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 off tasks
as you complete them.
9 to 12 months prior to 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
ideas, worksheets, receipts, brochures, 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 info and maps, as possible.)
☐ Shop for wedding rings.
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☐ Select and order wedding gown,
leaving ample time for delivery and alterations.
☐ Shop for bridesmaids’ dresses.
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☐ Schedule wedding cake design
appointments and tastings.
☐ Start planning your honeymoon.
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4 to 6 months prior:
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☐ Finalize the guest list.
☐ Order invitations (25 extra) and
other wedding stationery (i.e., place cards and thank you notes).
☐ Plan wedding-day beauty preparations;
ask your stylist how far in advance they book wedding parties, and whether
they are willing to work on the wedding site.
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☐ Finalize all honeymoon plans. If
traveling outside the country, arrange for visas, passports and inoculations.
☐ Hire your wedding day transportation
(carriage, limousine service, etc.).
☐ Plan the rehearsal dinner.
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2 to 4 months prior:
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☐ Obtain a marriage license. Bring all
necessary documents.
☐ Order tuxedoes for the groom and
groomsmen.
☐ Meet with the caterer to go over
menus, wine selections, etc.
☐ Order the wedding cake.
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☐ Order your wedding rings.
☐ Confirm wedding ceremony and
reception music.
☐ Book a hotel room for the wedding night.
☐ If you plan on writing your own vows,
start writing them now.
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4 to 8 weeks prior:
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☐ Mail the wedding invitations 8 weeks
before your wedding date.
☐ Do a hair and makeup run-through
(including wedding veil, if applicable).
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☐ Confirm all transportation plans.
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2 to 4 weeks prior:
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☐ Work on seating arrangements for the
reception.
☐ Finalize arrangements for out of town
attendants and guests.
☐ Confirm details with the
photographer, florist, and other vendors.
☐ Have final fitting for bridal gown
and bridesmaids’ dresses.
☐ Write your rehearsal dinner toast.
☐ Purchase gifts for the wedding
attendants.
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☐ Compile a list of all of the wedding
vendors and wedding party, with contact information. Carry this list with you
everywhere you go (just in case).
☐ Communicate rehearsal dinner details
to those who will attend the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.
☐ Look into where bride, groom and
attendants will dress for the ceremony.
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1 week prior:
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☐ Enclose any fees due on the wedding
day in envelopes for easy distribution.
☐ Give the caterer a final head count.
☐ Appoint a trustworthy person to bring
important items (cake knife, toasting glasses, etc.) to the reception.
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☐ Appoint someone to act as an
“organizer” to handle any last-minute problems.
☐ Review final details for those in the
wedding party.
☐ Get final beauty treatments
(manicure, facial, massage, waxing, brow shaping, etc.)
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The day before the wedding:
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☐ Gather together the following:
☐ Something old
Symbolizing continuity with family and heritage
☐ Something new
Symbolizing optimism and hope for the new life ahead
☐ Something borrowed
An item from a happily married friend or family member
☐ Something blue
Symbolizing love and fidelity
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☐ Confirm honeymoon arrangements.
☐ Pack for the honeymoon.
☐ Enjoy a relaxing day with family and
friends.
☐ Attend the rehearsal and rehearsal
dinner; give gifts to attendants.
☐ Give the rings, and officiant’s fee,
to the best man.
☐ Try to get some rest
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Wedding day:
☐ Post wedding announcements in the mail.
☐ Relax and remain calm.
☐ Remember to eat something.
☐ Allow at least two hours for getting
dressed.
☐ ENJOY THIS ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME EVENT!
Source: Microsoft Word
