The Perfect Wedding Planner Checklist
Two Years to 12 Months
❒ Arrange for families to meet, if they have not already
❒ Set a date
❒ Determine and go over your budget, with all involved
❒ Determine number of guests and begin writing guest list
❒ Shop for, and choose, reception location
❒ Shop for, and choose, wedding ceremony location
❒ Determine the need for hiring a wedding planner
❒ Select wedding attendants
12 to Nine Months
❒ Select wedding officiant
❒ Determine wedding colors and themes
❒ Shop for, and choose, bridal party dresses and accessories
❒ Shop for, and choose, a wedding dress and accessories
❒ Choose professionals: photographer, videographer, DJ, caterer, musicians and florist
❒ Order “Save-the-Date” cards
❒ Discuss honeymoon plans
Nine to Six Months
❒ Select flowers for bouquets, centerpieces, corsages and other areas, in which flowers will be necessary
❒ Reserve wedding day transportation
❒ Make honeymoon travel accommodations
❒ Register for wedding gifts
❒ Begin working on reception decorations
❒ Announce your engagement in your local and hometown newspapers
❒ Choose people for ceremonial role
Six to Four Months
❒ Finalize guest list
❒ Select tuxedos for groom, groomsmen, and fathers of the bride and groom
❒ Select a wedding cake, if not already included in catering or reception package
❒ Purchase wedding rings
❒ Choose and order wedding invitations
❒ Choose and order all printed materials, such as favors and napkins
❒ Advise places of employment of impending nuptials and schedule vacation time accordingly
❒ Reserve rental company items
❒ Determine marriage license requirements
❒ Complete current addresses for guest list
❒ Choose and reserve accommodations for out-of-town guests
❒ Determine rehearsal time and date, and make necessary arrangements
❒ Arrange gift opening location and time
Four to Two Months
❒ Meet with musicians to choose music
❒ Meet with officiant to finalize plans
❒ Create or order wedding day programs
❒ Create wedding day schedule
❒ Bride: schedule a hair and makeup consultation
❒ Purchase any special undergarments the dress may require
❒ Finalize design and size of floral arrangements
❒ Select reception accessories, such as favors, toasting flutes, guest books and other items.
❒ Write out and mail invitations (two months in advance)
❒ Purchase wedding party gifts
❒ Write wedding vows
❒ Make bar or beverage arrangements for reception
❒ Reconfirm honeymoon reservations
One Month
❒ Final fittings for all wedding attire
❒ Confirm all reservations for the wedding day
❒ Bride: make appointments for massage, hair, makeup and manicure
❒ Set date with fiancé, to apply for marriage license
❒ Jot down desired photo/poses for the photographer
Two Weeks
❒ Contact guests who did not respond
❒ Give caterer final count for meal
❒ Meet with photographer and go over must-have shots, including who will be in formal photographs
❒ Finalize details with all professionals and locations involved
❒ Confirm rehearsal and wedding day plans with officiant, and all participants
❒ Confirm rehearsal dinner arrangements
❒ Break-in wedding shoes
❒ Plan reception seating chart and print seating cards
❒ Groom: get a haircut
One Week
❒ Prepare checks for vendors
❒ Assemble toasting goblets, unity candle, guest book and more, and give them to a personal attendant or coordinator
❒ Begin packing and prepare for honeymoon
Two to Three Days
❒ Have gown pressed, steamed and ready to go
❒ Finalize all fittings for bridesmaids and grooms
One to Two Days
❒ Greet arriving out-of-town guests
❒ Give marriage license and honorarium for the officiant, to best man or officiant
Night Before the Wedding
❒ Attend rehearsal dinner
❒ Give out wedding party gifts
❒ Lay out wedding attire, in preparation for the next day
❒ Retire early, for a good night’s sleep
The Wedding Day
❒ Make sure to eat
❒ Allow ample time to dress, apply makeup and do hair
❒ Give wedding rings to best man
❒ Enjoy the entire day
After the Wedding
❒ Attend gift opening
❒ Arrange for someone to return rentals from ceremony and reception, including clothing
❒ Mail announcements
❒ Complete and mail thank-you notes
❒ Send wedding announcement and photo, to local and hometown newspapers
❒ Obtain copy(s) of the marriage certificate for records
❒ Complete and file all name-change forms with bank, social security, DMV, credit card companies, etc.
