Printable Wedding Planner / Free Wedding Checklist

9 – 24 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING

ANNOUNCE YOUR ENGAGEMENT TO FRIENDS & FAMILY

START PLANNING AN ENGAGEMENT PARTY/CELEBRATION

DISCUSS & SET YOUR WEDDING DATE

DISCUSS AND SET A BUDGET & DECIDE HOW EXPENSES WILL BE SHARED

DISCUSS LEVEL OF FORMALITY, # OF GUESTS AND COLOR SCHEME

HIRE A WEDDING CONSULTANT (optional)

MAKE A NEAT FILE FOR CONTRACTS, FORMS, IMPORTANT PAPERS, ETC.

SELECT YOUR BRIDAL PARTY

SELECT READERS FOR CEREMONY (optional)

START COMPILING AN INVITATION LIST

ATTEND BRIDAL SHOWS/FREE EXPOS

TAKE AN ENGAGEMENT PHOTO

SEND ENGAGEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT AND PHOTO TO LOCAL NEWSPAPER(S)

CHOOSE AND BOOK YOUR RECEPTION SITE

HIRE A CATERER (if necessary)

SELECT A SITE FOR THE CEREMONY

SPEAK TO AND RESERVE AN OFFICIATE

ORDER BRIDAL GOWN, HEADPIECE AND OTHER ACCESSORIES

ORDER BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES & TUXEDOS

SCHEDULE FITTINGS FOR THE BRIDE, GROOM AND BRIDAL PARTY

SEND THANK YOU NOTES FOR ENGAGEMENT GIFTS

CHOOSE AND HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER

CHOOSE AND HIRE A VIDEOGRAPHER (optional)

CHOOSE AND HIRE A DJ/BAND/OTHER ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE RECEPTION

CHOOSE AND HIRE CEREMONY MUSICIAN(S) (optional)

6 – 9 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING

SCHEDULE SPECIAL EVENTS

  • Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner
  • Bachelor Party (optional)
  • Bridesmaids’ or Bachelorette Party (optional)

RESERVE ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR THE CEREMONY & RECEPTION (if necessary)

  • Tents
  • Tables, Chairs and Linens
  • Dishes, Glasses and Utensils
  • Arches
  • Balloons
  • Additional Decorations
  • Other Items

HIRE A FLORIST AND CHOOSE FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS

CONFIRM DELIVERY DATE OF GOWNS AND DRESSES

MAKE NECESSARY ARRANGEMENTS FOR TIME OFF FROM WORK

MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO TAKE DANCING LESSONS (optional)

MAKE HONEYMOON PLANS AND RESERVATIONS

RESERVE A BRIDAL SUITE FOR THE WEDDING NIGHT

3 – 6 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING

PURCHASE OTHER NECESSARY ITEMS FOR THE CEREMONY & RECEPTION

  • Toasting Glasses
  • Cake Knife, Server Set & Cake Top
  • Guest Book & Pen
  • Ring Pillow
  • Flower Girl Basket
  • Candelabras (optional)
  • Wishing Bubbles (optional)
  • Rice or Confetti (optional)
  • Wedding Bells (optional)
  • Candle(s) for Ceremony (optional)
  • Candle Holder(s) (optional)

FINALIZE HONEYMOON PLANS

  • Be sure to find out about passports, photo identification and other documents required if you will be leaving the country.

ORDER INVITATIONS & THANK YOU NOTES

ORDER CEREMONY PROGRAMS (optional)

HIRE A CALLIGRAPHER (optional)

FINALIZE YOUR INVITATION LIST

START ADDRESSING INVITATIONS

HIRE A LIMOUSINE OR TRANSPORTATION SERVICE

HIRE A MAKE-UP ARTIST AND/OR HAIR STYLIST (optional)

SET UP AT LEAST TWO BRIDAL REGISTRIES

HELP BOTH MOTHERS SHOP FOR THEIR DRESSES

PURCHASE SHOES, GARTER AND OTHER ACCESSORIES FOR THE BRIDE

BUY YOUR WEDDING RINGS

GROOM BUYS A WEDDING GIFT FOR THE BRIDE

BRIDE BUYS A WEDDING GIFT FOR THE GROOM

BUY GIFTS FOR THE BRIDAL PARTY

SELECT A SONG FOR YOUR FIRST DANCE

SELECT SONGS FOR PARENT DANCES & OTHER RECEPTION EVENTS

1 – 3 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING

DISTRIBUTE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS TO BRIDAL PARTY

  • Wedding Day (Time & Place To Meet and Other Details)
  • Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner
  • Bachelor Party (if available)
  • Bridesmaids’ or Bachelorette Party (if available)
  • Final Fittings and Pick-Up Dates for Tuxedos and Dresses

CHECK MARRIAGE LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

  • Blood Tests
  • Medical Exams
  • Birth Certificates
  • Other

SEND OUT INVITATIONS (AT LEAST 6 WEEKS IN ADVANCE)

MAKE A LIST AND RECORD RSVP’s AND GIFTS RECEIVED

SCHEDULE FINAL GOWN/HEADPIECE & DRESS FITTINGS

SCHEDULE FINAL TUXEDO FITTINGS

ORDER FAVORS FOR THE RECEPTION

ORDER YOUR WEDDING CAKE & CAKE TOP

ARRANGE FOR MOVING BELONGINGS TO NEW RESIDENCE

GET THE MARRIAGE LICENSE

MAKE APPOINTMENT(S) WITH HAIR/BEAUTY SALON (optional)

MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO HAVE YOUR TEETH CLEANED OR BLEACHED (optional)

