12 Months
☑ Set a realistic budget
☑ Set a date
☑ Start planning your guest list
☑ Hire a photographer
☑ Hire a wedding planner
☑ Book a venue
☑ Throw an engagement party
☑ Ask friends and family to be in the wedding
☑ Shop for and order your gown
9 Months
☑ Purchase bridal shoes and lingerie (you’ll need them for your fittings)
☑ Set up your wedding website
☑ Have cake tastings and order your cake
☑ Choose an officiant
☑ Research wedding insurance
☑ Reserve a hotel block for out-of-town guests
☑ Book your caterer, florist, and band/DJ
6 Months
☑ Choose hair and makeup stylists; book trial runs
☑ Register for gifts
☑ Plan your rehearsal dinner
☑ Order invitations and send save-the-dates
☑ Hire wedding-day transportation
☑ Choose and purchase wedding rings
☑ Choose bridesmaids’ dresses
☑ Start planning your honeymoon
3 Months
☑ Rent formalwear for the groom and groomsmen
☑ Attend your bridal shower
☑ Order favors
☑ Purchase gifts for each other, wedding party, and parents
☑ Finalize menus, flowers, and readings for the ceremony
2 Months
☑ Mail invitations
☑ Write your vows
1 Months
☑ Apply for a marriage license
☑ Have final fittings
☑ Have your hair cut and colored
☑ Finalize headcounts, last-minute details, and times with vendors
☑ Attend your bachelor/ette parties
☑ Finalize seating chart
2 Weeks
☑ Book spa and mani/pedi appointments
☑ Review shot list with photographer and playlist with DJ/band
1 Week
☑ Pick up bride’s dress and groom’s tux
☑ Final haircut/trim for the groom
☑ Confirm pickup times and locations with transportation
☑ Give your planner (or point person) a list of vendor contacts and delivery times
☑ Assemble checks and tips for vendors
☑ Pack for your honeymoon if you’re going right after the wedding
1 Day
☑ Give marriage license to the officiant
☑ Give gifts to wedding party
☑ Attend your rehearsal dinner
☑ Get some rest before you get married tomorrow!
The Big Day
☑ Get ready
☑ Say “I do”
☑ Celebrate!
