General Planning

Set a budget

• Determine how much you are willing to spend on your wedding.
• Consider all expenses including venue, catering, attire, decorations, and entertainment.
• Allocate funds to each category to stay within budget.

Create a guest list

• Make a list of all the people you want to invite to your wedding.
• Include family, friends, and any other important individuals.
• Consider the capacity of your chosen venue when finalizing the guest list.

Choose a wedding date

• Consider important factors such as season, availability of venues, and personal preferences.
• Check with key individuals (family, friends, bridal party) to ensure the date works for them.
• Avoid major holidays or conflicting events.

Book the ceremony venue

• Research and visit potential ceremony venues.
• Consider the location, capacity, and ambiance of each venue.
• Book the venue that aligns with your vision and fits within your budget.

Book the reception venue

• Research and visit potential reception venues.
• Consider the location, capacity, and amenities of each venue.
• Book the venue that complements your ceremony venue and meets your needs.

Hire a wedding planner (if desired)

• Research and interview potential wedding planners.
• Consider their experience, style, and communication skills.
• Hire a wedding planner who understands your vision and can help bring it to life.

Ceremony

Choose the officiant

Select and book the ceremony musicians

Decide on the ceremony readings and vows

Choose the ceremony decorations

Decide on the order of events for the ceremony

Reception

Select and book the caterer

Decide on the reception menu

Choose the wedding cake design and flavor

Organize the seating plan

Book the entertainment (band, DJ, etc.)

Wedding Attire

Start shopping for the wedding dress

Choose and book the bridesmaids' dresses

Decide on the groom's attire

Select and book the groomsmen's attire

Arrange for hair and makeup trials

Invitations and Stationery

Create and send out save-the-date cards

Design and print wedding invitations

Order other stationery items (programs, menus, place cards)

Determine the seating arrangements

Mail out the invitations

Decorations and Flowers

Decide on the wedding theme and color scheme

Choose the floral arrangements and bouquets

Select the centerpieces and table decorations

Determine the ceremony and reception décor

Arrange for lighting and other decorative elements

Photography and Videography

Research and book a professional photographer

Research and book a professional videographer

Create a shot list for the photographer

Discuss specific moments to capture with the videographer

Schedule engagement and/or pre-wedding photo shoots

Transportation and Accommodation

Arrange transportation for the wedding party

Book accommodations for out-of-town guests

Reserve transportation for the couple after the reception

Arrange for transportation to and from the ceremony venue

Provide transportation details to relevant parties

Music and Entertainment

Select the first dance song

Create a playlist for the reception

Choose songs for the ceremony and reception

Decide on any special entertainment (fireworks, photo booths, etc.)

Coordinate with the musicians/DJ about specific songs and requests

Wedding Rings and Favors

Shop for and purchase wedding rings

Decide on wedding favors for guests

Order personalized wedding favors

Engrave the wedding rings (if desired)

Organize the distribution of wedding favors

Rehearsal Dinner

Plan the rehearsal dinner venue and date

Create the rehearsal dinner guest list

Choose the menu for the rehearsal dinner

Organize any speeches or special activities for the dinner

Send out rehearsal dinner invitations

Wedding Day Timeline

Create a detailed schedule for the wedding day

Coordinate with vendors about arrival and setup times

Allocate time for hair and makeup appointments

Plan for pre-ceremony photos

Schedule time for the couple to relax and get ready

Marriage License and Legalities

Obtain the marriage license

Research and complete any necessary paperwork

Arrange for witnesses to sign the marriage license

File the marriage license after the wedding

Change legal documents with the new marital status

Post-Wedding Tasks

Write and send thank-you notes

Return any rented items (tuxedos, décor, etc.)

Review and pay final vendor invoices

Preserve and/or clean the wedding dress

Plan and book the honeymoon trip