The Checklist
One checklist to rule them all!
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!
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
Check out our other Planning Pages!