This checklist will help you in planning the most important day of your life. Feel free to print it out and give copies to those helping to plan your wedding.

6-12 Months before Wedding

• Choose the kind of wedding you will have, date and time.
• Discuss the budget, and who will pay for what.
• Consider hiring a wedding coordinator.
• Make arrangements with the officiator.
• Reserve the wedding and reception locations.
• Select your wedding dress, veil and accessories.
• Choose the bridesmaids, groomsmen, ushers, and honored roles.
• Have a formal black/white photo sitting for announcements.
• Send announcements of your engagement to your fiancé's and your local and hometown newspapers.
• Meet with the florist, photographer, caterer, videographer, and D.J. or entertainment to discuss budgets and options.
• Discuss the guest list with fiancé and families.
• Plan reception music.
• Contact a rental coordinator for equipment reservations.
• Discuss honeymoon and reservations. (Traditionally the groom makes all the honeymoon arrangements.)
• Arrange for time off work, if necessary.
• Buy a wedding planner and envelopes to store brochures and notes.
• Develop record-keeping system for invitations, gifts, and thank-you notes.

4-6 Months before Wedding 

• Plan new living arrangements and home furnishings.

• Select and register wedding gifts and patterns.

• Select color scheme.

• Order dress and accessories.

• Order bridesmaids' dresses, shoes and accessories.

• Contact men's formal wear specialist for men's attire.

• Have parents select attire.

• Order invitations, announcements, programs, napkins, matchbooks, and personal stationery.

• Arrange for physical examinations, dental appointments, etc.

2 Months before Wedding

• Choose and order wedding bands and engraving.

• Order wedding and groom's cakes.

• Check state/county marriage license requirements.

• Plan ceremony, reception, menus, master of ceremonies, music, and timetables.

• Plan rehearsal dinner, and bridesmaids' luncheon.

• Complete guest list and address invitations.

• Make arrangements for lodging for out-of-town guests.

• Purchase gifts for attendants and groom.

• Plan reception seating, if necessary.

1 Month before Wedding

• Confirm all arrangements and Contracts

• Mail invitations so they will arrive at least three weeks before the wedding.

• Pickup wedding rings.

• Arrange for transportation to ceremony to reception.

• Attend final fittings.

• Have your hair and makeup done as you would like to have it on your wedding day.

• Purchase guest book and keepsake album.

• Write thank you notes as gifts arrive.

One to Two Weeks

• Get marriage license.

• Give caterer final guest count.

• Arrange to have your gown pressed and delivered.

• Start packing for your honeymoon.

• Give bridesmaid’s luncheon and give attendant gifts.

• Confirm plans with attendants and all wedding professionals.

• Note any special seating arrangements.

• Prepare wedding day fees.

1 Day before Wedding

• Pack the “Going-to-church” bag and an “emergency” bag.

• Attend rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.

• Give your fiancée his wedding gift.

The Wedding Day

• Have a nice relaxed breakfast.

• Relax and enjoy your day!

Back to Top