Getting married takes a lot of effort.

From picking the perfect outfit and writing memorable wedding vows to organizing a great ceremony and reception, planning the event is bound to get stressful.

This is where a wedding planning checklist can come in handy.

In a nutshell, following a wedding planning checklist can help you make smart decisions in a timely manner and minimize the headache and frustration that comes with planning such an important event in detail.

With that in mind, let’s dive into a comprehensive wedding planning checklist to help you with your big day!

So, You Got Engaged…Now What?

Once you’ve shown off the ring and announced your wedding to your closest friends, you’ll want to start the planning process as soon as possible.

Here are a few essential things you’ll want to decide on with your partner once they’ve popped the question:

Discuss your ideal wedding. Everyone has a different vision of their ideal wedding. Talk to your partner and find out what theirs is. Then, tell them what you want. You may need to compromise on a few details, but as long as you communicate with each other, you’ll be able to plan an event that you’ll both be happy with.
Set a firm budget. In 2021, the average wedding cost around $28,000, but some cost way more. Take a look at your finances and discuss how much the two of you are willing to spend. Once you decide on a budget, stick to it throughout the rest of your wedding planning process.
Pick a few dates or seasons. Think about what’s the optimal time for you to get married. Pick a few dates, months, or seasons and narrow down the choice from there. Your first-choice day may not be available at your preferred wedding venue, so having a few backup dates is always a good idea.
Start looking for inspiration. Make note of anything you and your partner want to include in your wedding. Then, head to Pinterest or Google to look at themes, decorations, and other features that other couples have used before.
Make your guest list. Start thinking about who you want to invite to your wedding and ask your partner the same question. Keep in mind that your final guest list may change as your wedding date draws closer and people start RSVPing.
Choose your wedding party. More importantly, think about who you want to be by your side on your big day as your bridesmaids, best men, etc.

10-12 Months Before the Wedding

Having a conversation with your partner about your wedding likes and dislikes is just the beginning. Once you’ve agreed on the essentials like your budget, wedding theme, and guest list, you can start thinking about the basics like the venue, vendors, and outfits.

Here are a few things you’ll need to do 10 to 12 months out from your big day:

Pick a venue. The venue you choose can set the tone for your event. Start looking for spaces at least 10 months in advance. Keep in mind that you’ll want to check out several venues before making a decision. This way, you’ll increase your chances of finding one that fits your guest list, your style, your budget, and your preferred wedding date.
Look for vendors. Depending on your budget and your needs, you’ll likely want to hire a caterer, florist, photographer, DJ or band, hair and makeup expert, baker, events rental company, and possibly a wedding planner. Start contacting professionals in your area and get prices for their services. The sooner you can lock them in, the better off you’ll be.
Start looking for outfits. Your wedding outfit is an important part of your big day. Start looking for outfits at least 10 months in advance. Lots of bridal shops and tux rental companies charge service fees for orders placed close to the day of the wedding, so you’ll save money by starting the search ahead of time.
Build a website for your wedding. One of the easiest ways to keep your guests up to date is to build a wedding website. It should have must-know information about the event, as well as a link to your wedding registry and to any other useful tidbits you deem necessary, including preliminary details about wedding-related events (e.g. your bachelor and bachelorette parties, your bridal shower, and so on). You can also personalize your website to showcase any engagement photos or fun details about your relationship and how you met your partner.

8-10 Months Before the Wedding

About eight months out from your wedding date, things will start to feel real. Here are a few tasks you’ll need to take care of now:

Send save-the-date cards. Save-the-date cards let your guests know when they should be available for your big day. The sooner you send those cards, the easier it will be for your guests to clear their schedules. The info on the cards should include the date of your wedding, the venue, your wedding website address, and a note indicating that a formal invitation will follow.
Pick your invitations. Speaking of wedding invitations, you’ll want to pick those out at least eight months in advance. Choose high-quality stationery that reflects your wedding’s theme and color palate.
Set up a wedding registry. Your wedding registry shows guests what types of gifts you’d like to receive. Set up your registry with at least one preferred retailer. And remember, just because Amazon controls 45% of online wedding registries it doesn’t mean you have to register with them exclusively.
Organize the honeymoon. If you plan on traveling, booking sooner rather than later is always a good idea. Pick something both you and your partner are excited to experience together, whether it’s a weeklong safari or a single day of wine tasting. Arrange your transportation and accommodations, and pick some activities to look forward to.

