Wedding Planning Checklist (Printable)

Do you have a wedding coming up in the next 6-12 months? Do you need help with organizing what needs to be done and when to do it? Our Wedding Planning Checklist will be a big help to you. Please feel free to print out this page so that you can cross off each item after it has been completed. Remember, being organized means less stress as your big day approaches.

Six to Twelve Months before the Wedding

1. Announce your engagement.
2. Decide what type of wedding you'd like. Which season? Which time of day? Will you have a big wedding and dinner reception? Or do you prefer a simple ceremony with cake and punch following?
3. Pick a date. Begin notifying the bridal party, family and friends so that they can begin making plans. Do this as soon as possible because people will need to make arrangements to travel out of town and perhaps take time off from work.
4. Select the bridal party and notify them. This is another item that should be done as early in the planning process as possible.
5. Choose the location for your wedding. When making your decision, keep in mind what the weather is usually like that time of the year. Decide on what your budget will be. Discuss this fully with your fiance and anyone else who may be helping to pay for the wedding.
6. Begin to plan the reception. Secure the hall, hotel or whatever type of location you have decided on.
7. Secure the church and ask about any special rules or requirements. Some churches require premarital counseling in advance of the wedding.
8. Choose your colors. Your colors will be used for flowers, attire, linens and cake. Because you will begin to shop for these things fairly early on, it is important that you feel sure about your color decision.
9. Choose and order your bridal gown, bridesmaids' dresses and accessories. Remember to keep your budget in mind.
10. Start planning your honeymoon. The groom is generally responsible for this, but usually both of you should be involved in the decision.
11. Start your bridal registry. Visit favorite stores together and decide which items you need to get started with your new life together.
12. Choose your wedding invitations and announcements and place your order for these items.
13. Choose your caterer, photographer, musicians and florist. Store their contact information in a handy place so that you can communicate more easily with them.
14. Choose and purchase your wedding rings.

Three Months before the Wedding

1. Create and finish the guest list.
2. Help both mothers choose their dresses. Traditionally, the mother of the groom will allow the mother of the bride to select her dress first.
3. Make the reservations for your honeymoon. Don't forget to let them know that you will be newlyweds. This usually results in some perks.
4. Confirm dates and times with the caterer, photographer, florists, musicians and church.
5. Make plans for transportation to and from the wedding and reception locations.
6. Place the order for your wedding cake.
7. Select the tuxes and place the order.
8. Assist your bridesmaids with scheduling their dress fittings. Choose their shoes and have them dyed if that is required.
9. Call the local newspapers to place engagement announcements if you choose.

Two Months before the Wedding

1. Prepare and mail the wedding invitations.
2. Get the marriage license.
3. Finalize and/or confirm your honeymoon reservations.
4. Finalize and/or confirm all transportation arrangements.

One Month before the Wedding

1. Make hotel reservations or plan other accommodations for your out-of-town guests.
2. Record the gifts you have received and begin sending thank-you letters. Remember, you don't have to wait until after the wedding to send thank-yous. It will save you time and stress later if you send them as you receive the gifts.
3. Purchase gifts for the bridal party. Brides often choose to purchase jewelry items for the bridesmaids to wear at the wedding. For groomsmen, key chains, money clips or ball caps are popular choices.
4. Schedule any final fittings for the bridesmaids and the bride.
5. If you are using wedding programs, it's time to get them printed up.
6. Schedule hair appointments at a beauty salon for anyone who would like one.
7. Host the bridesmaids luncheon.
8. Purchase a guest book if you haven't already done so. Decide where it should be placed. Popular choices are to place the book just inside the door at the church or wedding area or to display it at the reception. Choose an attendant to stand near the book and encourage guests to sign it.

Two Weeks before the Wedding

1. Begin to change name over on bills, credit cards, insurance, social security card and drivers license.
2. Confirm with caterer the final number of guests.

One Week before the Wedding!

1. Begin to pack for your honeymoon. You may find it helpful to make up a list ahead of time of the things you would like to take with you on this very important trip.
2. Plan the seating arrangements for your guests.
3. Meet with your beautician to practice fixing your hair. You may also want to practice putting on your make-up or make an appointment at a department store or salon to have it done for you.
4. Make sure that the wedding rings have been picked up and that they fit.

Your Big Day!!!

Woohoo! You made it! Now you can relax and enjoy your special day knowing that everything has been taken care of and is in order. You deserve it!