The Wedding Planning Checklist Every Bride (and Groom) Needs

12+ Months Before

Set a budget.
Look for and book ceremony and reception sites.
Pick a wedding date and time, then confirm with major vendors and close family and friends.
Put together a planning team.
Choose a theme and color palette.
Insure your engagement ring.
Start putting together your guest list.
Choose your wedding party.
Throw an engagement party.

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.

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.
Mail your invitations.

Attend your shower.
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.

Apply for a marriage license in the town where you will be marrying. Check with the town clerk for necessary information/documents.
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.

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.

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 a haircut.
Start packing for your honeymoon.

If needed, have your dress pressed or steamed.
Groom and groomsmen: Go for final fittings and pick up formal wear.
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.

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.

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, if desired. For help with this, sign up for the name-change service at hitchswitch.com.