Paper & Plan · Wedding planning
The complete wedding planning checklist
Every task from the first conversation to the thank-you notes, in order. Short engagement? Start at the stage that matches your date and catch up on anything above it.
12+ months before
- Talk through your vision, priorities and guest count
- Set a total budget and decide who is contributing
- Choose a rough date or season
- Start a guest list draft
- Research and book your ceremony and reception venues
- Pick your wedding party
- Start a wedding planner binder or folder
10–12 months before
- Book a photographer and videographer
- Book your officiant
- Book a caterer if not included with the venue
- Book a band or DJ
- Create a wedding website if you want one
- Buy wedding insurance if available
8–10 months before
- Shop for wedding attire and allow time for alterations
- Send save-the-dates
- Book a florist
- Reserve hotel room blocks for guests
- Plan the honeymoon and check passport dates
6–8 months before
- Order or design invitations
- Book hair and makeup
- Arrange rentals: tables, chairs, linens, tents
- Book transportation
- Start a wedding registry
- Choose wedding party attire
4–6 months before
- Schedule a cake tasting and order the cake
- Finalize the menu with your caterer
- Buy wedding rings
- Plan the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
- Confirm ceremony details with your officiant
2–4 months before
- Mail invitations (6–8 weeks before)
- Check your local marriage license rules and waiting period
- Write vows if you are writing your own
- Choose ceremony and first-dance music
- Buy favors, guest book and accessories
- Schedule dress or suit fittings
1 month before
- Apply for your marriage license within its valid window
- Track RSVPs and follow up with missing guests
- Give the final guest count to your caterer and venue
- Make the seating chart
- Write a day-of timeline and share it with vendors
- Confirm every vendor booking, time and balance due
Final week
- Final dress or suit fitting and pickup
- Prepare final payments and vendor tips in labeled envelopes
- Pack an emergency kit and the marriage license
- Assign someone to handle gifts and rentals after the event
- Hold the rehearsal
- Rest, eat well and get some sleep
After the wedding
- Make sure the signed marriage license is returned to the issuing office
- Order certified copies of your marriage certificate
- Send thank-you notes
- Update your name on ID and accounts if changing it
- Return rentals and preserve attire or flowers
Keep the details on paper
The printable Wedding Planner has pages for your budget, guest list, vendor contacts, timeline and seating chart. A4 and US Letter included, $15 USD.