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Wedding Planning Checklist

Announce your engagement.
Arrange for both sets of parents to meet, unless they already have.
Work out a budget (make sure to include both sets of parents or anyone else who is helping pay for the wedding).
Interview and hire an event planner if you are using one.
Make a preliminary guest list.
Determine whom you want to have in your wedding party. Make the calls.
Select a date for the wedding and, if there will be one, select dates for the engagement party, rehearsal dinner, and after–wedding breakfast
Select a caterer, a location for the ceremony, and a reception location. If there will be one, select a venue for the engagement party, rehearsal dinner, and after–wedding breakfast.
Decide at which a local hotel/motel you want to book a block of rooms for your out–of–town guests.
Make arrangements with the person(s) who will officiate at your wedding.
Where necessary, book the House of Worship.
Start shopping for your wedding gown, accessories and associated events clothing. Set a schedule with the shop(s) for subsequent fittings and pick up.
Mail a “Save–the–Date” cards to your “A” list guests.

Order invitations, announcements, programs and any other printed materials.
Register at several stores, choosing items in a broad range of prices.
Start a list for gifts received and thank you notes sent. Mail thank you notes as soon after receiving a gift as possible.
Hire George Street Photo & Video for your photographer and videographers.
Hire a Florist.
Hire a DJ or Musicians.
Make reservations for vehicles (e.g., limo, carriage).
Make plans for your honeymoon.
Make or buy the ring bearer pillow and flower girl baskets.
Create a wedding chart/schedule for your wedding day.
Select guests for honors (e.g., toast, speech, blessing on bread and wine, etc.).

Put together directions to be included (make sure to drive the routes to double check distance and landmarks).
Make up your final guest list and begin to address invitations.
Select a jeweler. Look at a selection of wedding bands. Place an order.
Select the wedding clothing for your attendants. Set yourself a reminder to check back again (second fittings) about eight weeks before the wedding.
Relay clothing information to your attendants and if you wish, set up a schedule to go with them when they try on dresses.
Have the groom select his and his ushers clothing and set a schedule with them.
If you have not already done so, order your wedding gown and accessories.
Discuss wedding attire with the mothers of the bride and groom.
Make arrangements for the rehearsal dinner, and for any other parties (e.g., bridesmaids luncheon).
Make arrangements to find a place to live, if you will be moving.
Have a black and white engagement picture taken and submit it to your local, and/or other newspapers.

Select gifts for your attendants, ushers, flower girl, ring bearer and parents.
Bride, select your wedding gift for the groom.
Groom, select your wedding gift for the bride.
Get change of address cards from the post office and get them ready to mail.
Shop for and order party favors.
Decide who will ride with whom and where people need to be when.
Make reservations for guests who are coming from out of town.
Prepare programs for the wedding and assign someone to distribute them.
Have the groom select and order tuxedos for himself, his groomsmen and the dads. If people are in different locations, get measurements mailed.
Mail the invitations
Meet with the caterer to set the menu. Order a cake if the caterer doesn’t supply it.

Get blood tests (where required) and marriage license.
Make an appointment for your hair and nails for as close to the wedding day as possible.
Meet or speak with your caterer to confirm the menu.
Select the music for your ceremony, cocktail hour and reception (first dance, etc.) and discuss your choices with the people who will be providing your entertainment.
Select and purchase religious items such as skullcaps, unity candles, kneeling pillows, etc.
Meet with the florist to discuss requirements and place the order.
Review documentation and make changes as needed (e.g., insurance, lease, Health Care Proxy, Living Will, etc.)
Purchase any wedding–related items that you will not be borrowing, or have received as a gift, e.g., ring bearer pillow, money bag, guest book, etc.
Put Guest Baskets together and assign someone the task of distributing them.

Reconfirm all the reservations and accommodations.
Check again on clothing for yourself and attendants.
Confirm honeymoon plans.
Throw attendant parties.
Do the seating plan for the reception.
Make or buy “Reserved For” cards for the church/ceremony.
Order table cameras. Make or buy a receptacle for them. Assign someone to the task of collecting the cameras.
Shop for your honeymoon clothes (hers and his).

Pick up your wedding bands.
Give your caterer the final head count.
Decide on seating and fill out the table cards.
Put the fees and tips in envelopes (officiant, soloist, maitre d’ etc.) and give it to someone you put in charge of making the payments (usually the Best Man).
Arrange with someone to bring items to the wedding venue and to take them home.
Arrange for someone to return the rentals (tuxedos, chairs, etc.).
Get a “test” manicure and/or pedicure and/or other beauty services. Then schedule each service for one or before your wedding day.
Design a “day of the Wedding” schedule with times and tasks and share it with the key “players” in your wedding, such as your Maid of Honor and Best Man.
Hold your rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner.
Pack for your honeymoon.