The Ultimate Wedding Planning To-Do Checklist
Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into smaller, manageable tasks can help keep you on track. From booking vendors to choosing your dress, there are many details to consider in the months leading up to your big day. Whether you're a DIY bride or working with a planner, having a clear to-do list ensures that you don’t miss any crucial steps. This checklist is designed to help you stay organized and focused, so you can enjoy every moment of the wedding planning process with less stress and more excitement.
Wedding Planning To-Do Checklist
12+ Months Before the Wedding
Start a planner in excel and divide checklist tasks with your partner.
Set a wedding date and time.
Determine your budget and start prioritizing expenses.
Start researching and booking your venue.
Start your wedding guest list and approximate headcount.
Hire a wedding planner (if applicable).
Choose your bridal party and ask them to be a part of your big day.
9-12 Months Before the Wedding
Research and book your photographer and videographer.
Research and book your caterer and arrange menu tastings.
Select your wedding dress and schedule fittings.
Research and choose your bridesmaids’ dresses and accessories and groomsmen attire.
Research and book entertainment (band, DJ, etc).
Launch a wedding website.
Throw an engagement party.
6-9 Months Before the Wedding
Finalize your wedding venue details (e.g., decorations, layout, etc).
Send out save-the-dates.
Book your florist and discuss floral arrangements.
Finalize your ceremony and reception details with the venue.
Reserve a block of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests.
Select and purchase invitations.
Research and book transportation (limos, vintage cars, etc).
Start planning the honeymoon (book travel and accommodations).
Register for wedding gifts.
Research, chose, and meet with the officiant.
Start composing a day-of timeline.
Get a new passport and global entry, if needed.
4-6 Months Before the Wedding
Finalize your guest list and send invitations. **Mail invitations six to eight weeks before the ceremony. The RSVP cutoff should be three weeks after the postmark date.
Research and book your hair and makeup artists.
Purchase wedding rings.
Select and order the cake.
Choose your music.
Choose your wedding favors.
Send your guest list to the host of your shower.
Research and book the rehearsal and rehearsal-dinner venues.
Select and order wedding decorations (centerpieces, table settings, etc.).
2-4 Months Before the Wedding
Finalize the menu and flowers.
Finalize your wedding attire (shoes, veil, accessories, etc.).
Schedule dress fittings and ensure your bridal party’s attire is ordered.
Meet with the officiant to discuss ceremony details.
Make a list of the people giving toasts.
Finalize the readings.
Plan and book any pre-wedding events (e.g., bachelorette party).
Purchase your undergarments.
Design and print menu cards, programs, and all signage.
Review the playlist with the band or DJ.
Send your event schedule to the vendors.
Meet with the photographer.
Confirm all vendor bookings (caterer, photographer, florist, etc.).
1-2 Months Before the Wedding
Enter RSVPs into a guest-list excel spreedsheet. Phone people who have not yet responded.
Confirm final guest count with the venue and caterer.
Finalize the wedding day timeline and share it with vendors.
Get your marriage license.
Create a seating chart and finalize any last-minute decorations.
Have a final dress fitting and pick up your dress.
Mail the rehearsal-dinner invitations.
Send out final payments.
Confirm times for hair and makeup and all vendors.
E-mail and print directions for drivers of transport vehicles.
Purchase bridesmaids’ gifts.
Write your vows.
2-3 Weeks Before the Wedding
Confirm details with all vendors.
Pack for your honeymoon.
Delegate wedding day tasks to friends or family members.
Assign seating.
Make a list of must-have wedding photos with your photographer.
Prepare payments for your vendors and tips in envelopes.
Finalize the rehearsal dinner details and send out invitations (if not already done).
Pick up your wedding attire (dress, tuxedo, etc).
1 Week Before the Wedding
Confirm the guest list and provide any last-minute updates to the venue.
Delegate small wedding-day tasks like who is handing out tips, carrying items, or handling wedding party catering.
Check in one last time with the photographer. Supply them with a list of moments you want captured on film.
Set aside checks for the vendors. And put tips in envelopes to be handed out at the event.
Have a final check-in with your bridal party and make sure they know their roles.
Pack for your honeymoon.
Assemble and distribute welcome baskets.
Reconfirm arrival times with vendors.
Take a moment to relax and enjoy the excitement—your big day is almost here!
This checklist should keep you on top of everything you need to do as you prepare for your wedding, ensuring you stay organized and stress-free on your special day.
About the Author
Sasha is a wedding photographer based in the Chicagoland area, with a passion for capturing the moments that make each couple's story unique. She loves writing blog articles that cover a wide range of topics, from portrait locations to gift ideas, wedding advice, and more—anything that will help her couples create a meaningful and stress-free journey. When she’s not behind the camera, Sasha enjoys traveling internationally and indulging in her favorite treat, salted peanut butter ice cream from Jeni’s. Sasha also spends her downtime hanging out with her foster cat, Missy, and listening to pop punk bands. Currently, she’s booking weddings for 2025 and 2026, and she’s excited to help even more couples bring their wedding visions to life!
