iBride - Complete Wedding Checklist / To-Do List
The following wedding planning checklist itemizes everything you need to do or consider doing when planning your wedding, and the best time frame to accomplish those activities. Use this checklist to help with the many time-sensitive details involved in planning your wedding day.
This checklist assumes that you have 12 months or more to plan your wedding. Keep in mind that this is only a guideline and that some weddings will require different lead times and involve different tasks. If your wedding is in less then 12 months, just start at the beginning of the list and try to catch up as quickly as you can!
Read our article "Planning a Low-Budget, Short Notice Wedding."
Download this list in PDF format for easy printing.
12 OR MORE MONTHS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING
- Determine date and time for wedding, plus 2nd and 3rd choice.
- Decide on the size, formality and setting of your wedding.
- Create a wedding and engagement budget.
- Reserve the locations for your wedding and reception.
- Meet with and book the officiating clergy.
- Choose your wedding party and confirm the participants.
- Choose your wedding rings.
- Draw up an initial guest list.
- Organize your engagement party.
9 - 12 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING
6 - 9 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING
3 - 6 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING
2 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING
- Mail the invitations.
- Decide on your wedding vows or compose your own.
- Finalize the reception menus.
- Confirm the wedding details with the musicians and clergy.
- Have the programs printed.
- Purchase gifts for parents and attendants.
- Make appointments for nails and make-up.
- Schedule final dress fitting.
1 MONTH BEFORE YOUR WEDDING
2 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING
- Have the attendants' parties.
- Draft the speeches.
- Finalize reception details.
- Call any guests who have not replied.
- Meet with your hairdresser and beautician for consultation.
- Deliver song lists to musicians or playlist to DJ.
- Confirm honeymoon reservations.
1 WEEK BEFORE YOUR WEDDING
- Finalize seating plan.
- Determine the order for the procession.
- Have your rehearsal.
- Confirm accommodation reservations.
- Pick up the attire for the groomsmen.
- Confirm the final numbers with the caterer.
- Confirm details with the limousine company.
- Deliver your marriage license to the officiant.
- Draw up a seating chart for the reception and write out the place cards.
- Choose someone to be the photographer's contact for the day.
- Choose someone to hand out the bombonieres.
- Choose someone to return any rented items after the wedding.
- Write any cheques required for the wedding day.
- Pack for your honeymoon.
ON YOUR WEDDING DAY
- Give the wedding bands to the best man.
- Give the best man any cheques that need to be given out that day.
- Present the attendants and parents with their gifts.
- Relax and enjoy your special day!
AFTER THE WEDDING
- Make a gift list and send out your thank-you notes.
