The Ultimate Wedding Planner Checklist

By Zola

From proposal to the first days as newlyweds, Zola's checklist will make step-by-step wedding planning a breeze.

There have been so many days leading up to this day — the day you met, the day you said I love you, your first trip together — and now you have even more milestones to experience together ahead of the big day.

Plan your wedding with our detailed checklist. From venue to vows, stay organized and stress-free on your journey to (and down!) the aisle.

You can download and print the wedding checklist below as a Google Doc or PDF. It’s incredibly comprehensive down to the tiniest detail, and it starts 12 months out! But breathe easy. You can tailor it to your needs, delete items that don’t apply, and shorten (or lengthen) the timeline to make it uniquely yours.

Below the wedding timeline checklist, see in-depth descriptions to help you plan your perfect day.

Wedding planning checklist: download and use

Wedding Checklist Google Doc

Wedding Checklist PDF

Getting started

Congratulations—you're engaged! It's time to dip your toes into the world of wedding planning. Here's where to start.

• Celebrate your engagement!

• Take a look around Zola and get familiar with your wedding checklist.

• Decide the general location of where you'll get married.

• Decide who is hosting, and paying.

• Start building your guest list and discuss the size of the wedding you want.

• Find your wedding planning community.

• Gather wedding inspiration and be ready to show it to vendors.

• Announce your engagement formally, if you like.

12 Months out

• Create a wedding-specific email address and Google Drive.

• Have the budget talk and find a wedding budget tool or tracker that works for you.

• Consider an engagement celebration or party.

• Set up a wedding website or online platform for your guests.

• Start researching wedding and reception venues.

11 Months out

• Book your wedding venue

• Start researching other wedding vendors, now that you have your date.

• Choose your wedding party, if you’re having one.

• Consider creating and/or purchasing thank-you cards for early engagement gifts.

• Start thinking about your wedding registry.

• Discuss and finalize the style or theme of your wedding.

10 Months out

• Start your Zola registry.

• Select and book your photographer and videographer.

• Take engagement photos.

• Finalize your honeymoon destination and start making reservations.

• Choose and meet with your officiant.

• Consider and plan pre-marital counseling, if you like.

• Start talking about details for your bachelorette and bachelor parties.

• Schedule appointments to try on wedding attire.

9 Months out

• Schedule and hold tastings with potential caterers.

• Consider a room block at a nearby hotel.

• Book your florist and start sharing inspiration photos.

• Start gathering items for your day-of emergency kit.

8 Months out

• Send your save the dates.

• Book your DJ or band, and create a playlist.

• Make decisions about the wedding party attire, like your bridesmaids' dresses and groomsmen's suits.

• Choose and book any additional entertainment for the reception.

• Look into permits you might need, like for outdoor photography or alcohol service.

• Start planning your honeymoon.

7 Months out

• Start planning any DIY projects, so you’ll have plenty of time to finish them.

• Confirm any rental items, like specialty linens or décor.

• Organize a spa day or wellness session to help you relax.

• Look into the process of changing your name, if you decide to, as each state varies.

• Review any contracts and schedule all necessary payments. (Zola’s wedding budget tool can track your wedding payments for you!)

6 Months out

• Conduct a walk-through of the venue with key vendors.

• Plan any additional parties or showers.

• Research marriage license requirements.

• Consider plans for a post-wedding brunch or gathering.

• Add gifts to your Zola registry.

5 Months out

• Decide on wedding gowns, dresses, or suits, and schedule fittings.

• Create a plan B in case of bad weather (outdoor weddings only!)

• Choose your wedding invitation design.

• Discuss rehearsal dinner details, including your guest list and location.

• Research bakers and schedule cake tastings

• Consider and order favors for guests.

• Start shaping your ceremony with readings, vows, and tunes.

• Finalize details with your florist.

4 Months out

• Determine and order any signage for the wedding.

• If you’ll have a first dance, consider booking some dance lessons.

• Order your wedding invitations.

• Book your baker.

• Book your wedding day hairstylist and makeup artist.

• Book venues for additional events during the weekend.

• Get wedding day transportation for your wedding party and guests.

• Research and book a location or suite to get ready on your wedding day.

3 Months out

• Decide if you'd like to book musicians for your ceremony.

