One checklist to rule them all!

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Copy this list into your own word doc or excel file so you can remove the things you don't need, add the things you do, and mark things off as you complete them! Let's Get Organized!

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Set a Budget

Hire a planner (optional)

Build your guest list to get a guest count

Book your ceremony/reception venue

Book Photographer

Book Videographer

Book DJ

Book Florist

Book Baker

Cake Tasting

Pick your Cake Flavors

Book Caterer

Book Bartender

Book Decor Rentals

Book Shuttle Vendor

Book Hair and Make up Artist

Book Officiant (or self solemnize)

Start Gathering Decor that you aren't renting

Ask Bridesmaids and Groomsmen

Go Dress Shopping!

Go Tux Shopping

Pick out dresses for Bridesmaids

Let Mothers know what to wear to the wedding (all our moms really wanted to be told what to wear to the wedding, I think asking them all to wear a long champagne dress looks beautiful in photos)

Book Lodging for Wedding Night

Start Gathering Event Outfits

Pick Gifts for Shower Hostesses

Set up your wedding Website and online RSVP forms

Set up Registry (I liked Zola because it let me return items before they were sent to me and it let me do a honey-fund)

Get Wedding Bands

Book Food Tasting

Choose your Menu

Book Honeymoon

Finalize your Guest List

Gather Addresses for Guest List

Send out Save the Dates

Plan Rehearsal Dinner

Plan Welcome Party (if destination wedding)

Get Shoes, Jewelry, Veil and Accessories

Make a playlist for pre-ceremony music

Make a playlist for Dinner Music

Make a playlist for party music

Pick your First Dance Song

Practicing dancing to your first dance song or take lessons

Pick a song for families to walk out to during ceremony

Pick a song for Groom to walk out to during the ceremony

Pick a song for bride to walk out to during ceremony

Pick a song to Exit the ceremony

Send your musical preferences to your DJ

Make a shot list for your photographer (specifically which family photo groups you want)

Make a draft Seating Chart

Pick out Table Decor

Pick table numbers

Pick a cake stand and cake topper

Get a clear umbrella in case of rain

Choose a Day of Coordinator

Bridesmaid Gifts

Groomsmen Gifts

Parents Gifts

Flowergirl/Ringbearer Gifts

Officiant Gift (if family friend)

Day of Coordinator Gift (if family friend)

Guest Favors (I did cake to-go boxes)
Pick Cake Table Decor

Pick Card/Gift Table Decor

Pick Guest Book and Table Decor (don't forget a pen!)

Review Wedding Ceremony Draft

Send Out Wedding Invitations

Decide on logistics for getting to and from wedding

Choose a type of Send Off

Buy Lighters (if candles or sparklers are part of your day)

Make a day of Timeline (include vendor timelines)

Make sure all Groomsmen have been fitted for their Tux

Choose how you want your Ceremony chairs set up

Final headcount of all guests and meal choices

Get ring professionally cleaned

Building Seating Diagram

Make escort cards/board (add dietary restrictions to place card)
Choose your Vows

Build Weekend Timelines for Bridesmaids/Groomsmen

Create Wedding Programs

Build Weekend Timelines for Guests (helpful to give out at welcome party if you are having a destination wedding weekend)

Print a wedding day timeline hardcopy

Print hardcopy of Vows

Send Day Of Instructions to Wedding Vendors

Pull Out Cash for Tips
Make sure all house bills are paid before leaving on honeymoon

Assign a friend or bridesmaid to take candid photos of you throughout the day on your phone

Send Thank You Cards

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Check out our other Planning Pages!

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