Month by Month Wedding Planning Checklist

Once the excitement from getting engaged simmers down a bit, it’s time to start planning the wedding! A solid wedding checklist is a godsend in such situations, so check out the following list and keep it with you as you plan your big day!

12 Months Prior

Announce your engagement to friends and family and plan your engagement party
Plan an announcement for your local paper
Devise a budget
Hire a wedding planner or purchase wedding planning software if desired
Choose a wedding date–have a few dates in mind in case your chosen venue is booked on your first choice
Choose a location and reserve your ceremony/reception sites
Start on the guest list and compile addresses
Decide on a bridal party, including Maid of Honor and Best Man
Start shopping for your wedding gown
Attend a local bridal show for inspiration. Bring a pen and paper!
Purchase a wedding organizer or wedding calendar to help you keep track of fittings and other important dates

Six to Nine Months Prior

Research and choose multiple bridal registries
Order your wedding gown and purchase the undergarments you’re going to wear with it–bring these to your fittings
Order bridal accessories, such as shoes, veil and gloves
Start shopping for bridesmaid dresses
Find an officiant
Research local vendors and book musicians, wedding band or DJ, florist, caterer, photographer and videographer

Four to Six Months Prior

Select and order your wedding invites, invitation envelopes and thank-you cards
Hire a calligrapher if desired
Select and purchase wedding favors and wedding favor accessories
Purchase ceremony and reception accessories you need, such as a unity candle, aisle runner, vases, etc.
Start researching wedding cake ideas and local bakeries
Book your honeymoon and verify what travel documents you need
Book a room for your wedding night
Book hotel rooms/other accommodations for out-of-town guests
Finalize the guest list and send save-the-date cards
Print directions to rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception and hotel for guests
Make a list of area information and attractions for out-of-town guests
Reserve transportation for you and your wedding party as well as bus or trolley if needed

Two to Four Months Prior

Find out your state’s marriage license requirements and get blood tests if necessary
Order tuxedos for the groom and groomsmen
Meet with the caterer to discuss menu options and bar/liquor needs
Meet with your officiant to discuss vows and other ceremony wording/details
Order your wedding cake
Choose wedding readings
Buy thank-you gifts for attendants, ring bearer and flower girl
Purchase a gift for your groom
Select and purchase wedding rings
Choose a rehearsal dinner location
Contact party rental companies regarding tents, arches, tables, etc.
Book other specialty services if applicable–photo booth, ice sculptures, etc.
Purchase luggage and other honeymoon travel necessities
Order/renew passports if applicable
Schedule a dentist appointment if you want your teeth cleaned/whitened

One to Two Months Prior

Mail invitations at least eight weeks before wedding date
Complete name-change documents if applicable
Fill out change of address form, if applicable
Print ceremony programs
Purchase a guest book, pen, other wedding accessories such as toasting glasses, ring pillow, cake knife
Keep your wedding website updated with details and directions
Choose hair and makeup stylists and schedule trials; book wedding day hair and makeup appointments
Review insurance information with your groom to find out what requires updating once you’re legally wed

Two Weeks to One Month Prior

Create a seating chart for the reception, make table numbers and place cards
Contact your caterer with the final guest count
Print out an event timeline for your wedding party and vendors, and include all contact info
Meet with your photographer to finalize your wedding shot list
Contact your florist to confirm the final order
Finalize ceremony and reception music with your wedding band/DJ
Confirm lodging for out-of-town guests
Plan a wedding announcement in your local paper
Plan a bridal luncheon or dinner with the bridesmaids
Pick up wedding bands and ensure the fit
Schedule a final dress fitting
Apply for your marriage license
Write rehearsal dinner toasts

One Week Prior

Write out final checks to wedding vendors, place them in envelopes and have your wedding coordinator distribute them at the wedding
Pick up your wedding gown and marriage license
Confirm the limo or other travel arrangements
Have your post office hold your mail, if necessary
Treat yourself to a spa day!