Detailed Wedding Planning Checklist

At least 12 months before

• DateYou need to choose the date, or at the very least the month of your wedding. Be ready to be flexible to accommodate the space and the minister.
• Time of dayAn evening wedding does not require the same kind of planning as an afternoon one.
• EngagementDecide if you want to have an official engagement party.
• BudgetLook at your finances and consider what kind of financial help you will get from your and your partner's parents, if any.
• ReceptionReserve the location for the reception.
• MinisterChoose an officiant for your wedding and reserve the date.
• SizeDecide if you want a big party or an intimate reception.
• Guest listWrite down an initial guestlist according to the reception size.
• RingsLook at online catalogues or go shopping for your rings.

9 to 12 months before

• Contributions and giftsYou can go the traditional way and let guests bring gifts, or ask them for a financial contribution towards the reception in its place.
• Gift registerIf going for gifts, book your gift list with your favourite store and let your guests know.
• DressOrder your wedding dress and the bridesmaid's dresses online or at your local wedding dress store.
• Photo/videographerLook at portfolios of photographers and choose one whose style you like.
• CateringChoose your caterer and reserve the date with them.
• DecorChoose your colors and meet with a decorator you like. Order the linens and chair covers, if any.
• FlowersBook the date with your florist. Build up a basic bouquet with the colors you chose.
• CakeOrder a cake from your favourite bakery. Many bakeries have online portfolios.
• RentalsIf you need to rent any specific equipment, do so well ahead.
• EntertainmentBook your entertainer, whether it is a DJ or a live band.
• Out-of-town guestsIf any of your guests plan to stay at a hotel, book it now, especially if your wedding happens during tourist season.
• HoneymoonIf going on a honeymoon, book it now with your travel agency or an online provider.

6 to 9 months before

• MenuMeet with your caterer and plan the menu for the reception.
• Music for the ceremonyIf you will have a singer or musicians at the ceremony, book them now.
• TransportReserve your transportation to the ceremony with a limousine or car company.
• StationeryGo to a designer and order your invitations and other stationery.
• Wedding favoursPlan your wedding favour and order its components. You can save money by putting them together yourself.
• MothersBuy or reserve both mothers' outfit, leaving time for modifications if required.
• LicenceVerify the requirements for a marriage licence in your state or country.

3 to 6 months before

• Final guestlistWrite down the finalized guestlist for the ceremony and the reception.
• ReaderChoose a reader for your ceremony within your friends and family.
• FlowersConfirm the flower arrangements with your florists, and make last-minute changes.
• Men's attireChoose and reserve the wedding attire for the groom and the best man.
• HairMake your appointment with your favourite hairdresser. They are very busy during wedding season, so it is good to do so well ahead.

2 months before

• InvitationsMail your final invitations, leaving enough time for those who need to get overseas. Notify them by email before the invitation comes, if needed.
• VowsWrite down your final vows with your partner.
• MenuFinalize the menu with your caterer. Make any last-minute changes, and make sure the caterer knows about specific dietary requirements.
• CeremonyConfirm the date and time of the ceremony with your officiant and musicians.
• ProgramsIf you are giving out programs, go to your designer and have them printed.
• GiftsBuy the gifts for your parents and the attendants.
• Beauty careMake an appointment with your favourite aesthetician for your nails and make-up.
• Dress fittingArrange for the final dress tailoring.

1 month before

• LicenceRequest your marriage licence.
• RehearsalArrange a date for the rehearsal dinner with your attendants.
• Photo/videoMeet one last time with your photographer to finalize the details.

2 weeks before

• PartyThrow your party for your attendants.
• SpeechesStart drafting everybody's speeches at the ceremony and the reception.
• ReceptionConfirm the last details with the space provider, caterer and entertainers.
• GuestsContact guests who have not replied and confirm their attendance.
• BeautyConsult with your hairdresser and aesthetician to choose style and colors.
• MusicChoose your music and give the list to your entertainer.
• HoneymoonConfirm your trip with your travel agency or tour operator.

1 week before

• Seating planMake the seating plan and confirm with family and friends for any conflicts.
• Place cardsWrite down or print your place cards according to the seating plan you've drawn up.
• ProcessionBuild the procession and decide the order.
• RehearsalHave your attendants over for your rehearsal dinner.
• AccommodationsIf you have made reservations with hotels for out-of-town guests, confirm the reservations with the hotel and your guests.
• AttireGet the groom's attire and have it checked for last-minute fittings.
• CateringConfirm the final costs and menu with your caterer.
• TransportCall the limousine company and confirm your transportation.
• LicenceGive your licence to your officiant so he or she can perform the ceremony legally.
• Wedding favoursChoose the person who will give out the wedding favours to the guests.
• RentalsMake a friend or family member responsible for returning any rental items after the wedding.
• ChequesWrite any cheques that need to be handed out on the wedding day.
• HoneymoonIf going on a trip, start packing. You will be too busy for the rest of the week.

Wedding day

• RingsGive the rings to your best man.
• ChequesGive your best man the cheques that need to be handed out to the providers.
• GiftsGive the gifts to the parents and attendants.
• Enjoy your day! You deserve it!

After the wedding

• NotesMail or email the thank-you notes for those who purchased gifts for you.
• ProvidersSend thank-you letters to your providers as well.
• DressIf you are keeping your dress, have it cleaned and prepared for preservation. You may also have it cleaned and bring it back to the store if you are selling it used.