Free Wedding Planning Timeline Checklist

wedding checklist
free wedding budget worksheet


This wedding planning timeline provides you with a simplified wedding details checklist that will help you in your quest to plan the perfect wedding without forgetting an of the little details.

>> Download a printable version of our wedding planning checklist <<

9-12 months before the wedding:

  • Announce your engagement to friends and family.
  • Arrange for parents to get together and meet each other if they haven't already.
  • Pick a special date to begin your lives together.

  • Discuss what your budget will be and who'll be contributing what to the event.

  • Interview wedding planners if you're using one.
  • Pick the ceremony site and meet with the officiant.
  • Work on the guest list to get a rough head count.
  • Visit reception sites and reserve one.
  • Begin shopping for your wedding gown.
  • If you want to drop a few pounds for the wedding start now.

6-9 months before the wedding:

  • Choose the members of your wedding party.
  • Select a caterer.
  • Enroll in a bridal registry.
  • Order your wedding gown.
  • Shop for bridesmaids dresses.
  • Pick a photographer and videographer.
  • Hire a florist.
  • Start thinking about where you'd like to go for your honeymoon.

  • Send out save-the-date cards, especially if your wedding is on a holiday weekend.

4-6 months before the wedding:

  • Order wedding stationary (place cards, thank you cards, etc.).
  • Shop for the perfect wedding cake.
  • Hire your wedding-day transportation (carriage, limousine, etc.)
  • Book your favorite hair stylist and makeup artist.
  • Check on hotels for any out-of-town guests.
  • Finalize the guest list.
  • Get definite plans for your honeymoon, make airline and hotel arrangements.

  • Plan the rehearsal dinner.

2-4 months before the wedding:

  • Purchase the marriage license from your cities county clerk.
  • Order tuxedos for the groom and groomsmen.
  • Meet with the caterer to go over menus, wine selections, etc.
  • Order the wedding cake.
  • Select wedding ceremony and reception music.
  • If you plan on writing your own vows start writing them now.

4-8 weeks before the wedding:

  • Mail wedding invitations 6 to 8 weeks ahead of your wedding date.

  • Do a hair and make up run through with your wedding veil on.

2-4 weeks before the wedding:

  • Work on the seating arrangements for the reception.
  • Confirm details with the photographer, florist, and other vendors.
  • Have your final wedding dress fitting.
  • Write your rehearsal-dinner toast.
  • Purchase gifts for the wedding attendants.
  • Compile a list of all of the wedding vendors and wedding party. Carry this list with you everywhere you go just in case.

1 week before the wedding:

  • Place any amounts due on the wedding day in envelopes for easy distribution.
  • Give the caterer a final head count.
  • Find a trustworthy person to take the cake knife, toasting glasses, etc. to the reception.
  • Get final beauty treatments (manicure, facial, massage, waxing, brow shaping, etc.).
  • Pack for the honeymoon.

The day before the wedding:

  • Get something old - symbolizes continuity with the bride's family and the past.
  • Get something new - means optimism and hope for the bride's new life ahead
  • Get something borrowed - an item from a happily married friend or family member, whose good fortune in marriage is supposed to carry over to the new bride.
  • Get something blue - to symbolize love, modesty, and fidelity.
  • And a silver sixpence in her shoe - represents wealth and financial security. For optimum fortune, the sixpence should be in the left shoe. These days, a dime or a copper penny can be substituted.

The day of the wedding:

  • Relax and remain calm.
  • Remember to eat something. You may be so busy with things that you forget.
  • Allow yourself at least two hours to get dressed.
  • Enjoy yourself at this once in a life time event!
printable wedding checklist
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