Wedding Planner Checklist

When it comes to planning, being prepared it the key to a successful wedding. We've made it easy with our step-by-step wedding planner checklist! From engagement responsibilities to honeymoon plans, countdown to your special day in a fun, organized fashion. Check everything off of the list as the tasks are accomplished and add on as needed.

Nine to Twelve Months Ahead

• Announce your engagement.

• Arrange a get-together for the families if they have not met.

• Set the date, time and place for your wedding.

• Choose Attendants (and ushers) for your wedding party.

• Plan your budget and how expenses will be divided.

• Estimate the size of your guest list.

• Reserve your officiant, ceremony site and reception hall.

• Book your photographer & videographer. Give them a checklist.

• Choose your bridal gown and headpiece.

• Plan for travel, passports, identification, etc.

• If plan to hire a wedding consultant, do it now.

Six to Nine Months Ahead

• Decide on a style & color theme.

• Order attendants gowns, shoes and choose wedding attire for men. Schedule the fittings.

• Book caterer.

• Book florist & select arrangements.

• Plan the music for ceremony.

• Hire a DJ or band for reception entertainment.

• Arrange for decorations.

• Consult your travel agent to make honeymoon plans and reservations.

• Order wedding rings.

Four to Six Months Ahead

• Choose other attendants. You'll need someone for the guest book, cake, punch, food, flowers, clean-up, etc.

• Purchase attendants gifts.

• Purchase bride and groom gifts.

• Select choose and accessories for the bride and bridesmaid.

• Make hotel reservations for out-of town attendants & guests.

• Take engagement pictures.

• Finalize guest list.

• Plan rehearsal dinner.

• Select your tableware, linens and gift choices at your favorite stores and websites and list them with the bridal registry.

• Order your invitations, inserts, placards, and thank-you notes.

• Plan for wedding party transportation. Hire limousine driver if necessary.

Two to Four Months Ahead

• Order cake.

• Order decorations and party favors.

• Purchase all wedding accessories such as a cake knife, wine glasses, tablecloths, guest book, ring pillow, etc.

• Start addressing invitations.

• Order wedding programs.

• Order liquor, beer and beverages for reception.

• Make final decisions for vows.

One to Two Months Ahead

• Mail out invitations 6 weeks prior to your wedding

• Start gathering RSVPs and determine amount of guests for the caterer.

• Send out thank-you notes for prior shower gifts.

• Verify all bookings.

• Plan the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.

• Get your marriage license.

• Make copies of the rehearsal and wedding day schedule and give one to each attendant.

• Pick up your wedding rings.

• Make beauty appointments for hair, make-up and nails.

• Determine receiving line order, head table and immediate family seating for the reception.

• Plan your bridesmaids luncheon and bachelor/bachelorette parties.

One to Two Weeks Ahead

• Get everyone in for final fittings and make arrangements to pick up wedding attire.

• Make arrangements for someone to pick up the mail, newspaper and care for your plants & pets while you're on your honeymoon.

• Phone anyone who didn't RSVP and give your caterer the final number of guests.

• Address announcements if you plan on sending any out after the ceremony.

• Generally, the bachelor and bachelorette parties are one to two weeks before the ceremony. Have fun, but stay out of trouble!

• Check the weather forecast the week of your wedding and plan accordingly.

The Night Before - Rehearsal & Dinner

• Finish packing.

• Make a list of things to remember tomorrow.

• Deliver all wedding accessories, party favors, etc. to the ceremony and reception sites. Begin decorating if possible.

• Have the final payments ready.

• Go over itinerary and seating with attendants.

• Give your attendants their gifts after dinner.

• Instruct your attendants to eat properly and avoid alcohol before the ceremony to avoid any fainting spells.

Your Wedding Day

• Check your to-do list. Pack everything in your car. Don't forget your marriage license, rings, luggage, make-up, extra pantyhose, etc.

• Do any last minute arranging or decorating.

• Get to the ceremony site or church early and be ready at the time advised by your photographer.

• The bride should transfer her engagement ring from her left had to her right.

• Don't worry about things beyond your control and enjoy your special day!

No part of this website may be reproduced or copied without permission from the website administrator.