6-8 Months Before the Wedding

You’re just six months away from the altar and your work is far from over. These are a few essential things you need to do during this period to make the path forward smoother:

Secure your outfits. Some bridal boutiques charge a fee for orders with less than 6 months’ notice until the wedding date. Make sure you officially decide on and order your wedding attire before that point, so it’s one less thing to worry about.
Assemble your wedding party. Now that you know who your bridesmaids and best men are, it’s time to pick out outfits for them, too. Ask them for feedback during the fittings to make sure they’re comfortable in the outfits you’re choosing.
Plan the reception. The wedding reception is as important as the ceremony, and it will likely be the biggest dinner party of your life. Discuss whether you’ll have it at the same venue as the ceremony or opt for something different and then start planning right away. This detailed wedding reception checklist can make things a lot easier.
Have a wedding cake tasting. Make sure you pick something that fits your wedding theme while staying true to your preferred flavor. Go back and forth with your partner to choose the most delicious cake for your big day.
Book the entertainment. Whether it’s a DJ, live band, or dancing troupe, you want to book your wedding’s entertainment around this mark. Depending on the date of your wedding, your preferred performer might be scheduled elsewhere, so keep a shortlist of favorites to choose from.
Create a gift registry. A gift registry makes everyone’s lives easier; your guests won’t have to guess what to buy you and there won’t be any double gifts either. Discuss what you and your partner need or would like to receive, and fill out your registry accordingly. Don’t limit yourself to the classic pots and pans either - if you prefer donations to charity, a travel fund, or hobby materials, put that on your registry.

4-6 Months Before the Wedding

The wedding is picking up the pace! With about four months away, these are the logistical details that need to be checked off your list:

Organize the legalities. Make sure you have all the documents you might need for the ceremony, depending on the state or country you’re getting married in. Some religious ceremonies require pre-marriage counseling; check in with your religion’s priesthood to know what to expect.
Trial hair and makeup. You don’t want to experiment with your look on your big day, so always do a test first. Communicate clearly with your stylist about what you like and don’t like, and you’ll be a stunning sight by the time your wedding comes around.
Finish up with the florist. By this time your wedding’s date, guest list, and theme are set, and you can get down to the details with your florist. Flowers are a big thing when it comes to weddings, whether it’s your ideal bouquet or the assembled pieces on the tables at your reception.
Order the wedding cake. This pastry is like a guest of honor in itself, so make sure you iron out the details of flavor, decoration, and delivery with your baker.
Organize wedding transportation. This applies to you as well as your guests. If you won’t be using a chauffeur service, talk it out with your wedding party and see if someone’s going to take the wheel. It’s a thoughtful gesture to make sure your guests can reach your venue easily.
Organize bachelor and bachelorette parties. Typically, it’s the best man and maid of honor who handle this part. Whether you’re sticking to that tradition or want to be more involved, communicate your wants clearly with your person of honor and have a blast when the party rolls around (you can even use cute bachelorette party invitations to make it official).
Decide on wedding favors. Little wedding favors or gift bags aren’t a mandatory part of your wedding but they’re a sweet gesture toward your guests. Now is a good time to think up some ideas related to you, your partner, and your wedding theme, and incorporate them into trinkets. You can make the favors yourself or order them custom-made through a professional vendor.

2-4 Months Before the Wedding

Love is in the air, and the wedding is close behind. The following steps should be taken no later than the two-month mark.

Send out the official wedding invitations. Now that you know who’s definitely attending, it’s time to send out those gorgeous stationery invitations you picked out earlier.
Attend dress and/or suit fittings. Your measurements could have changed over time, but it's unlikely there'll be a drastic difference between now and your wedding day.
Get the wedding rings. Getting a custom pair of wedding bands is one of the easiest yet most important steps. Choose a trusted jeweler and discuss options with your partner so that the rings reflect your unique relationship.
Have a menu tasting. Your caterer should be ready to provide you with the best options for your wedding reception. Make sure you’re aware of any dietary restrictions or allergies your guests might have and think of an appropriate alternative prepared for them.
Order accessories. These include details for your outfit, such as shoes or jewelry, as well as wedding favors for guests or more personalized gifts for your wedding party.
Make your wedding playlist. Your first slow dance as newlyweds should be set to a song you both love, so choose carefully and pass it on to the DJ or band. Make a playlist or list of songs you want at certain moments throughout the reception.
Keep track of the reception. This is a good time to check up on decorations and rentals. You want to make sure all your vendors, such as the entertainment and catering, have everything they need to do their jobs seamlessly.

3-4 Weeks Before the Wedding

The clock is ticking and you can finally see your big day right there on the calendar. These are the tasks you need to sort out about a month before your wedding:

Final outfit fittings. With all the stress, fluctuations in weight are expected, so this final fitting is there to make sure your wedding attire is the most flattering fit possible. Try it on with your planned shoes and accessories to see yourself in full glory.
Confirm the wedding vows. Now is the best time to go over your wedding vows with your partner, and have them confirmed with the officiant for your ceremony.
Prepare for the rehearsal dinner. The rehearsal dinner doesn’t have to be as formal, and it typically only includes immediate family and your wedding party. Go over the details and send rehearsal dinner invitations to some of your key wedding guests.
Get a final head count. When the last RSVPs are in, it’s time to give a final heads-up to your venue and reception. This affects the final order for your caterer and other vendors, so be as accurate as possible.
Create a table plan for the reception. You want to make sure everyone has fun, and that means making sure they’re seated appropriately. Group guests according to whom they know, so they’ll be sure to have someone to chat with during the reception.
Designate tasks to helpful friends and family members. The day of the wedding can be a little overwhelming, so enlist help from your loved ones. The flowers and cake need to be on time, and the reception planner will likely need a person to talk to in case something goes amiss.