• Make decisions about the "send-off" – sparklers, bubbles, etc.

• Choose and buy gifts for the wedding party, parents, and others.

• Start making a must-have shot list for the photographer.

• Finalize any specialty cocktail or drink menu details.

• Book your rehearsal dinner venue.

• Choose and order a guestbook.

• Confirm honeymoon plans and prep all your travel documents.

2 Months out

• Send out your wedding invitations

• Order wedding rings.

• Organize activities or welcome bags for out-of-town guests.

• Review the RSVP list and reach out to any guests who have yet to respond. (Take the stress out of this one with Zola’s Contact Collector which allows you to text guests with RSVP reminders!)

• Confirm the date, set up time, and location with all vendors.

• Finalize menus for all events.

• Organize the day-of schedule for the wedding party.

• Confirm honeymoon plans and prep all your travel documents.

• Start writing your vows.

• Make sure your officiant’s license or registration is all set.

• Buy any wedding accessories you’re planning on wearing.

• First dress fitting.

1 Month out

• Finalize and print your ceremony programs, menus, table numbers, and place cards.

• Select the ceremony music.

• Create the order for the processional and recessional.

• Finalize your day-of timeline.

• Contact any guests who haven’t responded to RSVPs, and finalize the guest list.

• Finalize the seating chart.

• Get your marriage license.

• Second dress fitting and alterations.

• Confirm details with your transportation company.

• Confirm hotel accommodations and room blocks.

• Confirm the shot list with your photographer.

• Schedule any beauty appointments.

• Finalize all DIY projects.

1 Week before

• Pack for your honeymoon!

• Prepare final payments and put tips in envelopes for your vendors.

• Give any final details and numbers to the caterer.

• Gather any items needed for the ceremony and reception, including your day-of emergency kit.

• Have a final meeting or call with the wedding planner or coordinator.

Day before

• Rehearse the ceremony with the wedding party.

• Confirm the delivery times and locations with all vendors.

• Organize and pack items for your wedding day.

• Have a relaxing evening, and get a good night's sleep!

Day of

• Follow your beauty regimen (hair, makeup).

• Make sure your wedding party is on schedule and has all their items.

• Exchange gifts with your partner.

• Delegate any last-minute tasks to trusted family or friends.

• Enjoy the special moments.

After the wedding

• Send out thank-you cards.

• Order a wedding album.

• Return any rentals or borrowed items.

• Change your name on documents.

• Review and finalize your wedding photo and video edits.

• Preserve your wedding dress, if you’ll do that.

• Reflect and reminisce on the beautiful memories you’ve made!

So...are you ready to dive deeper into wedding planning?

The wedding to-do list above has everything you need to build the perfect day — stress-free! Now... Here's that timeline for wedding planning in a little more detail.

Detailed wedding planning checklist

First things first: celebrate!

You’re about to embark on one of the most exciting occasions of your life.

Take a look around Zola and get familiar with your wedding checklist.

We’ve got plenty of helpful, tried-and-tested tools that’ll help you to streamline the wedding process.

Decide where you'll get married.

While tradition says to get married in your hometown, you may have different hometowns or prefer to get married close to where you currently live. If you're willing to travel, picking a place between you and your guests may be a good option for a destination wedding.

Start building your guest list and discuss numbers.

At this point in the wedding planning timeline, jot down every name that comes to mind, even if you may have to pare down your list later. Our guest list tool allows you to import an existing list, add names directly, or send your guests a link so they can add themselves. Once you have your guest list, you can use free addressing on save the dates and Invitations, and our online RSVP tool. You can even message your guests with any important updates.

Find your wedding planning community.

Want some candid advice that's not from your family? Join an online forum or FB group full of couples going through the same planning process. Get inspiration, share your photos, ask for feedback, and more.

Gather wedding inspiration and be ready to show it to vendors.

Many vendors will ask to see either digital references or a binder of images to understand your vision for your wedding. Pinterest and Instagram are great (and convenient!) places to find imagery and ideas.

Let others know about your wedding.

If you want to announce your wedding formally, now’s the time to do it!

12 Months out

Create a wedding-specific email address and Google Drive.

