discuss the menu and your bar/liquor needs
Meet with your officiant to discuss ceremony details, wording and wedding vows
Select wedding readings
Order your wedding cake
Buy thank-you gifts for your attendants, flower girl and ring bearer
Shop for a gift for your new spouse-to-be
Select and purchase wedding rings, and have them engraved if desired
Coordinate and choose a location for the rehearsal dinner
Contact party rental companies for tents, tables, arches, etc. if necessary
Book any other specialty services – ice sculptures, photo booths, etc.
Purchase luggage and other travel necessities and attire for your honeymoon
Order/renew passports if necessary, leaving ample time for them to be sent back to you
Schedule an appointment with your dentist if you'd like to have your teeth whitened or cleaned before the wedding

1-2 Months Before

Mail invitations out to everyone eight weeks prior to the wedding date and send accommodation info to your out-of-town guests
Compile and complete name change documents or purchase a bridal name change kit online which contains all of the necessary forms to file
Fill out a change of address form at the post office, if necessary
Pick up your marriage license
Have ceremony programs printed
Purchase a guest book, pen and other wedding accessories including toasting glasses, cake knife, ring pillow, etc.
Keep your wedding web site updated with directions and event details
Choose your hair and makeup stylists and schedule a trial for both; also book appointments to have your hair, make-up and nails done on the day of the wedding
Review insurance information with your fiancé and check with employers to see what documents need to be updated once you are legally wed (car, home, medical, etc.)

2 Weeks to 1 Month Before

Create a seating chart for the reception and make table numbers and place cards (or have your calligrapher work on these, if you have hired one)
Contact your caterer with a final guest count
Print out a timeline of events for your wedding party and vendors - include contact information and cell phone numbers
Meet with your photographer to finalize your wedding photo list of any must-have photos
Contact your florist to confirm your final flower order (bouquets, boutonnieres, centerpieces, etc.) and go over any decor details or venue logistics for the big day
Finalize your ceremony and reception music and song lists for your wedding band or DJ
Confirm lodging reservations for out-of-town guests
Place a wedding announcement in your local newspaper
Plan a bridal luncheon or dinner with your bridesmaids
Pick up wedding bands and make sure the fit is good
Schedule a final wedding dress fitting
Write rehearsal dinner toasts

1 Week Before

Write out final checks to your wedding vendors (each organized in an envelope) and let your wedding coordinator or one of your attendants to distribute at the wedding
Pick up your wedding gown
Confirm limo or other transportation reservations
Pack for your honeymoon and confirm travel arrangements
Have your post office hold your mail, if necessary, while you are on your honeymoon
Treat yourself to a spa day -- you deserve it!

The Day Before

Welcome out-of-town guests as they arrive
Take a yoga class or go for a walk during the day
Schedule a hair appointment for prior to the rehearsal dinner
Attend the rehearsal and enjoy the rehearsal dinner!

The Wedding Day

Wake up early and do some easy exercise, or just go for a peaceful walk outdoors and try to soak up the beauty of the day ;)
Set aside some time before the festivities to share gifts with your bridesmaids or close family members
Eat a healthy breakfast - you'll need your energy for the big day ahead!
Enjoy it; it's finally here and everything will be wonderful... Congratulations!!

Free wedding checklist created and updated by The Little Wedding Guide. Questions or suggestions? Please contact us.

Download Our Free Wedding Checklist in PDF Format

Need a printable version? Click here to download our free printable wedding checklist in PDF format.

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