1-2 Weeks Before the Wedding

With your wedding just around the corner, now is the time to go over every last detail. Check off these tasks and breathe a little lighter knowing they’re taken care of.

Pick up your dress and/or suit. Keep the wedding attire safe until the big day but pick it up no later than a week before the wedding.
Confirm the details with everyone. Go through all the vendors you’ve hired and make sure everything is going according to plan. Provide an emergency contact for them to call on the day of the wedding, if necessary - this would usually be the best man or maid of honor.
Finalize your wedding timeline. Print a detailed timeline of your wedding events and give copies to the members of your wedding party, especially the maid of honor and best man. These will keep everyone on track, and your entourage will make sure the plan goes smoothly.
Organize the payments. Some of your vendors and venues will be expecting payment soon after the reception. Sort this out by keeping track of when and how much each vendor needs to be paid, and distribute the payments in envelopes of cash or checks. On the day of the wedding, you can just hand them a check or even ask a member of your wedding party to pass the envelopes on for you.
Check the weather forecast. If you’re planning a nature photoshoot or an outdoor wedding, you will be dependent on the weather. Check the weather report some days in advance to make sure you’re prepared for any weather conditions that may come your way.

The Day Before the Wedding

You’re almost at the finish line! These last-minute details will make sure the big day goes smoother.

Bring the goods to the venues. Now is the time to drop off the wedding favors, table cards, wedding guest book, and anything else that’s necessary for the ceremony or reception and that’s not delivered by your vendors.
Guide the photographer and videographer. Make sure the people memorializing your wedding know whom and when to shoot. Give them a list of people or moments you must have on your wedding photo book, and assign a family member to help them figure out who’s who.
Pack for your honeymoon. If you’re leaving for the honeymoon immediately after the wedding reception, now is the best time to pack your bags.
Have the ceremony rehearsal. This is the moment you can recite your vows before actually tying the knot. Use the opportunity to clear things with the officiant, take care of last-minute details, and practice your vows.
Attend the rehearsal dinner. The rehearsal dinner is your chance to go make sure everything’s in order for the reception and have a more relaxing night among your family members and closest friends. Some couples use the rehearsal dinner to hand out smaller, thoughtful gifts to their wedding party and parents as a sign of appreciation for helping them organize their dream wedding.
Prepare tips. The catering staff, florist, entertainment, officiant, etc., will all be at the venue and/or reception, which is the best time to give them a tip for the services provided. You can add the tips to the payment envelopes you prepared earlier, or make separate ones.
Treat yourself. Get a massage, a manicure, and relax because your wedding is finally here. Go to bed early so you can be well-rested, and get ready for the day you’ve been planning for so long.

Wedding Day Checklist

The big day is finally here, and it is going to be huge! Here’s a list of the essentials to keep your head in the game:

Wake up early. Preparations for a wedding day start early, and that’s why you should be well-rested. Start the day with a healthy breakfast and drink lots of water. You’ll be talking and standing a lot, so avoid spending too much time on your feet unless necessary.
Start getting ready. Spend time with your portion of the wedding party while you’re getting ready for the big moment. They’ll help you get dressed, remove any last-minute anxiety, and accompany you to the venue in style.
Thank everyone you see. Express gratitude to your guests for coming to your wedding. Everyone is doing their part to make your big day magical, and it’s humbling to see so many people gathered for one of the happiest days of your life. Alternatively, you can order wedding thank you cards and arrange to have them sent to your guests a day after the wedding.
Breathe. You made it to the end, congratulations! Now all you have to do is say “I do” and enjoy the beginning of the rest of your life.

Key Takeaways

And that’s your wedding checklist! All that’s left is to say, “I do!” and stare lovingly into each other’s eyes.

But before you frolic away into the sunset with your newly acquired spouse, we’ve summarized some key points from our checklist:

Start booking everything as soon as possible. The sooner you snag the best venue, photographer, wedding attire, etc., the better. You’ll get a better price, but you’ll also spare yourself the stress down the road.
Have a short list of favorites and be ready to compromise. Your first choice of venue or wedding cake might not be possible, and that’s okay - your wedding will still be amazing.
Communicate details with your partner, the members of your wedding party, and the vendors providing their services for your wedding. You’ll be happier with the end results when you do.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your loved ones will probably be overjoyed if you ask them to lend a hand for your big day, whether that’s to be the emergency contact for a vendor or make sure the cake delivery is on track.