The best way to keep things organized is to have all communication in one place from the get-go. In our eyes, this is pretty much the first thing you should do once you’re ready to start planning to do after you’ve said “yes”. Keep all of your correspondence with vendors and guests in one convenient place with an email address that both you and your spouse-to-be have access to.

Have the budget talk.

Okay, so it's not the most romantic part of wedding planning. But for any kind of wedding celebration, it's crucial to have the budget talk as early as possible so you know what you can and can't afford.

Talk to your partner about what type of wedding you want, who is contributing to your wedding, and what your non-negotiables are. Tick this conversation off your checklist early so you can move on to the fun stuff. If you’re looking for ways to cut wedding costs, deciding what is most important to you both can help you prioritize funds.

Plan your engagement party.

Totally optional, but this is an ideal time to plan a joyful engagement celebration with friends and family. Guests like to give gifts, so we recommend starting your registry and adding a few things before the party invites go out.

Start building your wedding website.

Don’t worry: you don’t need to craft a site from scratch! A website is the easiest way to communicate all your wedding details to guests, from your schedule to travel, accommodations, dress code, and more. You can customize Zola's free, beautiful website templates with all of this info in minutes, plus add fun photos, share your registry, and let guests RSVP online. Spoiler alert: you’ll probably have to send this link around a few times to some guests.

Start researching wedding and reception venues.

Consider the time of year you’ll be getting married, as well as the number of guests, the theme (if you’re choosing one), and any other factors. This month is just about getting an idea of what’s out there–we’ve also got a great variety of wedding venues to get you started.

11 Months out

Book your wedding ceremony and reception venues.

Double-check that both wedding venue locations can hold the number of guests you'd like to invite. Before booking, determine if the venue requires you to use only their approved vendors. If not, find out if there are any requirements for outside vendors.

Choose your wedding party.

Will you have a maid of honor and best man? What about a wedding party? Flower girl? Ring bearer? Ushers? Discuss what you want with your partner, then invite your nearest and dearest to join you and yours.

Research wedding vendors.

We're talking entertainment, caterers, florists, photographers, and others. It's time to understand who will help create your wedding day vision. Not sure where to start? Make a new sheet on your wedding Google Drive with a different column for each type of wedding vendor. If you’re feeling super organized, add a key with colors to signify when they’ve responded/when you’re waiting for a reply/when they’ve confirmed, etc.

Zola’s vendor marketplace makes this easy, letting you browse popular vendors by location, budget, and style, favorite the ones you like, reach out for quotes directly through the website, keep all your communication in one place, and track communication.

Book your wedding ceremony and reception venues.

Double-check that both wedding venue locations can hold the number of guests you'd like to invite. Before booking, determine if the venue requires you to use only their approved vendors. If not, find out if there are any requirements for outside vendors.

Discuss and finalize the style or theme of your wedding.

You’ll need to decide this before you can proceed with everything from outfits to decor to food and stationery.

Think about who you want to officiate your wedding.

The officiant is an important part of your wedding day. They’re the one who will “officially” marry you! Your officiant can be a mutual friend of you and your spouse-to-be, a family member, a religious figure, or a professional officiant. Whoever feels right to you and your fiance. Just ensure they're certified in the state you're getting married in.

Start designing wedding stationery: save the dates, invitations, etc.

If you’re having a themed wedding, this is a great opportunity to play around with different fonts, designs, and images. Not sure where to start? You’ll find plenty of inspo here at Zola.

Consider creating and/or purchasing thank-you cards for early engagement gifts.

10 Months out

Start planning for the shower(s) and bach parties.

Think about where and when you’d like these to happen, who you’d like to invite and what you’ll need for the occasion. Here’s the 101 when it comes to planning bach parties.

Book your honeymoon.

If you plan on going away right after the wedding, it's ideal to have all honeymoon flights and hotels booked by now. Be sure to ask the hotel if they offer any complimentary honeymoon package—you never know!

Schedule appointments to try on wedding attire.

You’ve got plenty of time to find the perfect outfit, so try not to put too much pressure on yourself to find the perfect dress straight away. Whether you're looking for your dream wedding dress, gown, or suit, pull several inspiration photos (Pinterest is great for this) and bring them with you to your appointments. This key wedding checklist item will help focus your session.

