Wedding Planning Checklist

Wedding planning can be confusing and overwhelming for a first-time bride. It’s a tough job. Even if you have a wedding planner to do most of the work for you, you still need to make some decisions on your own.

Choose a wedding date.
Determine the overall theme, location, time of day, number of guests.
Reserve the site for the ceremony.
Reserve the site for the reception.
Book the official for the ceremony. (Priest, Rabbi, Justice of the Peace, etc.)
Determine color scheme.
Choose and purchase the bridal gown.
Obtain a marriage license, and be sure passports and other documents are in order.

Book a caterer.
Book a photographer. Choose and inform the wedding party. Buy attire for the wedding party. Book musicians or DJ.
Book the videographer.
Book a florist.
Sign up for the bridal registry.

Reserve rental furniture and items.
Book a decorator.
Finalist the guest list.
Order invitations.
Plan the rehearsal dinner.
Book a honeymoon suite.
Set up accommodations for guests coming from out of town. Plan the honeymoon.
Buy gifts for each other, the wedding party, and both sets of parents.
Buy all shoes, lingerie, and accessories.
Select wedding bands and purchase.

Order a wedding cake. Order decorations and party favors.
Book the limousine for the wedding day. Address invitations and send them out. Select your ushers, and a guest book attendant. Select a Master of Ceremonies.
Mail out invitations to the bridal shower.

Keep a list of gifts received for thank you letters.
Keep a list of RSVPs.
Purchase a guest book, ring pillow, garter, toasting glasses, cake cutter, and other accessories for the wedding and the reception.
Send invitations for the rehearsal dinner.
Plan a luncheon for the bridesmaids.
Get together the traditional wedding ensemble of something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue.

Check with the caterer to make final decisions about the food and drinks.
Make final arrangements with the official, MC, florist, cake decorator, photographer, videographer, decorator, and all others.
Plan the itinerary for the wedding day.
Have the final dress fittings for the bride and bridesmaids. Contact guests who haven’t sent RSVPs to confirm. Collect wedding rings.
Meet with the musicians or DJ to give them a list of your music choices.
Make a seating chart and print seating cards.
Pick up tickets for the honeymoon.

Meet with the caterer for final arrangements, and to present the final guest tally.
Pack for the honeymoon.
Make arrangements for the honeymoon, including having the gas turned off in your home, arranging for mail pickup, arranging a pet sitter or house sitter, etc.

Bring all gifts. Meet with the wedding party and be sure everyone has their itinerary.
Review seating with ushers.

Make sure the rings are in order.
Double check marriage license and all permits. Wear your engagement ring on your right hand. Go through the itinerary one last time.