The Wedding Planner
Planning a Wedding? Here is the Checklist
Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming—but with the right checklist, it becomes a well-organised, exciting journey rather than a stressful race to the altar. Whether you're going big or keeping it intimate, here’s a comprehensive wedding planning checklist to keep you on track from engagement to "I do."
12+ Months Before the Wedding
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Set a Budget: Decide how much you can spend and who’s contributing.
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Create a Guest List: Get a rough idea of how many people you'll invite.
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Choose a Date: Consider season, venue availability, and guest convenience.
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Book Your Venue(s): Ceremony and reception locations go fast—lock them in early.
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Hire a Wedding Planner (Optional): Especially helpful for larger weddings or destination events.
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Choose Your Wedding Party: Let your chosen friends and family know early.
9–12 Months Before
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Book Key Vendors: Photographer, videographer, band/DJ, and caterer if not provided by the venue.
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Say Yes to the Dress: Start shopping early for bridal attire; alterations can take months.
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Plan the Theme/Style: Rustic, classic, coastal, garden, formal—define your aesthetic.
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Create a Wedding Website: Share details like registry, accommodation, and schedule.
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Research Accommodation for Guests: Block rooms at nearby hotels.
6–9 Months Before
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Order Bridesmaids' Dresses & Groomsmen Attire
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Book Transportation: For you and your guests (if needed).
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Plan Your Honeymoon: Lock in flights and accommodation.
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Design and Order Invitations: Include RSVP instructions and deadline.
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Schedule Pre-wedding Events: Engagement party, bridal shower, and buck’s/hens nights.
3–6 Months Before
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Hire Remaining Vendors: Florist, cake maker, hair and makeup, officiant.
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Organise Menu and Cake Tastings
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Buy Wedding Rings
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Finalise Ceremony Details: Vows, readings, and traditions.
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Plan Seating Chart and Table Layout
1–3 Months Before
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Send Out Invitations
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Get Marriage License
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Confirm Details with Vendors
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Create a Run Sheet: Timeline for the wedding day.
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Schedule Hair & Makeup Trial
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Have Final Dress Fitting
2–4 Weeks Before
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Follow Up on RSVPs
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Finalise Seating Chart
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Confirm Headcount with Caterer
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Write Vows
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Break In Your Wedding Shoes
1 Week Before
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Pack an Emergency Kit: Band-aids, sewing kit, deodorant, tissues, etc.
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Confirm Arrival Times with Vendors
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Pick Up Outfits
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Prepare Payments and Tips for Vendors
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Delegate Wedding Day Tasks: Who’s handling what.
Wedding Day
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Eat a Good Breakfast
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Stay Hydrated
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Relax and Soak It All In
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Get Married!
After the Wedding
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Send Thank-You Cards
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Change Your Name (if applicable)
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Review Vendors Online
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Preserve Your Dress
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Order Photo Album
Planning a wedding is a major undertaking—but with this checklist, you'll be able to keep everything in order and actually enjoy the process. Take it one step at a time, and don’t forget what it’s all about: celebrating love and starting your next chapter together.
