Wedding Planning Checklist and Timeline

Congratulations on getting married! If you have been wondering how to plan your wedding, this checklist will help you tick off all the most important boxes. I hope that the 12-month plan I compiled will make this process easier for you.

Of course, you can also get everything done in a shorter time and plan your wedding in 6 months or less, but this list will be a great guide to give you a solid idea of what needs to be sorted to make your Big Day a smooth and memorable experience.

I sketch at weddings and events so that you and your guests can have a precious keepsake of your Big Day. If that is something you are looking to have at your wedding, you can check out this page to find out more about my offerings: Live Illustration.

If you are looking for custom-made illustration, you can find it here: Bespoke Illustration or if you prefer ready-made products, here is the link to my Shop.

 

12 Months Before the Wedding

• Set your wedding budget
• Discuss financial contributions with family
• Choose your wedding date
• Research the potential ceremony venues
• Visit the ceremony venues
• Research the potential reception venues
• Arrange visits to the reception venues
• Consider whether you want to hire a wedding planner
• Start thinking about wedding dress styles
• Research bridal boutiques
• Think about the overall wedding theme
• Compile your wedding guest list
• Start collecting addresses for save-the-dates
• Create a dream wedding vision board (Pinterest)
  

11 Months Before the Wedding

• Book your ceremony venue
• Book your reception venue
• Confirm dates, times, and any restrictions
• Discuss any necessary permits (outdoor weddings)
• Carefully review and sign the contracts
• Research photographers and videographers
• Schedule meetings with photographers
• Schedule meetings with videographers
• Book your engagement photoshoot
• Plan your engagement party and send out invitations
• Research and schedule catering tastings
• Start browsing floral designs
• Begin to search for your wedding dress
• Interview wedding planners, review their portfolios, and discuss your vision
• Hire a wedding planner
• Set up your wedding website
• Book an artist to live sketch you and your guests
• Include your wedding date, location, and how to RSVP on your website
• Consider what type of honeymoon will be best (beach, adventure)
• Choose the destination for your honeymoon
  

10 Months Before the Wedding

• Buy your wedding dress or have it custom-made
• Schedule wedding dress fittings
• Choose your bridal party and ask them to be part of your Big Day
• Update your website with engagement photos, dates, and locations
• Order save-the-dates
• Book the photographer
• Book your videographer
• Book your DJ and/or live band
  

9 Months Before the Wedding

• Go back to your vision board
• Choose a colour palette and theme for the wedding
• Discuss your vision with your florist and other vendors
• Research and buy wedding insurance
• Send out save-the-dates to your guests
• Plan your honeymoon
• Check the entry requirements for your destination
• Check your passport expiration dates
• Look for the invitation suite:
  • Invitations with envelopes
  • Details card
  • Response card and envelope
  • Mailing envelope (with the return address)
  • Postage (you can ask for decorative stamps)
• Optional:
  • Digital invitations
  • Wedding website
  • Inner envelope
  • Reception card
  • Directions
  • Weekend events card
  • Accommodations card
  • Invitation wrapper
  • Wax seal
    

8 Months Before the Wedding

• Select dresses and accessories for the bridesmaids
• Schedule dress fittings for your bridesmaids (groomsmen)
• Meet with potential florists and discuss your vision (share your vision board)
• Attend your catering tastings and plan your wedding menu
• Set up a cash registry and/or gift registry
• Book accommodation for your guests
• Plan your bachelorette party and send out invites
• Plan your stag do and send out invitations
  

7 Months Before the Wedding

• Write your vows
• Plan the rehearsal dinner
• Book the rehearsal dinner venue
• Order and send invitations to the rehearsal dinner
• Order rental items for the ceremony and reception:
  • Chairs
  • Tableware
  • Linens
• Hire an officiant for the ceremony
• Plan your ceremony structure. Here is an example:
  • Groom and groomsmen wait at the altar
  • Bridesmaids walk down the aisle
  • Flower girls and page boys walk down the aisle
  • The bride walks down the aisle 
    
  • The officiant welcomes the couple and guests
  • A hymn, a vocal performance, or readings
    
