Wedding Planning Checklist

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9 to 12 months before

• Choose the wedding date
• Determine your budget
• Choose your wedding party
• Create the guest list
• Hire a wedding planner (if desired)
• Reserve ceremony and reception venues
• Book the officiant
• Order and send save the dates
• Host the engagement party

8 to 9 months before

• Shop for and purchase wedding gown; book fittings
• Shop for and order bridesmaids' dresses; book fittings
• Book photographer and videographer
• Book ceremony, reception and dance musicians
• Book caterer and cake baker
• Book florist
• Book wedding transportation
• Reserve a block of hotel rooms
• Register for gifts

6 to 7 months before

• Plan honeymoon and make reservations
• Shop for men's formal wear; book fittings
• Reserve any rental items needed (tents, chairs, lighting, sound equipment, etc.)

5 to 6 months before

• Order wedding invitations and begin addressing
• Order thank you notes for bridal shower and other gifts

4 to 5 months before

• Book rehearsal dinner venue and plan menu
• Book wedding day hair and makup appointments

3 months before

• Meet with officiant to finalize ceremony details
• Order wedding programs
• Order other printed items: table number cards, place cards, menu cards, coasters, napkins, favors, etc.
• Finalize plans and details with all vendors

2 months before

• Mail wedding invitations
• Submit announcement to newspaper
• Purchase gifts for each other
• Purchase gifts for the wedding party and your parents

1 month before

• Mail rehearsal dinner invitations
• Get marriage license
• Create wedding day schedule for bridal party and vendors
• Write your vows

Week of the wedding

• Submit final payments to vendors
• Confirm plans and details with all vendors
• Notify caterer and venues of final guest count
• Pack for honeymoon

The wedding day

• Make sure to take a few quiet moments together
• Enjoy and make memories!