The Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist
Your ultimate wedding planning checklist is here! Made with options for shorter engagements and longer engagements at the same time. Have something to add? Drop it in the comments!
Shorter: 3-6 Months Before the Wedding
Longer: 12 Months Before the Wedding
Celebrate! Have your engagement party to celebrate your exciting news. Have some fun!
Get our Wedding Guide for vendor recommendations, timeline, tips, and more - for free!
Figure out your budget, and what you want to prioritize for your big day. Try to think big picture here. Don't worry about having every detail in your budget nailed down at first.
Pick your ceremony + reception venue. You may need to book these far in advance so do this before you are for sure on your date. Tour as many as possible to see what you want.
Set a date and send out a save the date to wedding guests.
Choose your wedding party! Bridesmaids and Groomsmen, flower girl, ring bearer, etc.
Start to book your wedding pros! Photographer, Videographer, Planner (if you want one), Florist, Caterer, Hair + Makeup Artist. You'll want to save your date with these vendors earlier than others since they book weddings far in advance.
Start your registry.
Go to a Bridal Show! You'll get so much info you need, + free stuff.
Shorter: 2-4 Months Before the Wedding
Longer: 6 Months Before the Wedding
Say yes to the dress! Find a few wedding dress shops or designers and make an appointment to try on dresses with your girls. Don't forget about bridesmaid dresses and the groom's suit!
Plan your bridal shower with your mom and maid of honor. You'll want to hold it a few months before the wedding.
Pick out your future husband's wedding band!
Compile your guest list and timeline for ceremony + reception! (And tell your wedding pros if they need to know!)
Pick your final wedding colors.
Get your engagement photos taken.
Start drinking a ton of water and doing skin care.
Pick your hairstyle, shoes, jewelry, etc.
Go décor shopping.
Pick your final florals: bridal bouquet, groom's boutonniere, bridesmaid bouquets, groomsmen boutonnieres, flower girl petals, and any family's boutonnieres (usually moms, dads, and grandparents.)
Pick your music/DJ/band.
Book your honeymoon.
Send out invitations. Organize RSVPs.
Apply for your marriage license in the county you'll be married in! Look up what you need to have before you go in.
Finalize all of the things: décor, attire, seating, etc.
Shorter: 1 Month Before the Wedding
Longer: 1-3 Months Before the Wedding
Pick up your marriage license!
Have your bachelorette/bachelor parties! Get with your best man and maid of honor to plan these.
Get your ring cleaned once before your big day.
Do a hair and makeup dress rehearsal before you decide for sure.
Pack for your honeymoon! Yay!
Write thank you notes as you receive your gifts.
Delegate wedding day tasks to your wedding party.
Prepare final vendor payments.
Sleep a lot, eat healthy and drink a ton of water!
Wedding Day
Relax!
Eat breakfast.
Be happy and don't let anything worry you!