Decide if, when, and who will receive hair and makeup.

Engagement shoot? Shower? Wedding day? Getting your hair and makeup done by a professional gives you one less thing to worry about, but it’s also an extra cost to budget for. If you want to save, pamper yourself on the big day, but use your own skills (or a friend’s) for the other wedding events. Also decide if you want these services for anyone else on your wedding day, such as your attendants or mom.

Book your wedding photographer.

Ask the photographer if you can provide a shot list so you capture every moment. Most photographers will be happy to review this part of your wedding checklist with you. Tell the photographer your biggest priorities (e.g, a gorgeous shot with your grandma) so nothing important is missed. And, if you’ve got a particular shot in mind, find examples on Pinterest or Instagram. It’s better to be too detailed rather than not enough!

Meet with your officiant and start thinking about your vows.

Discuss how you'd like the ceremony to go and any passages, readings, or performances you'd like to be said. This is also a good time to begin thinking about whether or not you and your partner would like to write your own vows.

Consider and plan pre-marital counseling, if you like.

Although it’s not necessary, having counseling beforehand can help strengthen your relationship. A counselor can alert you to potential pitfalls and challenges as well as give you points to work on if needed.

Book a photographer for engagement photos.

These don’t have to be professional. Remember you can just head down to somewhere that’s special to both of you and snap a few pictures to mark the occasion. If you do end up doing a shoot, try a few locations and outfits for some variation. We know you'll both look great.

Expert Advice: Engagement photos are a great way to get to know (and test out) your wedding photographer!

Start your Zola registry.

Couples typically start their registry and add gifts to it 8-10 months before their wedding. This time frame makes it easy for guests to get engagement party and wedding or shower gifts, too. At Zola, we have classic and unique wedding presents, gift cards, and zero-cash fee funds (all in one place!). You can use this money for anything — down payment, saving for kids, a pet, honeymoon, or charity of your choice. We recommend adding a mix of everything to give guests more options.

9 Months out

Start gathering items for your day-of emergency kit.

What should you pack into it? Everything you might need on the day! Don’t worry: we’ve already made the list for you.

Consider a room block at a nearby hotel.

It’s worth asking around to see who might need a room before you do this, so you can estimate the right number of rooms to book.

Schedule tastings with caterers.

Trust us: you'll want to go to these on an empty stomach. Before you reach out, talk through price-per-head budgets with your partner as well as head count. If you (or your guests) have allergies or dietary requirements, it’s worth mentioning this to caterers early on to ensure they’re up to the task. Ask about "silent vegetarian" / "silent vegan" options to accommodate guests with different preferences. Not sure where to start? Browse Zola and ask around your family and friends for recommendations.

Book your florist and start sharing inspiration photos.

Again, Pinterest is a great place to collect all the floral images that make your heart sing. Once you book a florist, create a shared board to pin and chat about your faves.

8 Months out

Book your wedding band and/or DJ.

This may seem ahead of schedule, but the good ones always go early, so we recommend finalizing your entertainment now. Once you choose your music, you'll likely be tasked with coming up with a list of must-hear songs, another list of absolutely-do-not-play songs, and a list of nice-to-hear-but-not-necessary songs. You can also use this time to choose and book any additional entertainment for the reception.

Research invitation options.

Send printed invites or digital ones—the choice is yours! Want to save time? You can complete your entire wedding invitation suite at Zola, plus get matching programs, menus, even thank you cards for guests. Sart early for a destination wedding.

Pick out your wedding party's attire.

Remind them to schedule their fittings, too (they sneak up on you)! Want to save time? Our wedding boutique has all you need for every moment of your big day, all in one place. Browse bridesmaids' dresses, groomsmen's accessories, party favors, and more from today's best wedding brands.

Think about your wedding hashtag.

You can be as direct or creative as you like—just try to make it easy to memorize so that your guests use it correctly throughout the weekend. While not necessary, a wedding hashtag is a great way to quickly find all of the photos your family and friends take.

Send your save the dates.

More and more couples are saving time (and $$!) by sending their save their dates online. Whether you go printed or digital, don't forget to clearly write your wedding website's address or add a QR code, so guests can easily navigate to your wedding website and find all the details (without having to ask you!)keep track of your wedding details.

