The Wedding Planning Checklist Every Bride (and Groom) Needs

Follow this wedding planning checklist. Adobe Stock

Bookmark this handy timeline of everything you need to do and when to do it so your Westchester wedding can go off without a hitch.

The proposal was beautiful. The ring is stunning. Now, it’s time to plan the big day. But where should you start? With our wedding planning checklist, of course! Follow these steps each month to ensure your Westchester wedding day is just as perfect as you’d imagine.

12+ Months Before

♦ Set a budget.
♦ Look for and book ceremony and reception sites.
♦ Pick a wedding date and time, then check with all the major vendors (reception venue, ceremony site, etc.) and close family and friends to make sure that date works.
♦ Put together a wedding planning team. Decide whether you will have a wedding planner or if you will tackle things on your own or with a few trusted friends.
♦ Start putting together your guest list.
♦ Choose your wedding party.
♦ Throw an engagement party.

9 Months Before

♦ Register for gifts.
♦ Shop for and order your gown.
♦ Book your caterer, band, or DJ and photographer and/or videographer.
♦ Meet with florists to determine your floral décor.
♦ Research and reserve hotel room blocks for out-of-town guests.
♦ Order stationery.
♦ Choose an officiant.

6-8 Months Before

♦ Make a wedding website.
♦ Book musicians for your ceremony.
♦ Order bridesmaid dresses.
♦ Start planning your honeymoon.
♦ Send save-the-date cards.

4-6 Months Before

♦ Arrange for rentals if you need tents, tables, chairs, furniture, etc.
♦ Attend pre-wedding counseling, if required.
♦ Shop for wedding rings.
♦ Shop for the groom’s and groomsmen’s attire.
♦ Meet with bakers and order your wedding cake.
♦ Hire wedding-day transportation.
♦ Have your first dress fitting. Remember to bring the shoes and lingerie you will wear on the big day.
♦ Plan your rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
♦ Renew passport for your honeymoon, if necessary.
♦ Research and book transportation for the day of.

4 Months Before

♦ Hire a calligrapher for your invitations. Your stationer may have someone they recommend or use regularly.
♦ Book your stylist and try out your wedding-day look.
♦ Book a makeup artist and do a trial.

2-3 Months Before

♦ Attend your shower.
♦ Mail your invitations.
♦ Write your vows and/or meet with your officiant to discuss the run of the ceremony.
♦ Purchase gifts for your parents, bridal party, and each other.
♦ Send your rehearsal invitations.

1 Month Before

♦ Apply for a marriage license in the town you will be marrying. Check with the town clerk to see what information/documents are needed.
♦ Attend your final gown fitting. Have someone present to learn how to bustle your dress the day of the wedding.
♦ Check in with your bridal party to make sure they have everything they need.
♦ Make last-minute adjustments with vendors.
♦ Create a wedding program to hand out at the ceremony.
♦ Plan and put together welcome baskets for out-of-town guests.
♦ Attend bachelor/bachelorette parties.

2 Weeks Before

♦ Book spa and mani/pedi appointments.
♦ Review final RSVP list and call any guests who have not responded.
♦ Put together a shot list for the photographer and videographer, including a list of formal shots and when they will be taken.
♦ Deliver final song list to your band/DJ, including songs on your “do not play” list.
♦ Break in your shoes.

1 Week Before

♦ Give reception site/caterer the final head count, including vendors like the photographer, videographer, and band/DJ to ensure plates will be made for them.
♦ Supply location manager with a list of requests from other vendors.
♦ Create reception seating chart.
♦ Print place and table cards or give to calligrapher.
♦ Put together a timeline for the day of (when vendors will arrive, who is doing what) and share with the ceremony and reception-site managers and vendors.
♦ Call wedding vendors to confirm details.
♦ Groom: Get haircut.
♦ Start packing for your honeymoon.

2-3 Days Before

♦ If needed, have your dress pressed or steamed.
♦ Groom and groomsmen: Go for final fittings and pick up formalwear.
♦ Give place cards, table cards, favors, menus, etc., to the reception site manager.
♦ Call the limousine or car rental company to confirm pickup times and locations.
♦ Deliver welcome baskets to the hotel.

1 Day Before

♦ Get manicure and pedicure.
♦ Provide emergency contact information to the vendors.
♦ Write checks or coordinate with wedding hosts about final balances due.

The Night Before

♦ Bring unity candle, aisle runner, yarmulkes, or other ceremony accessories to site.
♦ Rehearse the ceremony.
♦ Give marriage license to the officiant.
♦ Attend rehearsal dinner.
♦ Present bridal party with gifts.
♦ Give wedding bands to the best man and maid of honor.
♦ Assign a family member or attendant to be an emergency contact person for the ceremony- and reception site managers and photographer.

Day of

♦ Present parents and each other with gifts.
♦ Make sure to stay hydrated and eat something.
♦ Enjoy!

Post Wedding

♦ Arrange for rentals to be picked up.
♦ Have someone take your gown for safe keeping and return groom’s attire (if rented).
♦ Write and send thank-you notes for guests and vendors who were helpful.
♦ Change your name. For help with this, sign up for the name-change service at www.MissNowMrs.com.

Related: Fabulous Weddings at 4 Different Price Points

Westchester’s Must-Visit Art and History Museums

WMCHealth to Introduce a New Critical Care Tower in Valhalla

Type to search