I found this checklist on
www.mouseweddings.com. I found it helpful!
8+ months prior
□ Send out engagement announcements and take an
engagement photo.
□ Pick a few possible dates and preferred times for key events
(ceremony, reception, rehearsal, etc.).
□ Create a preliminary budget for the event. Divide expenses
and set expectations.
□ Decide on the approximate size of your guest list. Begin
compiling a guest list.
□ Choose and book an officiant.
□ Select attendants, participants and ushers.
□ Book your date and location(s) for the ceremony and
reception. Confirm this date with your officiant, attendants,
and special guests. If outdoors, select a rain location.
□ Purchase or make a wedding organizer / binder to help
organize planning materials.
□ Meet with, hire, and reserve your date with vendors:
□ wedding consultant / coordinator
□ caterer
□ florist
□ photographer / videographer
□ disc jockey / band
□ wedding cake designer
□ calligrapher / stationer
□ Choose colors and wedding motifs / themes.
□ Reserve tables, chairs, flatware, lighting, etc.
□ Determine where you will be staying for the wedding.
Reserve hotel rooms if necessary.
□ Reserve blocks of hotel rooms for your guests.
□ Make transportation arrangements for you, your attendants, and
your family.
□ Shop for and select your wedding apparel and accessories.
□ Select attendants’ dresses, tuxes, accessories, etc.
4-8 months prior
□ Compile names and addresses for your guest list.
□ Send your guests save-the-date announcements. Include time,
date, location, and information about accommodations.
□ Set up a free website for your guests to access information,
view pictures, etc.
□ Make plans and reservations for the wedding rehearsal and
rehearsal dinner.
□ Order invitations, stationery, stamps, and favors.
□ Finalize vendor arrangements, make deposits, sign
contracts.
□ Purchase gifts for your wedding party, parents, and one
another.
□ Begin to plan your beauty regime (hair, nails, makeup, etc.)
□ Assist and collaborate in planning any showers, bachelor /
bachelorette parties, etc.
□ Begin to plan your honeymoon.
□ Compile ideas for your bridal registry.
□ Order your rings.
□ Research marriage laws for the state in which you plan to get
married. Follow any guidelines and prerequisites.
2-3 months prior
□ Order the wedding cake. Buy cake accessories: knife,
toasting glasses, etc.
□ Finalize flower arrangements and order flowers.
□ Purchase a guest book. Ask a friend or family member to
attend to the guest book during the wedding.
□ Complete your bridal registry.
□ Coordinate with stationer and calligrapher, and/or address
and mail invitations and announcements.
□ Order liquor, beer, wine, and champagne if they are not
included in the caterer’s contract.
□ Apply for your marriage license, and if necessary get a
blood test.
□ Select music for the ceremony and reception. Meet with
disc jockey or band to confirm details.
□ Compile a list of “must-have” photos for your
photographer.
□ Have a wedding portrait taken.
□ Prepare a preliminary seating chart and table arrangements
for reception guests.
□ Write thank-you notes for shower gifts and wedding gifts as
they arrive.
□ Finalize the menu with your caterer. Specify any guests’
dietary restrictions and allergies.
□ Finalize the ceremony schedule with your officiant.
□ If you plan to change your name, complete official
documents prior to leaving for your honeymoon.
□ Finalize a timeline for the reception. Go over timeline
with your wedding coordinator, disc jockey/band, and
attendants.
□ Confirm and finalize your honeymoon arrangements.
□ Book appointments with your manicurist / stylist for the day
before or day of your wedding.
□ Prepare welcome bags or baskets for guests’ hotel
rooms.
One month to go
□ Have a final fitting for your wedding gown and your
attendants’ garments.
□ Confirm with attendants to ensure they have reserved their
attire, travel arrangements, etc.
□ Verify arrival and delivery times with your vendors.
□ Print your wedding program, place cards, table signs, etc.
□ Ask a friend or relative to contact any guests who
have yet to RSVP.
□ Do a trial run with your hair / make-up stylists.
□ Pick up wedding rings.
□ Prepare and place a newspaper announcement.
1-2 weeks to go
□ Finalize your seating arrangements.
□ Confirm a final head count with your caterer and with the
facilities’ coordinators.
□ Write toasts and vows.
□ Break in your wedding shoes by wearing them around the
house and on carpet.
□ Pick up your marriage license.
□ Pack for your honeymoon.
□ Pick up wedding gown, attendants’ dresses and accessories.
Arrange to have your gown steamed the day before the
ceremony.
□ Prepare thank-you notes and/or flowers for delivery to
parents and attendants after the ceremony.
□ Arrange for housesitter, etc. to take care of things while
you are on your honeymoon.
□ Start monitoring the weather for any inclement weather
related arrangements.
1-2 days to go
□ Have a manicure, pedicure, massage, and any other pre-
wedding spa pampering.
□ Delegate responsibilities and last minute coordination with
vendors to a trusted friend or relative.
□ Enjoy the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
□ Give your wedding party their gifts.
□ Confirm with the people you expect to give toasts at the
rehearsal dinner and reception.
□ Pack your make-up bag and an emergency kit (aspirin,
safety pins, etc.)
□ Have your wedding gown steamed.
□ Make any weather related arrangements (umbrellas for
attendants, etc.)
□ Drop off guest welcome baskets at hotels.
□ Drop off place cards, favors, etc. at the reception hall.
Day of!
□ Attend any hair and makeup appointments.
□ Relax and Enjoy!