Look into permits you might need, like for outdoor photography or alcohol service.

Make sure there are no surprises by working on this extra early.

7 Months out

Start any DIY projects, so you’ll have plenty of time to finish them.

That could include things like signage, ceremony backdrops, wreaths, table numbers, or other decorative items. Pinterest is great for inspiration if you’re looking for DIY ideas on a budget. If you’re renting these things, now’s the time to start confirming those, too.

Research the process of changing your name, if you decide to go that route.

This may vary a little depending on the state you live in, but here’s our rough guide.

Review any contracts and schedule all necessary payments.

Make sure you save all these somewhere easily-accessible, like your wedding Google Drive or a separate folder in your emails. (Pro tip - you can set payment reminders using Zola’s budget tool!)

Organize a spa day or wellness session to help you relax.

Feeling a little overwhelmed? Make time for self-care or a spa day to destress.

6 Months out

Finalize your florist and flowers.

It’s worth asking them what will be in season around your wedding day, how many weddings (if any) they’ll be working on the same day, how far in advance they tend to work, and if they offer a run-through.

Add gifts to your Zola registry.

If you're having a shower, you can always direct guests to your wedding registry. Don't forget to add a few unexpected gifts, like a wine subscription, fitness classes, or movie tickets.

Conduct a walk-through of the venue with key vendors.

A guided walk-through can help with planning where things happen. It's essential to decide where you’ll greet guests, set up your cake, and have a cocktail hour ahead of time.

Plan any additional parties or showers.

Now is the time to schedule and plan everything from bach parties to a post-wedding brunch. Choose venues and dates, and select point people to help coordinate and implement these events.

Research marriage license requirements.

Research the laws of the specific state where you're having your wedding before applying. Then go get it!

5 Months out

Say yes to the wedding gown, dress, or suit.

Try it on one last time to ensure you've found the one. Then, before you leave, inquire about the fitting schedule and pricing for alteration (unless it's a perfect fit!).

Have an outdoor wedding? Create a plan B in case of bad weather.

It's better to over-prepare for this sort of scenario. You and your fiance will be too busy having fun on the day of! This is where a wedding planner, coordinator, or venue coordinator can really come in handy.

Choose your wedding invitation design.

It's always a good idea to test the paper, printing, and colors before sending your invitations. Looking for a beautiful design? Zola has hundreds of options for every wedding theme and style, from classic to bohemian and everything in between. You can also get a free sample pack anytime to touch and feel our paper and see a collection of our favorite designs in person.

Start scouting locations for the rehearsal dinner.

Ideally, your rehearsal dinner should be within a 45-minute drive for most of your guests.

Decide on a unity ceremony element, such as sand or candles.

This is totally optional and can vary depending on your beliefs, upbringing, and traditions. These are some of the wedding ceremony elements Zola couples have incorporated into their wedding days previously.

Research bakers and schedule cake tastings.

You’ve probably already pinned a style to your Pinterest board. However, you need to talk to a cake artist about implementing a design and what flavor your cake will be. If you choose to do something other than cake, such as pie or ice cream, scout those vendors out now.

Consider and order favors for guests.

What kind of thank you gift will you send home with your guests? If you’re getting things specially made or personalized, you need to start reaching out at the 5-month mark.

4 Months out

Order your wedding invitations–it’s all becoming real now!

Just like the save the dates, the general rule of thumb is one invitation per household. But order 10-15% more envelopes in case of addressing mistakes. You can export a file with all of your guests' addresses to hand off to your calligrapher or paper service. Don't forget to budget for stamps, which are an expense you may not think about!

If you’ll have a first dance, consider booking some dance lessons.

Sure, you can simply slow dance hand-in-hand, but if you want to choreograph something entertaining, hire a pro and book a few lessons.

Think about gifts for your wedding party.

Couples frequently give these at the rehearsal dinner. Sometimes, the gift is something the wedding party can wear or use on the day of the wedding. Wine bottles, cheese boards, picture frames, or jewelry are all popular choices, or scroll through Etsy for something bespoke or personalized. Add a new tab on your wedding checklist Google Drive with your ideas.

Book your baker.

