Wedding Calendar Checklist
The following checklist is designed with the (ideal) timetable of twelve months. If you’re planning
your wedding on a shorter schedule, just start at the beginning of the list and try to catch up as
quickly as possible. Use the boxes to the left of the items to check things off as you complete them.
9 TO 12 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING DAY
Arrange a gathering for you and your parents.
Determine budget and how expenses will be shared.
Discuss the size, style, location, and scope of the wedding you want.
Choose a target wedding date and time. (The actual date will depend on venue
availability.)
Create a binder to store and organize your ideas, worksheets, receipts, bro-
chures, etc.
Visit and reserve wedding and reception sites.
Meet with your officiant.
Start compiling your guest list to estimate head count. Consider budget when
thinking about “must-invites” versus “nice-to-invites.”
Begin shopping for the wedding gown.
6 TO 9 MONTHS PRIOR
Choose the members of your wedding party.
Enroll in wedding/shower gift registries.
Hire a photographer and a videographer.
Book an engagement photo session, especially if you plan to include a
professional engagement picture with Save-the-Date cards.
Hire a caterer.
Hire a florist.
Make arrangements for music to be played at the ceremony and reception.
(Tasks might include booking a band or solo musician, hiring a DJ, choosing
significant musical selections, and so on.).
Reserve a block of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests. (Ask about group rates.)
Send out Save-the-Date cards. (Include lodging information and maps, etc.)
Shop for wedding rings.
6 TO 9 MONTHS PRIOR (CONT.)
Select and order wedding gown, leaving ample time Schedule wedding cake design appointments and
for delivery and alterations. tastings.
Shop for bridesmaids’ dresses. Start planning your honeymoon.
4 TO 6 MONTHS PRIOR
Finalize the guest list. Finalize all honeymoon plans. If traveling outside
the country, arrange for visas, passports and inocu-
Order invitations (25 extra) and other wedding sta-
lations.
tionery (i.e., place cards and thank you notes).
Hire your wedding day transportation (carriage,
Plan wedding-day beauty preparations; ask your
limousine service, etc.).
stylist how far in advance they book wedding par-
ties, and whether they are willing to work on the Plan the rehearsal dinner.
wedding site.
2 TO 4 MONTHS PRIOR
Obtain a marriage license. Bring all necessary docu- Order your wedding rings.
ments.
Confirm wedding ceremony and reception music.
Order tuxedoes for the groom and groomsmen.
Book a hotel room for the wedding night.
Meet with the caterer to go over menus, wine selec-
If you plan to write your own vows, start writing
tions, etc.
them now.
Order the wedding cake.
4 TO 8 WEEKS PRIOR
Mail the wedding invitations 8 weeks before your Confirm all transportation plans.
wedding date.
Do a hair and makeup run-through (including wed-
ding veil, if applicable).
2 TO 4 WEEKS PRIOR
Work on seating arrangements for the reception. Purchase gifts for the wedding attendants.
Finalize arrangements for out of town attendants Compile a list of all of the wedding vendors and
and guests. wedding party, with contact information. Carry this
list with you everywhere you go (just in case).
Confirm details with the photographer, florist, and
other vendors. Communicate rehearsal dinner details to those who
will attend the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
Have final fitting for bridal gown and bridesmaids’
dresses. Look into where bride, groom and attendants will
dress for the ceremony.
Write your rehearsal dinner toast.
1 WEEK PRIOR
Enclose any fees due on the wedding day in enve- Appoint someone to act as an “organizer” to handle
lopes for easy distribution. any last-minute problems.
Give the caterer a final head count. Review final details for those in the wedding party.
Appoint a person to bring important items (cake Get final beauty treatments (manicure, facial, mas-
knife, toasting glasses, etc.) to the reception. sage, waxing, brow shaping, etc.)
THE DAY BEFORE THE WEDDING
Gather together the following: Confirm honeymoon arrangements.
‐ something old (symbolizing continuity with fami- Pack for the honeymoon.
ly and heritage).
Enjoy a relaxing day with family and friends.
‐ something new (symbolizing optimism and hope
Attend the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner; give gifts
for the new life ahead).
to attendants.
‐ something borrowed (an item from a happily
married friend or family member).
Give the rings, and officiant’s fee, to the best man.
‐ something blue (symbolizing love and fidelity). Try to get some rest.
WEDDING DAY
Post wedding announcements in the mail. Allow at least two hours for getting dressed.
Relax and remain calm. ENJOY THIS ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME EVENT!
Remember to eat something.