  • The marriage ceremony begins
    
  • Exchanging the vows
    
  • Exchanging the rings
    
  • Declaration of marriage and first kiss
    
  • Optional reading, address or a song
    
  • Signing the registrar
    
  • Officiant’s closing speech, thanks and congratulations
    
  • Recessional and exit 
    

6 Months Before the Wedding

• Finalize your wedding menu and bar selections
  
• Choose your wedding cake design and flavours
  
• Hire a lighting technician to create a beautiful atmosphere
  
• Book transportation for yourself and your guests
  
• Book the vehicle for your grand exit as newlyweds
  
• Order the wedding stationery 

5 Months Before the Wedding

• Book your honeymoon
  
• Plan the trip
  
• Choose wedding rings
  
• Arrange ring engraving
  
• Review your vows
  
• Select readings for the ceremony
  
• Book a bridal makeup trial
  
• Book a bridal hair trial

4 Months Before the Wedding

• Buy your wedding shoes (start to break them in)
  
• Buy a spare pair of shoes just in case
  
• Select readings for your ceremony and send them to the readers
  
• Schedule final dress fitting and allow time for alterations
  
• Finalize your guest list and send out invitations, including rehearsal dinner invites
  
• Create a seating chart for the wedding reception
  

3 Months Before the Wedding

• Obtain a marriage license
  
• Finalize ceremony details with your officiant
  
• Make sure all transportation is taken care of
  
• Book a manicure and pedicure
  
• Book hair and makeup
  
• Confirm details with all vendors:
  
  • Caterer 
    
  • Baker 
    
  • Florist
    
  • Photographer
    
  • Videographer 
    
  • Light technician
    
• Plan your wedding timeline. Here is an example:
  
  • Welcome toast
    
  • Ceremony
    
  • Wedding lunch
    
  • Cake cutting
    
  • First dance
    
  • Cocktail hour
    
  • Buffet dinner
    
  • Fireworks
    
• Order guest favours, here are some ideas:
  
  • Local honey
    
  • Mini condiments (jams, olive oil)
    
  • Chocolate bars (can be personalised)
    
  • Beeswax candles
    
  • Disposable cameras
    
  • Personalised tea towels
    
  • Handmade soap
    
  • Charity donation cards
    
  • Hand fans
    
  • Dried lavender bags or jars
    
  • Handwritten notes
    
  • Hangover kits

2 Months Before the Wedding

• Write thank-you notes for the gifts you will receive
  
• Buy gifts for your parents and the wedding party
  
• Prepare your first dance
  
• Purchase gifts for each other
  
• Review vendor contracts
  
• Confirm details with suppliers
  
• Finalize your seating chart
  
• Confirm the guest number with the caterer
  
• Start to craft DIY items, if applicable

1 Month Before the Wedding

• Have a final dress fitting
  
• Practice the first dance in your wedding dress
  
• Obtain your marriage license 
  
• Practice your vows and toasts out loud
  
• Confirm honeymoon reservations
  
• Confirm transportation arrangements 

1 Week Before the Wedding

• Pack for your honeymoon
  
• Prepare tip envelopes for your vendors
  
• Finalize your wedding playlist with the DJ
  
• Check the weather forecast for the wedding
  
• Prepare an essentials bag for the wedding
  
• Pack an emergency kit for the wedding:
  
  • Tweezers
    
  • Floss
    
  • Blister balm 
    
  • Band aids
    
  • Hair ties
    
  • Bobby-pins 
    
  • Cash
    
  • Lint roller
    
  • Mini sewing kit
    
  • Power bank
    
  • Safety pins
    
  • Stain remover
    
  • Super glue
    
  • Snacks

1 Day Before the Wedding

• Attend your rehearsal dinner
  
• Get a manicure and pedicure 
  
• Confirm arrival times with the hair and makeup stylists
  
• Get a good night’s sleep!

 

* Disclaimer: The information included in this list does not constitute legal advice. Please use your own judgment when it comes to the timeline of your wedding preparations; this list is just a suggestion.