The Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist: Countdown to Your Big Day

Congratulations on your engagement! Planning a wedding can be both exciting and overwhelming, but with the right tools and organization, it can be a smooth process. This comprehensive wedding planning checklist will help you stay on track as you count down to your big day.

12-18 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING

With a year or more until your big day, you should start by setting a budget and picking a date. This will help you narrow down venues and vendors, as well as ensure availability on your chosen day. You'll also want to start creating your guest list and determining the overall style and theme of your wedding. Research bridal boutiques and begin exploring wedding dress styles that fit your vision. Finally, consider hiring a wedding planner if you feel overwhelmed or need assistance with the planning process.

Set a budget.

Setting a budget is arguably the most important step in planning your wedding. By determining how much you can spend overall and breaking that down into specific categories like venue, catering, and photography, you'll be able to prioritize what's most important to you and make informed decisions about where to allocate funds. Be sure to factor in any contributions from family members or other sources, as well as unexpected expenses that may arise along the way. Keeping track of your spending throughout the planning process is key to staying on budget and avoiding any major financial surprises.

Choose your wedding party.

Before you start planning any of the actual wedding details, it’s important to choose your wedding party. These are the people who will be by your side throughout the entire process, from helping you make decisions to standing with you on your big day. Begin by considering close family members and friends who have been a significant part of your life. Don’t feel like you need to have an equally sized wedding party on both sides – it’s more important to choose the people who mean the most to you. Once you have made your selections, invite them to be part of your special day and let them know what roles they will play in your ceremony and reception.

Select a date and venue.

After deciding on your wedding party, it’s time to choose a date and venue. These two factors are interdependent since you’ll want to ensure the venue is available on your chosen date. Start by brainstorming potential dates that work for you and consider any major events or holidays that may coincide with your wedding day. Then, research and visit different venues that fit your style and budget. Keep in mind the size of your guest list and any specific requirements such as wheelchair accessibility or catering options. Once you have found the perfect venue that fits your preferences, secure the date by signing a contract and putting down a deposit. This will help ensure everything runs smoothly leading up to the big day.

Begin compiling your guest list.

One of the most important steps in wedding planning is creating a guest list. Start by determining how many people you want to invite and collaborate with your partner, family members, and friends to create a comprehensive list. Don't forget to consider factors such as budget, venue capacity, and your own personal preferences when finalizing the guest list. You can also add categories such as "definite," "maybe," or "alternate" to help prioritize invitations if you need to trim down the list later on. With a solid guest count in mind, you can move on to other crucial aspects of wedding planning to ensure your big day runs smoothly from start to finish.

Full Wedding Check List

Here's a 12-month checklist to help you stay organized:

12 Months Before the Wedding:

1. Set your budget

2. Decide on your wedding style and theme

3. Create a preliminary guest list

4. Book your venue and vendors (caterer, photographer, DJ, florist, etc.)

5. Choose your wedding party

6. Purchase wedding insurance

7. Start researching honeymoon destinations

11 Months Before the Wedding:

1. Order your save-the-date cards

2. Hire a wedding planner, if desired

3. Start shopping for your wedding dress and accessories

4. Begin planning your ceremony and reception details (decor, music, etc.)

5. Research and book your officiant

6. Finalise your guest list

10 Months Before the Wedding:

1. Order bridesmaid dresses and groomsmen attire

2. Book your wedding day transportation

3. Choose your wedding cake or dessert

4. Start planning your rehearsal dinner

5. Begin planning your honeymoon

6. Create a wedding website

9 Months Before the Wedding:

1. Choose and order wedding invitations

2. Hire a hair and makeup artist

3. Book your wedding night accommodations

4. Purchase wedding rings

5. Start planning your bachelor/bachelorette parties

6. Finalise your ceremony and reception details

8 Months Before the Wedding:

1. Schedule your engagement photo session

2. Order wedding favours

3. Choose and order wedding day stationery (programs, menus, etc.)

4. Book any additional vendors (photo booth, musicians, etc.)

5. Arrange for wedding-day childcare, if needed

6. Attend premarital counselling, if desired

7 Months Before the Wedding:

1. Schedule your wedding dress alterations

2. Choose your wedding music and create playlists

3. Confirm details with all vendors

4. Order wedding party gifts

5. Start planning your seating chart

6. Obtain any necessary marriage licenses and certificates

6 Months Before the Wedding:

1. Send out wedding invitations

2. Finalize your menu with your caterer

3. Book your honeymoon travel and accommodations

4. Purchase any necessary wedding-day accessories (veil, shoes, etc.)

5. Create a day-of wedding timeline

6. Begin planning your wedding-day photos and videography

5 Months Before the Wedding:

1. Schedule your wedding rehearsal

2. Finalize your wedding-day transportation plans

3. Purchase wedding party accessories (ties, jewellery, etc.)

4. Finalize your wedding-day décor plans

5. Purchase any necessary ceremony and reception supplies

6. Attend bridal showers and bachelor/bachelorette parties

4 Months Before the Wedding:

1. Plan your wedding ceremony rehearsal

2. Confirm all wedding-day details with vendors

3. Plan your wedding-day timeline

4. Finalize your seating chart and escort cards

5. Begin addressing and mailing out thank-you cards for any gifts received

6. Purchase wedding-day accessories (guest book, cake knife, etc.)

3 Months Before the Wedding:

1. Finalize your wedding vows

2. Attend your final dress fitting

3. Plan your wedding-day photos and videography

4. Confirm all honeymoon travel and accommodations

5. Create a list of must-have wedding-day photos

6. Plan your wedding-day hair and makeup

2 Months Before the Wedding:

1. Finalize your wedding-day timeline

2. Purchase any last-minute wedding-day items

3. Confirm all details with your wedding planner or day-of coordinator

4. Create a list of all vendor contacts and distribute to the appropriate parties

5. Have your wedding rings engraved

6. Have a final meeting with your officiant

1 Month Before the Wedding:

1. Review all final details with vendors

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