The Ultimate Wedding-Planning Checklist & Timeline

So, you said “YES!” to the one you want to spend forever with, and now the adventure of a lifetime begins 💍 We know that thrilling feeling of being engaged is gradually shifting into the “Now What?!”

First things first: You two are officially engaged! Celebrate and enjoy the special chapter. Cue the confetti and happy dances because that’s a HUGE deal. Second step: Start planning your wedding.

We get it – we know how overwhelming it can be to keep track of everything. The struggle of making mental lists only to forget them seconds later? Been there, done that. That’s precisely why we created this wedding planning checklist that lays out monthly to-dos, so you’ll have everything neatly written out and organized. And guess what? It’s even available as a handy printable PDF, just for you! So grab a cup of coffee (or a glass of wine), sit back, and get ready to tackle your wedding planning like a pro.

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This wedding planning checklist is available in PDF and Google Doc version.

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Printable Wedding-Planning CHECKLIST (PDF & GOOGLE DOC)

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Ultimate Wedding-Planning Timeline & Checklist

Wedding Planning Checklist

12-18 Months Before the Wedding

Set a budget
Create a guest list
Choose a wedding date and venue
Book your officiant and vendors (photographer, caterer, florist, etc.)
Start shopping for your wedding dress and bridesmaids’ dresses
Reserve hotel blocks for out-of-town guests

8-12 Months Before the Wedding

Order your wedding invitations and other stationary
Plan your wedding menu and cake
Hire a wedding planner, if desired
Book your wedding transportation (limousine, etc.)
Register for wedding gifts

4-8 Months Before the Wedding

Order wedding favors and any other decor items
Purchase wedding rings
Finalize your wedding menu and cake
Schedule hair and makeup trials
Plan your honeymoon and book travel arrangements

2-4 Months Before the Wedding

Send out wedding invitations
Finalize your ceremony and reception details with your vendors
Attend your wedding dress fittings
Schedule your final dress fitting
Apply for your marriage license

1 Month Before the Wedding

Finalize your seating chart and reception timeline
Confirm final details with your vendors
Send out rehearsal dinner invitations
Create wedding day emergency kit
Pack for your honeymoon

Wedding Day

Get ready with your wedding party
Exchange vows and say “I do”
Celebrate with your guests at your reception
Enjoy your special day!

Wedding Planning Tips & Notes

Start with a budget – Before you do anything else, figure out how much money you have to work with. This will help you make informed decisions about which vendors to hire and what elements of your wedding are most important to you.
Choose a date and venue – Your venue will set the tone for your wedding, so choose one that reflects your style and budget. Once you’ve secured a venue, set a date and start booking other vendors accordingly.
Create a guest list – This will help you determine how much food, drink, and seating you’ll need, as well as how much your wedding will cost.
Hire a wedding planner (optional) – If you’re feeling overwhelmed or don’t have the time to plan your wedding, consider hiring a wedding planner to help you with everything from vendor recommendations to day-of coordination.
Book your vendors – This includes your caterer, photographer, florist, and any other vendors you’ll need for your wedding day. Don’t forget to read reviews and ask for references before signing any contracts.
Choose your wedding party – Decide who you want to stand by your side on your big day and ask them to be part of your wedding party.
Buy your wedding attire – This includes your wedding dress, shoes, and accessories for you, as well as suits or tuxedos for the groom and groomsmen.
Plan your ceremony and reception – From the music to the decor, make sure you have a clear vision for both your ceremony and reception.
Send out invitations – Give your guests plenty of notice by sending out invitations at least six to eight weeks before your wedding day.
Plan for the unexpected – No matter how much you plan, something unexpected will likely happen on your wedding day. Be prepared for anything by having backup plans in place and a positive attitude.

Wedding Planning Hack

Tired of being an overwhelmed multitasker, buried under a mountain of sticky notes and lost in the chaos of wedding planning? Ugh, who needs that drama? Let us introduce you to the ultimate game-changer: 🌟 THE ALL-IN-ONE WEDDING PLANNING SPREADSHEET 🌟

Yes, you heard it right! This ain’t your grandma’s planner; it’s a modern-day marvel. Say “goodbye” to missed deadlines and frantic last-minute panics. Say “hello” to a stress-free and efficient planning process 🤯

With over 30 comprehensive sheets in Google Spreadsheet. we’ve got all the must-haves including a Monthly Planning Checklist, Automated Budget Tracker, Guests Manager, Vendor Mastermind, Seating Chart Sorcery, and even Wedding Vow and Invitation Wording Templates.