So you are engaged! Now what? With so many overwhelming tasks you have on your to-do list and all the information you found online, there seems to be no clear direction of what you should be doing next. That’s why I’ve created this ultimate wedding checklist to plan your perfect wedding so you know exactly what you should be doing month by month before your wedding day.
This checklist is broken up by 12 months. Which means if your wedding is exactly 12 months away you don’t have to edit this list but just use it as is. However, if your wedding is less than 12 months away, don’t worry! Simply add the tasks list from prior months and complete them as soon as possible. Let me know if you have any questions!
12 months ahead
- Announce your engagement
- Choose your wedding date
- Plan your engagement party
11 months ahead
- Create registry
- Set a wedding budget
- Hire your wedding planner
- Start creating your guest list
- Find and book your venue
10 months ahead
- Hire your wedding photographer
- Schedule an engagement photo shoot
- Decide on your color theme
- Select your wedding party
- Create your wedding website
- Hire your caterer
9 months ahead
- Add your registry to your wedding website
- Select an officiant
- Find and order your wedding dress
8 months ahead
- Book your band
- Hire your DJ
- Start thinking about your playlist
- Schedule your wedding dress fitting appointments
- Finalized your guest list
- Hire your florist
- Hire your hair and makeup stylist
7 months ahead
- Order outfits for your wedding party
- Hire your videographer
- Hire your baker
- Hire your ceremony musician
6 months ahead
- Create and send save-the-dates
- Order your wedding invitations
- Start planning your rehearsal dinner
- Finalized your guest list
- Reserve accommodations for guests
- Book your wedding night accommodations
5 months ahead
- Find and order your event rentals
- Start planning your honeymoon
- Schedule your ceremony rehearsal
- Order your partner’s attire
4 months ahead
- Order outfits for your ring bearer and flower girl
- Purchase your wedding accessories
- Find accessories for your wedding party
- Purchase your wedding rings
- Book your wedding transportation
3 months ahead
- Order your wedding favors
- Get your guest book
- Send your wedding invitations
- Send your rehearsal dinner invites
- Plan your wedding ceremony
2 months ahead
- Order day of stationary
- Write your vows
- Purchase gifts for your wedding party
- Create wedding day timeline if not hiring a planner
- Create your seating chart
- Call guests who have not RSVP’d
- Assign duties to the wedding party
- Confirm final details with your vendors
1 month ahead
- Pick up your dress, suite, or tux
- Write a sweet note to your partner
- Confirm all final payments
- Pick up your partner’s attire
- Pack for your honeymoon
- Get your marriage license
- Prepare toasts
- Pull together last minute essentials
- Bring decor to your reception venue
CONGRATULATIONS! YOU ARE MARRIED!
After the wedding
- Clean and preserve your wedding attire
- Review your vendors
- Send thank you notes