CONFIRM HONEYMOON RESERVATIONS

ARRANGE FOR TRANSPORTATION TO THE AIRPORT

START PACKING AND PREPARING FOR THE HONEYMOON

PLAN TO TAKE A FORMAL WEDDING PORTRAIT

PLACE WEDDING ANNOUNCEMENT IN LOCAL NEWSPAPER(S)

3 – 4 WEEKS BEFORE THE WEDDING

FINAL CONSULTATION/CONFIRMATION WITH ALL SERVICES

  • (Discuss arrival times, locations, special details and payments due.)
  • DJ/Band/Other Entertainment (don’t forget SPECIAL SONGS you want played)
  • Ceremony Musician(s) (don’t forget to discuss any SPECIAL DETAILS)
  • Photographer (don’t forget to discuss any SPECIAL PICTURES you want taken)
  • Videography (notify them about any SPECIAL FOOTAGE you want on the tape)
  • Limousine Service (don’t forget to discuss TIMES, LOCATIONS & DIRECTIONS)
  • Florist (don’t forget to discuss ARRIVAL TIMES at ceremony/reception sites)
  • Baker (don’t forget to discuss any SPECIAL DETAILS)
  • Tuxedos (don’t forget to discuss FITTING & PICK-UP dates)
  • Bridal Gown & Dresses (don’t forget to discuss FITTING & PICK-UP dates)
  • Clergyman/Judge (don’t forget to discuss CEREMONY & REHEARSAL DETAILS)
  • Rehearsal Dinner Site (don’t forget to discuss MENU & OTHER DETAILS)
  • Make-Up Artist (don’t forget to discuss any SPECIAL DETAILS)
  • Hair Stylist (don’t forget to discuss any SPECIAL DETAILS)
  • Other Service’s

ARRANGE FOR NAME AND ADDRESS CHANGES

  • Bank Accounts & Loans
  • Credit Cards
  • Driver’s License
  • Social Security
  • Passport
  • Other Important Documents

CONTACT GUESTS WHO HAVE NOT RESPONDED

MAKE SEATING PLANS FOR THE RECEPTION

PREPARE RECEPTION PLACE CARDS

MAKE SEATING PLANS FOR THE CEREMONY (optional)

FINALIZE YOUR MENU WITH CATERER AND/OR RECEPTION SITE

MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO HAVE THE GOWN CLEANED AND PRESERVED

MAKE ACCOMMODATIONS FOR OUT-OF-TOWN GUESTS

REMIND BRIDAL PARTY OF SPECIAL EVENTS AND OBLIGATIONS

WRAP GIFTS FOR THE BRIDAL PARTY

1 – 2 WEEKS BEFORE THE WEDDING

DISCUSS ANY LAST MINUTE DETAILS WITH ALL SERVICES (if necessary)

  • DJ/Band/Other Entertainment
  • Ceremony Musician(s)
  • Reception Site
  • Caterer
  • Photographer
  • Videography
  • Limousine Service
  • Florist
  • Baker
  • Tuxedos
  • Bridal Gown & Dresses
  • Clergyman/Judge
  • Rehearsal Site
  • Rehearsal Dinner Site
  • Make-Up Artist
  • Hair Stylist
  • Other

PREPARE CHECKS/PAYMENT FOR ALL SERVICES

  • DJ/Band/Other Entertainment
  • Ceremony Musician(s)
  • Ceremony Site
  • Reception Site
  • Caterer
  • Rehearsal Dinner Site
  • Photographer
  • Videography
  • Limousine Service
  • Florist
  • Baker
  • Tuxedos
  • Bridal Gown & Dresses
  • Clergyman/Judge
  • Make-Up Artist
  • Hair Stylist
  • Other

GET EVERYTHING READY FOR REHEARSAL AND WEDDING DAY

  • Wedding Rings
  • Ring Pillow
  • Flower Girl Basket
  • Wedding Gown & Accessories
  • Groom’s Tuxedo
  • Attire for Rehearsal/Rehearsal Dinner
  • Bride & Groom Gifts
  • Gifts for the Bridal Party
  • Reception Place Cards
  • Favors for the Reception
  • Toasting Glasses
  • Cake Knife, Server Set & Cake Top
  • Guest Book & Pen
  • Payments for ALL SERVICES
  • Wishing Bubbles (optional)
  • Rice or Confetti (optional)
  • Wedding Bells (optional)
  • Candle for Reception (optional)
  • Candle Holder (optional)
  • Tapers (optional)
  • Taper Holders (optional)
  • CD(s) or Cassette(s) for the DJ or Band (if required)

PREPARE AN EXTRA BAG WITH THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:

  • Aspirin
  • Breath Mints or Gum
  • Safety Pins
  • Extra Lipstick & Make-up
  • Brush and Comb
  • Hair Spray and Gel
  • Mini Sewing Kit
  • Stain-Fighting Spray or Cleaning Solution
  • Extra Pairs of Pantyhose

DISCUSS ANY LAST MINUTE DETAILS WITH THE BRIDAL PARTY (if necessary)

FINALIZE GUEST COUNT WITH CATERER/RECEPTION SITE

FINISH PACKING AND PREPARING FOR THE HONEYMOON

PICK UP TICKETS & TRAVELER’S CHECKS FOR THE HONEYMOON

Personal Notes & Reminders

You may want to bring a short rehearsal night checklist to review any last minute details

Informational guides, checklist, worksheets, and helpful tips provided as a free service.

Free Wedding Checklist Provided as a courtesy by Double-Take Photography