You’re engaged! Congratulations! You’ve been dreaming about this moment for so long… but now what? What’s next? Where do you start?
You can quickly become overwhelmed when faced with all the details that need to be arranged for your Big Day. Just take a deep breath! Wedding planning can be an enjoyable and exciting time for the both of you, and if you give yourself enough time to plan and stay organized, you’ll find that the planning process can even be a breeze. Use a wedding planning checklist to guide you.
The perfect engagement length is 12 to 14 months, as this gives you enough time to find and book the venue of your choice and arrange everything else you need. Yes, you can plan a gorgeous wedding in less time, but why not give yourself a full year to enjoy the process?
Here is a simple wedding planning checklist and timeline to keep you on track during your engagement:
1 Year
Work out your budget by prioritizing what is most important to you on your wedding day
Select your wedding party
Start your wedding guest list
Hire a planner. You will appreciate the extra assistance and guidance!
Reserve your date at your dream venue and church if necessary
Start researching your vendors: photographers, bands, caterers, florists, rentals, officiants, etc.
Start a wedding binder to keep track of all your quotes, brochures, and notes
8 Months
Meet with and hire your wedding photographers & videographers
Take your engagement photos!
Purchase your dream dress/suit!
Create wedding website
Meet with your caterers if necessary
Reserve a block of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests
Book the officiant
7 Months
Purchase your invitations
Send out save-the-dates!
Finalize your guest list
Don’t forget to start planning your honeymoon!
Choose the bridesmaid dresses
Schedule your hair & make-up artists
Reserve the Audio Visual components
5 Months
Go cake tasting
Send your bridal shower guest list to your host
Book the rehearsal dinner
Choose your processional music and reception playlist
It's time for your first dress fitting!
Book accommodations for your wedding night
Provide guest lists to the maid of honor and best man for bachelor and bachelorette parties!
3 Months
Finalize your menu with your caterer
Print menu cards
Meet with your florist to finalize the floral arrangements
Purchase your rings
Finalize the day-of-timeline and schedule
Print programs
Order your wedding favours
Meet with officiant and coordinate readings from friends and family
2 Months
Send out invitations
Meet with your photographer to discuss the day-of plans and specific locations and shots you are wanting
Review the playlist with your band and DJ and provide them with a "must play" list
Party hard at your bachelor/bachelorette parties!
Send out as many final payments as possible
Touch base with all vendors
1 Month
Don’t forget your marriage license
Attend your last dress fitting
Purchase alcohol if required and finalize your signature cocktails
Send out rehearsal-dinner invitations
Confirm a timeline for all your vendors and send out your finalized day-of timeline
Finalize your seating chart for the reception
Purchase wedding party gifts
Write vows
Enter all RSVPs you have received into your guest list
Follow-up with guests who have not yet RSVP'd
Check on hotel room blocks
Assign roles and duties to members of the wedding party
1 Week
Ensure everyone in your wedding party has your wedding day timeline
Touch base will all vendors to ensure they have the day-of timelines
Send the final guest list to the caterer
Have extra cheques ready for the day-of payments
Walk and dance around in your shoes
Pack for your honeymoon!!
Relax, you are getting married!!