Make sure there's a wedding cake delivery plan in place. Find out if your baker expects a tip upon delivery, too. We bet it'll be delicious. Is there room for another quick round of tasters? Be our guest!

Secure your wedding day hairstylist.

Ask your stylist for any tips to prepare. Most recommend washing your hair the day before the wedding and avoiding any big hair decisions in the months leading up to it.

Schedule your wedding day makeup artist.

When you're booking, make sure they'll be available at your wedding location and have examples to share of previous clients. Look for a makeup artist who will create an incredible start to your big day. Your makeup artist will be there bright and early on your big day, so make sure you pick someone who will make you feel special and comfortable. Also, find out whether they stick around for touch-ups. Glass of Champagne, anyone?

Choose venues for additional events during the weekend.

A wedding weekend can include a welcome gathering of some kind, the ceremony and reception, and a farewell breakfast. It can be a lot to remember, so we recommend using Zola's events, guest messaging, and online RSVP to manage it all. Don't forget you'll also need to organize any menus or decor for these events, too. Research and book a location or suite for getting ready on your wedding day, too, during this time.

Think about transportation needs.

While you’re at it, get wedding day transportation for your wedding party and guests sorted this month, too.

Determine and order any signage for the wedding.

Consult local calligraphy artists or Etsy for personalized signage for your event. From directional signs to having your names in neon lights, signs are a fun addition to the big day.

3 Months out

Decide if you'd like to book musicians for your ceremony.

Live music always adds a personal touch. If you’ll go with DJ music only, you can delete this wedding checklist item.

Book your rehearsal dinner venue.

You can order paper invitations for this event or send a digital invite by messaging all of the guests from your Zola guest list. Your guests can even RSVP to your rehearsal dinner on your wedding website.

Make decisions about the send-off.

Will you have sparklers, bubbles, or biodegradable confetti? Think about and order your supplies.

Choose and buy gifts for the wedding party, parents, and others.

Hopefully you’ve thought about what you want to give. If you haven’t purchased them already, time is running out to do so, especially if you want to do a personalized gift.

Start making a must-have shot list for the photographer.

Most photographers like having creative freedom, although chat with them about any unique or must-have images on your list.

Choose and order a guestbook.

This doesn’t just have to be an actual book. If you love the lake, have everyone sign a vintage oar. Feel free to make this something creative that you’ll showcase in your new home together.

2 Months out

Pick out wedding rings.

It's a piece you'll both wear every day, so take your time selecting the best wedding rings that fit your style and you'll love looking at.

Address and send your invitations.

We recommend mailing your invites no later than six weeks before your wedding date. Need addressing help? Add your guests to our guest list manager, and we'll format all your addresses for you (and help collect missing info, too). Then, you can easily export your list for your stationer. Want to save even more time? Create invitations at Zola, and we'll address all your envelopes for free.

Optional: Start organizing a welcome bag for guests.

While this isn't a requirement, guests love to be surprised with snacks, activity recommendations, and a note from the couple when they check in to their hotel. You know your nearest and dearest better than anyone, so feel free to let your personality shine when it comes to these.

Buy wedding accessories.

Shoes, jewelry, undergarments... now's the time to complete the look.

Attend first fitting.

Remember: You have multiple fittings. So if it's not perfect today, it will be soon!

Start collecting RSVPs.

If you're collecting physical cards, we recommend tracking RSVPs in a spreadsheet. Simply make a column with all of your guests' names and then note their responses. Want to save time? Let guests RSVP online via your wedding website at Zola, and our free guest list manager will automatically record their responses (plus meal choices, plus ones, and more).

Confirm the date, time, and location with all wedding vendors.

Make sure they know where to show up and when. Then tick this box in your wedding checklist!

Develop a wedding day timeline.

When it comes to this list, there's no such thing as too much information. In your wedding day timeline, include each vendor's ETA along with their contact information and assign family or wedding party members to help with certain tasks. Then print it out when finished and send it to all of your vendors.

Confirm menus for all events.

While you're at it, consider showing guests your meal options on gorgeous menu cards that match your invitation suite.

Confirm honeymoon plans and prep all your travel documents.

You can even start packing, too! Although, you don’t have to.

Start writing your vows.

If you haven’t done this yet, use the two-month out mark to put them together.

