You’ve said the most beautiful, heart-fluttering “yes”! Now, are you ready to dive into the wedding planning whirlwind and make your dream day a reality? If you’re wondering where to start, we’ve got you covered with the ultimate wedding planning checklist and a detailed timeline to keep everything on track. Let’s embark on this exciting journey together!

Before We Dive In: A Quick Heart-to-Heart

Planning your wedding is a joyous adventure, but it can also feel a tad overwhelming. Let’s break it down into manageable steps and make this experience as fun and stress-free as possible.

Define Your Budget

First things first, set your budget. This will help narrow down your choices for venues, caterers, and all those delightful extras. It’s easy to get swept away by the possibilities, so a spending plan will keep you grounded.

Dive into Research

Once you’ve got your budget sorted, it’s time to hit the books—or rather, the web. Your wedding style will depend on your unique preferences, so explore venues that speak to you and reflect your love story.

Prepare Your Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist

With your budget and research in hand, let’s get everything down on paper. A checklist is your new best friend. Ready? Let’s go!

12-18 Months Out

Select Your Wedding Date Start by choosing your ideal season for tying the knot. Maybe there’s a special date that holds significance for you both?

Scout Out Venues Venues book up fast, especially the popular ones. If you’re flexible with dates, you might have more options. Weekends are prime real estate, so consider a weekday wedding for more availability.

Create a Pinterest Board Dive deep into Pinterest for a treasure trove of inspiration. It’s a great way to visualize your dream wedding.

10-12 Months Out

Book Key Vendors Lock in your vendors ASAP! Popular ones, like a destination wedding photographer, get booked up to two years in advance. Think planners, caterers, DJs, officiants, hair and makeup artists, cake designers, and decorators.

Engagement Session Schedule your engagement session early. This helps with save-the-date cards and getting comfortable with your photographer.

Consider Wedding Insurance Peace of mind is priceless, so look into insurance options.

Dress Shopping Start searching for your dream dress and send out save-the-date cards.

8-9 Months Out

Fine-Tune Your Plans Now, the real fun begins. Work on the details and get things moving.

Create a Wedding Day Timeline Coordinate with your planner and photographer to craft a timeline that flows smoothly.

Set Up a Wedding Registry Share your registry with guests early on.

Book Hotel Rooms Reserve rooms for out-of-town guests and your wedding night suite.

Plan Your Honeymoon Save those dates for your post-wedding getaway.

Order Bridesmaid Dresses Get those dresses ordered to allow for any necessary alterations.

6-7 Months Out

Schedule Hair and Makeup Trials Test out your look to ensure it’s picture-perfect.

Menu Tasting Organize a tasting with your caterer to finalize your menu.

Dress Fittings Start your dress fittings and make any needed adjustments.

Decor Details Finalize decor details for the ceremony and reception.

3 Months Out

Seating Chart and Table Numbers Set up your seating chart and decide on table numbers.

Menu Selections Make your final menu choices.

Marriage License Don’t forget to get your marriage license!

Wedding Speeches Prepare your speeches and vows.

Wedding Bands Purchase your wedding bands.

Music Selection Choose your ceremony and reception music.

Transportation Book your wedding day transportation.

Rehearsal Dinner Plan your rehearsal dinner.

2 Months Out

Finalize Ceremony Details Go over the details with your partner and officiant.

First Dance Songs Seal the deal on your first dance songs.

Create Table Menus Design and print your table menus.

Wedding Program Prepare your wedding program.

Weather Check Keep an eye on the weather and have a backup plan.

Parent Gifts Purchase gifts for your parents and plan post-wedding party details.

1 Month Out

Final Dress Alterations Make sure your dress fits perfectly.

RSVPs Organize RSVPs and confirm numbers with vendors.

Bridesmaid Dresses Ensure all bridesmaids have their dresses ready.

Rehearsal Dinner Numbers Confirm the guest count for your rehearsal dinner.

Morning Itinerary Create a detailed schedule for the wedding morning.

Emergency Kit Pack an emergency kit with essentials like scissors, thread, and needles.

2 Weeks Out

Final Numbers to Caterer Give your caterer the final headcount.

DJ/Band Playlist Finalize your playlist and share it with your DJ or band.

Delegate Duties Assign tasks to friends and family.

Hair Trim Get a trim to keep your hair looking fresh.

Practice Vows Rehearse your vows.

Family Photo List Create a list of family photos for your photographer.

Ceremony Positions Determine the positions for the ceremony procession.

Final Call with Photographer Schedule a call to go over last-minute details.

1 Week Out

Last-Minute Vendor Confirmations Touch base with vendors to confirm any changes.

Payment Envelopes Prepare payment envelopes for vendors.

Snacks for Bridal Suite Stock up on snacks for the bridal and groom suites.

Emergency Contacts Provide vendors with emergency contact numbers.

Final Organization Check Double-check everything to avoid last-minute surprises.

Weather Forecast Stay updated on the weather forecast.

Wedding Eve

Spa Time Relax with your bridal party and enjoy some pampering.

Early Bedtime Get a good night’s sleep.

Your Wedding Day!

Healthy Breakfast Start your day with a nutritious breakfast.

Stay Hydrated Drink plenty of water.

Wedding Bands Give your maid of honor and best man the rings.

Venue Coordinator Introduce your maid of honor and best man to the venue coordinator.

Celebrate! You’ve planned everything beautifully—now it’s time to celebrate and enjoy!

Congratulations on your special day! We hope this ultimate wedding planning checklist makes your experience enjoyable and stress-free. If you have any questions or need a wedding photographer, contact us and follow @paigevaughnphoto on Instagram. We’d love to capture your timeless moments and help make your dream wedding a reality.