Printable
Wedding Planning Checklist
Every task from engagement to thank-you notes, grouped by how far out it belongs. Print this page or tick it off on your phone.
12+ months12+ months before
- Set your total budget and who is contributing
- Draft a rough guest list and head count
- Pick a wedding date, season and backup dates
- Tour and book your ceremony and reception venue
- Decide whether to hire a planner or day-of coordinator
- Make a shared wedding email and folder for contracts
10–11 months10–11 months before
- Book your photographer
- Book a videographer (optional)
- Book the caterer if the venue does not include one
- Ask your wedding party
- Book your officiant
- Launch a wedding website
8–9 months8–9 months before
- Shop for and order the wedding dress or attire
- Book the band or DJ
- Book the florist
- Send save-the-dates (earlier for destination weddings)
- Reserve hotel room blocks for guests
- Start your gift registry
6–7 months6–7 months before
- Plan the honeymoon and check passports
- Book hair and makeup artists
- Order wedding-party attire
- Book transportation
- Book rentals: tables, chairs, linens, lighting
- Plan the ceremony outline with your officiant
4–5 months4–5 months before
- Order invitations and stationery
- Do a cake tasting and order the cake
- Buy wedding rings
- Book the rehearsal dinner venue
- Choose the second partner's attire
- Schedule dress fittings
3 months3 months before
- Finalize the menu with the caterer
- Finalize the guest list and mailing addresses
- Order favors and welcome bags
- Choose ceremony readings and music
- Hair and makeup trial
- Plan the reception order of events
2 months2 months before
- Mail invitations (6–8 weeks before)
- Attend dress fittings
- Write your vows
- Confirm details with every vendor
- Buy accessories and shoes; break the shoes in
- Plan the rehearsal
1 month1 month before
- Get the marriage license (check your state's valid window)
- Final dress fitting
- Chase missing RSVPs after the deadline
- Make the seating chart
- Finalize the day-of schedule and send it to vendors
- Put final payments and tips in labeled envelopes
2 weeks2 weeks before
- Give the final head count to the caterer and venue
- Confirm every vendor's arrival time
- Pack for the honeymoon
- Haircut, color or beauty appointments
1 week1 week before
- Pick up the dress or attire
- Name a day-of point person for vendor questions
- Pack an emergency kit
- Final walkthrough at the venue
Day beforeDay before
- Rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
- Hand rings and license to the officiant or best person
- Drop off décor, favors and signage with the coordinator
- Charge phones, lay out outfits, get some sleep
Wedding dayWedding day
- Eat a real breakfast and drink water
- Hand the vendor envelopes to your point person
- Enjoy the day
AfterAfter the wedding
- Return rentals and collect personal items
- Send thank-you notes (within 3 months)
- Leave reviews for vendors
- Preserve the dress and bouquet
- Update your name on documents (if changing)
Checklist FAQ
What should be on a wedding planning checklist?
Budget and guest count, the venue, the key vendors (photographer, caterer, officiant, music, florist), attire, stationery, the marriage license, the seating chart and a wedding-day schedule, each with a deadline.
Is there a printable wedding planning checklist?
Yes. This page prints cleanly: use your browser's print command and the navigation drops away. The planner download also includes a 16-page printable binder.
