Wedding Planning Checklist
So you’re engaged! Now what the heck do you do? Well first, I want to say congratulations! We understand how you’re feeling right now...excited, stressed, terrified, overjoyed!
When you’re planning a big event like this, checklists come in handy, no doubt! Below you will find a basic checklist/timeline to help you plan your big day!
One Year Before
Make a designated wedding binder. Anything and everything weddings will go in here! Get inspired and search our wedding gallery on our site: rawlingphoto.com for some inspiration! Or you can also create a pinterest board full of ideas too!
Choose a color scheme/palette
Talk over and set a budget with your partner
Decide who will be in your wedding party
Start making your guest list
Reserve your wedding date at your favorite venue
Hire a wedding planner
Start researching photographers, videographers, officiants, live music/DJ, caterers, florists, suit/dress rentals, etc.
8 Months Before
Hire your photographer/videographer
Take your Engagement Photos
Buy/Rent your dress
Create a wedding website
Meet up with your caterers
Reserve hotel rooms for out-of-town guests
Create a gift registry and include this info on your site
Book your officiant
6-7 Months Before
Finalize your guest list and request physical addresses
Purchase your wedding invites
Start planning the honeymoon
Choose bridesmaids dresses
Reserve rentals of any kind
Book your florist
Send out Save-The-Date cards
4-5 Months Before
Go cake testing to determine which will be YOURS!
Send your bridal shower guest list to your host
Check on the status of your invitations
Book the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner venues
Book your hair and makeup artists
Go over the music with the DJ/Band
Go to your first dress fitting
Purchase/Rent Groom’s attire
Book accommodations for your wedding night
Provide guest lists to maid of honor and best man for bachelor/bachelorette parties
3 Months Before
Finalize the menu for the cocktail hour + reception with the caterer
Print menu cards
Meet and finalize all details with the florist
Purchase the rings
Finalize the event schedule and start creating the day-of-timeline
Print programs
Meet with your officiant and go over the ceremony outline
2 Months Before
Meet with the photographer to discuss portraits needed and the timeline
Review the music playlist with the band/DJ
Send out invitations
Have fun at your bachelorette/bachelor parties
Send out as many final payments as possible
Contact all vendors again
Make sure groomsmen attire has been purchased/rented
1 Month Before
Get your marriage license
Attend your last dress fitting
Send out rehearsal dinner invites
Purchase wedding party gifts
Write your vows
Enter all RSVP’s you have received into your guest list
Check on hotel rooms
Call guests who have not RSVP’d for final head count
Make sure the wedding party know their roles on the wedding day
1 Week Before
Touch base again with all vendors one last time
Make sure your family and wedding party has your timeline
Do something relaxing and fun together to de-stress before the big day
Send the final guest list to the caterer
Pack for your honeymoon
Go on one last date night
Post Wedding
Enjoy your honeymoon!
Pay all balances due with your vendors
Clean and preserve your wedding gown
Send out “thank you” cards to your guests
Change your last name if you want!
Order prints and albums from the photographer