wedding planning

Pre-Wedding Preparation

Set the wedding date

Determine the wedding budget

Create a guest list

Choose the wedding theme/style

Select wedding colors

Book the wedding venue

Hire a wedding planner (if desired)

Research and hire a photographer

Research and hire a videographer

Find and book a caterer

Book a wedding officiant

Decide on the wedding party

Start shopping for wedding attire (bride, groom, bridesmaids, groomsmen)

Choose wedding rings

Book hotel accommodations for out-of-town guests

Begin compiling a list of potential wedding vendors (florist, baker, DJ, etc.)

Start a wedding binder or file to keep all important documents and contracts organized

Six to Twelve Months Before the Wedding

Select and order wedding invitations

Research and book a florist

Choose and book a wedding cake baker

Begin planning the wedding ceremony

Reserve any necessary transportation (limo, shuttle, etc.)

Start looking for wedding favors or welcome bags for guests

Begin planning the honeymoon

Create a wedding website (optional)

Book accommodations for the wedding night

Research and book a DJ or band for the reception

Start brainstorming and researching honeymoon destinations

Four to Six Months Before the Wedding

Finalize and order wedding invitations

Schedule dress fittings for the bride and bridesmaids

Book hair and makeup artists

Decide on wedding decorations and start purchasing or renting them

Order wedding favors or welcome bags

Plan the rehearsal dinner

Start planning the wedding ceremony details (vows, readings, etc.)

Research and book any additional wedding vendors (photobooth, lighting, etc.)

Start planning the wedding reception (seating arrangements, menu, etc.)

Begin creating a day-of timeline for the wedding

Two to Four Months Before the Wedding

Send out wedding invitations

Schedule final dress fittings

Purchase wedding rings

Finalize the wedding ceremony details

Finalize the wedding reception details

Arrange for any necessary rentals (tables, chairs, linens, etc.)

Create a wedding playlist or song list for the DJ/band

Book a rehearsal dinner venue (if not already done)

Start finalizing honeymoon plans (flights, accommodations, activities, etc.)

Apply for a marriage license

One Month Before the Wedding

Confirm all wedding vendor bookings and details

Finalize the guest list and provide final numbers to the caterer

Create and print wedding programs

Schedule a final meeting with the wedding planner or coordinator

Confirm the wedding day timeline with all key participants

Finalize the seating arrangements

Purchase any necessary wedding accessories (veil, shoes, jewelry, etc.)

Send out rehearsal dinner invitations

Prepare a final checklist for the wedding day

One Week Before the Wedding

Pack for the honeymoon

Confirm all final details with vendors (delivery times, setup instructions, etc.)

Confirm transportation arrangements for the wedding day

Confirm the final headcount with the caterer

Provide the final song list to the DJ/band

Gather all necessary documents (marriage license, contracts, etc.)

Pick up the wedding attire

Have a final wedding rehearsal

Wedding Day

Get ready for the wedding

Have hair and makeup done

Put on wedding attire and accessories

Exchange vows and get married!

Enjoy the wedding reception and celebrate with family and friends

Have the time of your life!