Wedding Timeline Checklist

The wedding timeline checklist is the main checklist most couples search for when planning their wedding. The To-Do-List is organized from 9-12 months before the wedding until the first days after the wedding.

Don’t feel overwhelmed by all the To-Do-Things pointed out here. Just pick the ones that best suit your dream wedding.

9-12 months before the wedding

• Officially announce your engagement
• Decide on who pays for what and set an overall budget
• Set a wedding date (consult with registry office and officiant)
• Decide on the type of wedding (formal, semi-formal, informal…)
• Book reception site (liability insurance necessary?) and arrange parking
• Book ceremony location (liability insurance necessary?)
• Decide whether you need/want pre-marital counseling
• Get some useful wedding checklists or prepare your own ones
• Hire wedding planner if you wish
• Start first draft of your guest list

6-9 months before the wedding

• Announce wedding date (especially for out-of-town guests)
• Start shopping for wedding dress, shoes, jewelry etc.
• Decide on bridesmaids dresses
• Organize (flower) decoration and bouquets
• Hire catering service
• Hire wedding photographer/videographer
• Hire DJ/band
• Choose officiant and discuss ceremony process
• Start thinking about gift registry options
• Reserve hotel rooms (in varying price ranges) for out-of-town guests
• Have an engagement party if you wish
• Book honeymoon

4-6 months before the wedding

• Select and order wedding invitations and stationery
• Choose wedding cake
• Discuss menu ideas with catering service
• Arrange for rental items (arches, candelabras, china, crystal, flatware…)
• Buy wedding rings
• Organize groom’s tux and decide what groomsmen will wear
• Make sure bridesmaids ordered their gowns and decide on accessories
• Look for wedding favors
• Confirm dates for bridal shower and bachelorette parties
• Start registry (before sending bridal shower invitations)
• Get ideas for wedding hair and makeup
• Organize helpers (readers, musicians, guest book attendant etc.)
• Organize additional management staff, babysitters etc.
• Give guest list to shower hostesses
• Decide whether you want wedding insurance

2-4 months before the wedding

• Finalize guest list and send invitations
• Select place for rehearsal dinner
• Finalize rehearsal dinner plans
• Finalize menu
• Select music for ceremony, reception etc.
• Book makeup artist and hairstylist
• Check tuxes for groom and groomsmen have been ordered
• Organize wedding transportation (for you and your guests)
• Order wedding favors
• Find gifts for each other, your attendants, shower hostess, parents etc.
• Purchase bridal party gifts
• Purchase wedding accessories (candles, baskets, ring pillow etc.)
• Check registry regularly (there always have to be enough options left)
• Joint bank accounts, insurance, merging of money…
• Start preparations for honeymoon
• Send invitations 8 weeks before wedding date

1-2 months before the wedding

• Have first bridal gown fitting
• Schedule a final fitting for your gown so it can be ready for formal bridal portrait
• Finalize ceremony readings, songs, etc.
• Design wedding programs
• Meet with officiant to finalize ceremony
• Arrange “Bridesmaid Luncheon” and other “Pre-Wedding Parties”
• Write vows
• Set appointment with photographer for your formal bridal portrait.
• Prepare photo and video shot list
• Check requirements for blood test and marriage license in your state
• Discuss and finalize details with wedding service providers

3-4 weeks before the wedding

• Get marriage license (normally no earlier than 30 days before wedding)
• Arrange name change
• Mail rehearsal-dinner invitations
• Meet with stylist to discuss makeup and hair
• Confirm hotel arrangements for out-of-town guests

1-2 weeks before the wedding

• Call guests who have not responded to invitation
• Make final payments for all services that require payment
• Have final wedding gown fitting
• Finalize wedding-day schedule and share with attendants, parents and all vendors
• Pick up wedding dress and make sure all accessories are together
• Reconfirm all wedding plans: ceremony, reception site, florist, photo-/videographer, musicians, DJ, baker, honeymoon
• Give caterer/reception site final head count
• Provide wedding party and out-of-town guests with itinerary and maps
• Prepare emergency kit with needle, thread, safety pins, tape, mirror, etc.
• Give someone at home emergency numbers of honeymoon locations, credit card numbers etc.
• Finalize seating arrangements
• Prepare place cards
• Prepare “wedding box” for ceremony accessories
• Prepare “reception box” for reception accessories
• Prepare wedding favors for transportation
• Complete seating plan for reception
• Confirm all rental and floral delivery dates and times
• Confirm arrival times for attendants
• Pack for wedding night and honeymoon

The day before the wedding

• Prepare payment envelopes, choosing who is responsible for each one
• Hand out assignment lists and checklists to ensure everyone knows their tasks
• Hand out ceremony box to appropriate person
• Hand out reception box to appropriate person
• Hand out favor box to appropriate person
• Give rings to best man
• Gather wedding dress and all accessories
• Get a manicure, pedicure, massage
• Rehearse ceremony with officiant and wedding party
• Confirm flight arrangements for honeymoon
• Compile an emergency list of all wedding vendors with phone numbers

The wedding day

• Try to eat breakfast
• See hairdresser
• Have makeup applied
• Don’t forget rings (if you haven’t given them to best man) and wedding license
• Take a relaxing bath

After wedding

• Get wedding gown cleaned and preserved
• Preserve bouquet
• Write and send thank-you notes
• Complete process of name change
• Finalize gift registry
• Meet with photographer/videographer to finalize albums/video

If you already feel like having a look at some of the best wedding vendors out there, check our recommended wedding suppliers to find what you are looking for from the comfort of your home.

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