Key Wedding Essentials Checklist

After getting engaged, a lot of people immediately start planning their wedding. This is a great thing, the earlier the better! However, a lot of times people get so excited that they do things in an improper order, which can result in wedding chaos as you get closer to the big day. Make planning your wedding easier and more stress-free by following this basic checklist set on a timeline. 

A Year in Advance

Figure out your budget

This is the first thing you’re going to want to do because it fuels every other decision. Figure out who is paying for what. Will either of your parents be chipping in? How much can you safely and reasonably spend? Agree on a price and stick to it. Figuring the budget out first will save you from unnecessary arguments and stress.

Pick your wedding party

It’s best to pick who makes the cut to be in your wedding party early so they can be ready for the commitment. Formally request each member of your desired wedding party’s participation in your upcoming nuptials (maid of honor, best man, bridesmaids, groomsmen, ring bearer, and flower girl). Make sure they’re up for committing to being part of your special day.

Start looking at venue options

Begin looking for venues that would accommodate your guest list for both the ceremony and reception. If you can, reserve the venue you like early.

Start looking for your style

Begin looking online and at bridal magazines to find what you like so you know early what type of theme you want so it will be easier to pick your dresses, decorations, cards, invitations, etc. Also, this will help when picking a florist, photographer, and the entertainment.

Order save the dates

Make sure to pick, order, and send out the save the date cards early as it can take time for out of town guests to put aside the money and time they will require if they wish to attend.

Book your preferred officiant

It’s important to make sure you get a hold of the person you wish to officiate your wedding early to ensure that they will be available.   

10 Months Before

Book your photographer, florist, videographer, caterer, DJ/Band, etc.

If you want to get your ideal candidate for these services, it’s best to book early to ensure that they will be available on your wedding date.

Purchase your wedding dress

It’s important to do this with plenty of time for several fittings. Also, you want to give yourself plenty of time to pick out your accompanying accessories.

8 Months Before

Reserve hotel rooms for out of town guests

Without early hotel bookings, you risk your out of town guests having nowhere to stay. Reserve a block of rooms at three different hotels with varying prices and levels of luxury to fit all your guests needs.

Register for your gifts

Register for your gifts at three different retailers to accommodate for different price needs.

6 Months Before

Purchase invitations

Pick and purchase your invitations. If you’re going to want a calligrapher, this is the time to hire one.

Shop for bridal party

It is important to get all the bridal parties clothing figured out early just in case dresses in specific sizes need to be ordered. All the groomsmen will also need to go to a fitting to ensure that tuxedos are reserved and ready for the big day.

Meet with officiant

Make sure the person performing the ceremony knows what you want and is ready for it.

Book side needs

This is the time to settle the seating (make sure there are enough tables and chairs) and the décor. If you’re planning an outdoor wedding, be sure to reserve portable toilets.

Explore hair and makeup options

Begin experimenting with what hair do and makeup look you will be going with to compliment your dress.

Arrange transportation for the day

Remember, limos need to be booked in advance (especially if you have a large wedding party).   

5 Months

Order Cake

Cake tasting is one of the most fun aspects of planning a wedding. Be sure to get the cake that makes your mouth water by beginning the search early!

Book honeymoon

Make sure all your hotel rooms for the night after the wedding through your honeymoon are booked and that you’ve booked any flights you need to.

Schedule dress fitting and pick shoes

Be sure to try on your shoes with your dress to ensure it looks the way you want. Also, be sure the shoes are comfortable enough for your needs (dancing, standing for pictures, etc.). Consider breaking in your shoes to avoid hurting feet on your honeymoon.

Schedule hair and makeup appointments

You want to book in advance to ensure that your hair, makeup, and nails will be done in plenty of time to get ready for the ceremony.

Complete the following odds and ends

·         Book the rehearsal dinner venue

·         Prepare playlist for DJ/Band

3 Months

Complete the following odds and ends

·         Decide on your hair look

·         Start planning seating for ceremony and reception

·         Finalize menu, flowers, honeymoon plans, and readings (and readers)

·         Purchase day of accessories (ie toasting glasses, flower baskets, guest books, etc)

·         Make sure any toasters are aware and getting ready

·         Print programs (if desired)

·         Purchase undergarments and schedule last dress fitting

2 Months

Complete the following odds and ends

·         Mail the invitations

·         Develop a system for managing RSVP’s

·         Write your vows (if doing yourself)

·         Apply for marriage license

·         Finalize all vendors, entertainment, and services

·         Meet with photographer to discuss what poses and groups you want captured

·         Cover your "something new, something borrowed, and something blue" (if desired)

·         Schedule last fitting

1 Month

Complete the following odds and ends

·         Final fitting for dress (make sure all shoes and accessories go well and fit)

·         Confirm dates/locations/times with all vendors and beauty appointments

·         Send out as many payments as you can

·         Confirm honeymoon reservations

·         Pick up marriage license

·         Stock the bar

·         Start composing list of final count for catering and seating

The Week Of

Complete the following odds and ends

·         Finalize seating chart

·         Make all final payments (don’t forget to tip)

·         Pack for the honeymoon

·         Make sure photographer and videographer know what shots you want

·         Make sure readers have their scripts

Check off these important details as you joyfully plan your special day and then sit back and enjoy the day and your life together.

For Related Articles Try:

• The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Wedding in Mexico
• The Top 10 Most Romantic Places to Propose
• 6 Pre-Wedding Routines to Help You Look and Feel Your Best for Your Big Day