Newly engaged and feeling a bit overwhelmed,? Get started on the path to your perfect wedding with this step-by-step checklist. From a year in advance all the way down to your wedding day, use this checklist as a starting point to guide you towards the DIY wedding of your dreams!
9-12 Months
Determine your budget by speaking with anyone who will be contributing
Purchase an organizer to keep track of important details
Select the date & time for your wedding
Hire your wedding coordinator, if you will be using one
Arrange for your engagement photos and announcement
Begin thinking about your guest list
Select & book ceremony and reception locations
Select your officiant
Schedule tastings and book caterer, if needed
Select & finalize wedding colors and/or themes
Begin researching bridal gowns
Research honeymoon options, or delegate to your fiancé
6-8 Months
Book photographer/videographer
Book DJ or band
Research florists & discuss options
Select your wedding party & notify them of their duties
Purchase your wedding gown & accessories
Plan music choices for ceremony & reception
Purchase wedding rings
Select tuxedos for groom, groomsmen, and others
groomsmen need to be measured for tuxedos
Research bakers for your wedding cake and schedule tastings
Shop for bridesmaids dresses
Register for gifts
Make arrangements for rehearsal dinner
Book florist
Book baker
Order or create your own invitations
Take engagement photos
Finalize menu with caterer
Send save the date invitations
4-5 Months
Select bridesmaids dresses and place order
Reserve rental equipment if needed
Finalize wedding guest list
Shop for wedding gifts for each other & wedding party
Finalize honeymoon reservations
Make sure all tuxedos have been ordered
2-4 Months
Order or make wedding favors
Choose bridesmaids accessories
Confirm all bridesmaids dresses have been purchased
Plan bachelor and bachelorette parties
Plan, or assist in planning, your wedding shower
Address invitations
Plan any special aspects of your ceremony: readings, solos, etc.
Begin gown fittings
Arrange transportation for the big day
Confirm menu with caterer
Buy wedding day accessories- guest book, ring bearer pillow, flower girl basket, aisle runner
Finalize details with florist, photographer, videographer, DJ/band, etc.
6-8 Weeks
Confirm reservations for out of town guests
Send out your invitations
Begin writing vows, if you will be writing them yourselves
Write the ceremony program
Schedule and hold your final gown fitting
Make sure you have everything for your marriage license
Schedule any hair or makeup appointments for yourself and your wedding party
3-5 Weeks
Plan seating arrangements
Write out place cards
Make your final music selections
Finish & print programs
Send rehearsal dinner invites
Review ceremony timing and details
Determine wedding day schedule
Pick up your wedding gown
1-2 Weeks
Confirm time and location details with florist, photographer, videographer, DJ/band, etc.
Determine any wedding day assignments for wedding party
Prepare your toasts
Give seating chart to caterer
Designate someone to collect gifts and money
Confirm playlist with DJ/Band
Put final payments in envelopes & assign someone to distribute on wedding day
Day Before
Attend rehearsal dinner
Confirm transportation plans for wedding day
Drop off guest book, place cards, and any other essentials at reception site
Wedding Day
Relax and smile! Enjoy your special day.
After the Wedding
Arrange for someone to pick up your wedding dress & accessories if you will be leaving for your honeymoon directly from your hotel
Have your gown cleaned & preserved
Begin writing thank you notes
Have your favorite photos custom framed
Put your wedding & honeymoon memories in a scrapbook
