Updated for 2026 weddings
The complete wedding
planning checklist
A month-by-month timeline that covers everything from booking your venue to your final dress fitting. Bookmark this and check off each task as you go.
Auto-generate my checklist12–18 months before
- 1Set your overall wedding budget and decide who is contributing
- 2Create a preliminary guest list to estimate size
- 3Choose 2–3 potential wedding dates (avoid major holidays)
- 4Book your ceremony and reception venues
- 5Begin researching and reaching out to photographers
- 6Start a Pinterest board or moodboard for style inspiration
- 7Discuss bridal party size and ask your maid of honour
9–11 months before
- 1Book your wedding photographer and videographer
- 2Reserve your caterer and discuss menu options
- 3Choose your florist and discuss bouquet/arrangement vision
- 4Book ceremony musicians, DJ, or band
- 5Start wedding dress shopping and book appointments
- 6Reserve hotel room blocks for out-of-town guests
- 7Plan and book your honeymoon
6–8 months before
- 1Order your wedding dress and schedule fittings
- 2Book the officiant or start pre-marital counseling
- 3Send save-the-date cards or emails
- 4Set up your wedding registry
- 5Book transportation for the wedding day
- 6Order bridesmaid dresses and groomsmen attire
- 7Schedule hair and makeup trials
4–5 months before
- 1Order wedding invitations and stationery
- 2Finalize the menu and cake design with your caterer
- 3Purchase wedding rings
- 4Book the rehearsal dinner venue
- 5Finalize flower choices and delivery timeline
- 6Plan the ceremony outline with your officiant
- 7Confirm honeymoon reservations and travel documents
2–3 months before
- 1Send wedding invitations with RSVP deadline
- 2Track RSVPs and follow up with non-responders
- 3Create the seating chart and place cards
- 4Order wedding favors and welcome bags
- 5Finalize the ceremony readings and vows
- 6Confirm vendor details and day-of timeline
- 7Book final dress fitting and pick-up date
1 month before
- 1Apply for your marriage license
- 2Finalize the guest count and notify caterer
- 3Confirm final headcount with venue and vendors
- 4Create a detailed day-of timeline
- 5Plan the bachelor and bachelorette parties
- 6Pack an emergency kit for the wedding day
- 7Break in your wedding shoes
2 weeks before
- 1Pick up your wedding dress and confirm alterations
- 2Finalise seating chart and print place cards
- 3Confirm arrival times with all vendors
- 4Prepare vendor payments and tips in envelopes
- 5Pack for honeymoon and confirm travel details
- 6Get your nails, eyebrows, and any waxing done
Week of
- 1Rehearse the ceremony with the wedding party
- 2Deliver welcome bags to hotel front desk
- 3Confirm final headcount one last time
- 4Get plenty of rest and stay hydrated
- 5Pick up wedding rings and marriage license
- 6Enjoy your rehearsal dinner with loved ones
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