Our Wedding To-Do Checklist is designed to help you plan and organize everything you need in order to make your wedding day perfect. This is an extensive list and will not apply to elopements or smaller weddings. It is good information to read and see if you are missing anything. It will help you organize the many details involved in planning a wedding. Keep in mind that is only a guide and that although these tasks and timelines apply in most cases, some weddings will require different lead times and involve different tasks.
- 12 or More Months Before
- Determine potential dates and times for your wedding.
- Decide on the size, formality and setting of your wedding.
- Create a wedding and engagement budget.
- Reserve the locations for your wedding and reception.
- Meet with and book your wedding officiant or clergy.
- Choose your wedding party and confirm the participants.
- Choose your wedding rings.
- Draw up an initial guest list.
- Organize your engagement party.
- 9–12 Months Before
- Order your wedding dress or suits and attendants’ attire.
- Book your photographer and vidographer.
- Reserve a caterer.
- Arrange for decor, chair covers and linens.
- Book your live entertainment or DJ.
- Reserve your florist.
- Order your wedding cake.
- Reserve any rental items from the rental company.
- Register your gift choices at your favourite stores.
- Research accommodation for out-of-town guests.
- Plan your honeymoon.
- 6–9 Months Before
- Decide on your menu.
- Reserve the musicians and soloist for your ceremony.
- Reserve your limousine service.
- Order your invitations and any other stationery.
- Order wedding favours for your guests.
- Choose outfits for family of partner one and family of partner two.
- Check marriage licence requirement
- 3–6 Months Before
- Finalize your guest list.
- Choose the reader for your ceremony.
- Finalize your order with the florist.
- Reserve any wedding attire.
- Make an appointment with your hair and make up if needed
- 3 Months Before
- Mail the invitations.
- Decide on your wedding vows or compose your own.
- Finalize the reception menus.
- Confirm the wedding details with the musicians. DJ and clergy or officiant.
- Have the programs printed.
- Purchase gifts for family and attendants.
- Make appointments for nails and make-up.
- Schedule final fitting.
- 1 – 3 Month Before
- Apply for a marriage licence.
- Plan the rehearsal dinner.
- Meet with photographer and videographer.
- 2 Weeks Before
- Have a party for the attendants.
- Draft the speeches.
- Finalize reception details.
- Call any guests who have not replied.
- Meet with your hairdresser and make-up artist for consultation.
- Deliver song lists to musicians or playlists to disc jockey.
- Confirm honeymoon reservations.
- 1 Week Before
- Finalize seating plan.
- Determine the order for the procession.
- Have your rehearsal.
- Confirm accommodation reservations.
- Pick up the attire for the wedding party in suits.
- Confirm the final numbers with the caterer.
- Confirm details with the limousine company.
- Deliver your marriage licence to the officiant.
- Draw up a seating arrangement for the reception and write out the place cards.
- Choose someone to hand out the bombonieres or wedding favours.
- Choose someone to return any rented items after the wedding.
- Write any cheques required for the wedding day.
- Pack for your honeymoon
- On the Day
- Give the wedding bands to the best man.
- Give the best persons any cheques that need to be given out that day.
- Present the attendants and family with their gifts.
- Relax and enjoy your special day!
- After the Wedding
- Make a gift list and send out your thank-you notes.
- Send thank-you letters to suppliers and attendants.
- If you are changing your name, you can purchase a kit to make the job easy.
- Arrange for cleaning and preservation of your wedding attire.