Make sure your officiant’s license or registration is all set.

If you’re having a family member or friend get ordained, especially for your wedding, it’s especially important to ensure all of the proper steps are taken.

1 Month out

Attend your second fitting.

Hopefully, you’re over the moon with your outfit. If not, there’s still time for amends. Don’t panic! And, if you’re not squeezing “I’m getting married this month!” into 50 percent of your conversations, you’re doing it wrong. The countdown is officially on!

Assemble RSVPs.

If you need to remind guests to respond, we recommend waiting one to two weeks after your RSVP deadline to do so. Then you can reach out to guests with a polite phone call, email, or text. Our guest list manager makes it easy to check on your RSVPs anytime and message guests who haven't informed you of their plans yet. If you’re getting frustrated by non-responders, nicely remind them to do so. We’re all busy, and they may not realize the deadline passed.

Create the order for the processional and recessional.

Choosing a wedding processional order sets the scene for your ceremony. It includes the songs you want to hear when you walk down the aisle, the vows you and your partner will say, and the order of the day. You can also select the ceremony music at this time.

Order paper goods for the big day.

Think ceremony programs, menu cards, table numbers, escort cards, and place cards. Order a few more than you think you need, just to be on the safe side.

Order thank-you cards.

Nothing beats a handwritten thank you. Our recommendation is to complete this wedding checklist step within three months of the big day.

Schedule any beauty appointments.

If you want a manicure, pedicure, waxing, or eyelash extensions before the big day, make sure to book them in advance. But don’t book them too close to your wedding day in case of irritation or discomfort.

Determine wedding payments for all vendors.

Expert Advice: Leave some cash aside for vendors' tips and mark each bundle with who it's going to. A family member or someone in your wedding party can help take care of this for you.

Get your marriage license.

You’ve already done the research and now’s the time to actually get it–exciting!

Finalize your day-of timeline.

That one you made last month? Time to give it a quick once over.

Determine the seating chart.

Make sure everyone has a seat they’ll love and feel comfortable in at your reception.

Confirm details with your transportation company and hotel room blocks.

Again, just to be on the safe side. You may have sorted this back at the beginning of your wedding checklist journey but give the hotel(s) a quick ring just to double check everything’s reserved.

Complete all DIY projects.

If your wedding has any homemade elements, we recommend aiming for a one-month-before deadline so you can focus on the time-conscious parts as the big day approaches.

1 Week out

Confirm the run of show for your ceremony.

Touch base with your wedding officiant and any other people involved in the service. You'll be able to make some changes during your rehearsal, too.

Give any final details and numbers to the caterer/s.

Ensure they've got a point of contact for your wedding day. You'll also want to double check timings, addresses, and all of those little details.

Have a final meeting or call with the wedding planner or coordinator.

Talk through the run of the day and confirm dates, timings, and places with them. Don't be afraid to triple check!

Gather any items you’ll need for the ceremony and reception.

Things that are important to any cultures or traditions you'll be following during your wedding ceremony. Make plans of where you'll leave these (or who you'll leave them with) until the right moment.

If you’ve got time, this week is also a great chance to pack for your honeymoon.

Day before

Rehearse the ceremony with the wedding party.

A great way to check that everyone knows where to stand, what to say, and how to get from A to B.

Confirm the delivery times and locations with all vendors.

You may have done this already but there's no harm in triple-checking.

Organize and pack items for your wedding day.

Once that’s all done, make sure you have a relaxing evening so you can get a good night’s sleep!

Wedding day checklist - finished!

Doesn’t it seem like you got engaged just yesterday? And today, we’re here! Today is all about bringing together everything you’ve prepped over the last year or two.

Follow your beauty regimen.

Maybe you've booked a hair and makeup artist, or perhaps you're doing yours yourself. The first order of the day is likely to be sitting back and relaxing while you prep for the big moment.

Schedule checking.

Make sure your wedding party is on schedule and has all their items. Or, delegate this task to a family member or trusted friend.

Exchange gifts with your partner.

Totally optional but a great way to commemorate this special day.

Enjoy life as newlyweds.

Our biggest and most heartfelt congratulations to you and yours! Cut up a rug for us. Thank you for letting us be part of your wedding!