Alright, so you’ve got the ring on your finger, the dress picked out, and your heart is set on the big day — but have you got everything on your wedding checklist ready to go? Planning a wedding is no small feat, and it can be easy to forget things with all the excitement and chaos leading up to the day. From the smallest details to the big-ticket items, we’ve got you covered. Let’s walk through the ultimate wedding checklist so you can feel organized, calm, and ready for your perfect day!
1. Set Your Wedding Date
- This might seem like a no-brainer, but getting this locked down early is key. Consider the season, weather, and whether certain dates are important to you or your families. Are you thinking of a summer wedding, or maybe you’re dreaming of something cozy in the fall?
2. Create Your Budget
- How much are you willing to spend? Be realistic about what you can afford, and make sure to account for everything — even the hidden costs. Once you have a number in mind, break it down into categories like venue, food, photographer, dress, and entertainment. A solid budget keeps things on track.
3. Choose Your Wedding Style
- Are you leaning towards a formal, traditional ceremony, or something more laid-back and casual? Your wedding style will influence everything from your dress to the decorations and even the food. It helps narrow down your choices and gives you direction.
4. Pick Your Venue
- Finding the perfect venue is one of the first major steps. Think about your wedding theme and how the venue will fit. Whether it’s an indoor ballroom, a beach, or a backyard, make sure to book early — good venues tend to fill up quickly.
5. Hire a Wedding Planner (If You Want One)
- If the thought of handling everything on your own is giving you anxiety, consider hiring a wedding planner. They can help you organize the day, keep things on schedule, and ensure you don’t forget those tiny but important details. If you’re going DIY, grab a checklist (like this one!) and take charge yourself.
6. Order Your Wedding Dress
- The dress is one of the most iconic parts of the day. Start shopping early to avoid the stress of last-minute fittings and alterations. It’s all about finding a dress that makes you feel amazing, whether it’s a ballgown, a sleek sheath, or a boho-chic number.
7. Buy the Wedding Rings
- Let’s not forget those all-important rings! You don’t want to find yourself scrambling for them on the big day. Buy the wedding bands early and get them engraved if you plan on doing that. Also, consider setting up a ring holder for the ceremony, so no one forgets to bring them up!
8. Create the Guest List
- You can’t send invitations without knowing who to invite, right? Start with close family and friends, then work your way through extended family, colleagues, and anyone else you want to include. Be mindful of the venue capacity and your budget when narrowing it down.
9. Send Save-the-Dates
- Once you’ve got your guest list, it’s time to let everyone know. Save-the-dates are especially helpful if your wedding is during a busy season or if people are traveling from out of town. This way, guests can mark their calendars early and book travel accommodations.
10. Book Your Vendors
- Vendors can get booked up fast, so make sure you’ve secured your photographer, videographer, DJ/band, caterer, florist, and any other key vendors. Be sure to meet with them and review your vision. Make contracts, and ask about their policies for cancellations or changes.
11. Choose Your Wedding Party
- Time to ask those special people in your life to stand by your side! Whether it’s bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, or ring bearers, make sure to have these roles filled early. You’ll want to give your bridal party plenty of time to plan for the big day, including picking out their attire.
12. Plan the Ceremony Details
- Do you want a religious or civil ceremony? What vows will you exchange? Who will officiate? Make sure all of these details are planned well in advance. If you’re writing your own vows, give yourself plenty of time to come up with something meaningful.
13. Book Your Transportation
- If you need transportation to and from your venue, now’s the time to book it. Whether you’re renting a limo, a vintage car, or a bus to shuttle guests, make sure everything is set and confirmed. And don’t forget the ride for your photographer or videographer!
14. Register for Gifts
- Registering for gifts can actually be fun. Whether you choose to do it in-person at a store or online, make sure you’ve added a good mix of items within your budget range. Don’t forget about home essentials or experience-based gifts like cooking classes or spa days!
15. Buy Wedding Favors
- Wedding favors are a nice touch, but they don’t have to be expensive or elaborate. Think small, meaningful gifts for your guests — maybe something related to your wedding theme or something local to where you’re getting married.
16. Create a Wedding Website
- A wedding website is an easy way to share all the important details with your guests. From RSVP forms to travel accommodations and your gift registry, it’s a central place for everyone to stay in the loop. Plus, it saves you from answering the same questions over and over!
17. Order the Cake
- Who doesn’t love wedding cake? This is a big decision, so take your time sampling different flavors and deciding on the design. Whether you go for a classic tiered cake or a fun, modern dessert table, make sure it’s ordered in advance and that they know your exact wedding date.
18. Prepare for Hair and Makeup
- If you’re hiring a professional to do your hair and makeup, book them early. Have a trial run before the big day to ensure you’re happy with the look. Be sure to coordinate with your bridal party for their hair and makeup needs too.
19. Finalize the Timeline
- As your wedding date approaches, you’ll need to iron out the timeline. When will you get your hair done? When will the ceremony start? How long do you want for photos after the ceremony? Having a clear timeline will keep things running smoothly on the day.
20. Create a Day-of Emergency Kit
- You never know what little mishaps might happen on the big day, so it’s smart to have an emergency kit ready. Include things like extra pins, a sewing kit, makeup for touch-ups, safety pins, and even snacks for when you get hungry.
21. Confirm Everything
- In the week leading up to the wedding, double-check everything! Confirm with your vendors, transportation, and the venue. Make sure the guest list is finalized and that you’ve got a plan for how everything will flow on the big day.
22. Enjoy Your Big Day
- At the end of the day, no matter how much planning you do, your wedding day should be full of joy and celebration. When the big day arrives, trust that you’ve done all the work — and now it’s time to enjoy it with your friends, family, and, of course, your new spouse!
