Key Takeaways:
- A wedding planning checklist gives you a clear, step-by-step path from engagement to "I do," helping you stay calm and confident.
- Starting early and adjusting the timeline to your needs keeps planning flexible while ensuring big tasks like venues and vendors are secured on time.
- Staying organized with a checklist allows you to focus on celebrating your love and creating lasting memories instead of stressing over details.
Congratulations on your engagement! Once you’ve had a chance to let it all soak in, it’s time to jump into wedding planning. Whether you’ve been daydreaming about wedding ideas for years or never considered what your wedding will look like until now, we created this wedding checklist to make everything more manageable. It starts over a year out, but don’t stress if you're planning a wedding in a shorter time frame—just begin as soon as you can and work your way down the list. And not everything on this list will be essential to your wedding, so feel free to strike out what you don't need.
Pro tip: To make planning even easier, you can turn to Minted’s wedding collection for beautifully designed save the dates, invitations, day-of stationery, and more. With thoughtful details created by independent artists, you’ll find everything you need to bring your unique style to life while staying organized and on track.
London Invitation, Direction Card, and Belly Band by Kelly Schmidt
Photo by Lauren Cramer
12+ MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING
- Send an engagement announcement to friends and family, or post one on social media.
- Insure your engagement ring.
- Begin considering your aesthetic.
- Determine your wedding budget.
- Consider your ideal time of year to get married.
- Get inspired. Browse our Minted Wedding Planning Guide, wedding magazines, blogs, Instagram, and Pinterest.
- Start compiling a guest list. (Read How Many People to Invite To Your Wedding)
- Browse venues (or book one!)
- Hire a wedding planner, if you choose to use one.
10–12 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING
- Reserve the ceremony and reception venues.
- Finalize your guest list; collect mailing addresses and upload them to your online address book with the Minted Address Assistant™.
- Make your free Minted wedding website.
- Book your photographer and videographer.
- Take engagement photos.
- Plan an engagement party.
- Decide on a wedding hashtag and start a shared photo folder for guests to upload images.
- Start shopping for your and your partner's wedding dress/attire and accessories.
- Propose to your close ones to be part of your day (Get Inspired by our Bridesmaid Proposal Ideas).
- Schedule your free 30-minute virtual appointment with a Minted Wedding Concierge to craft your perfect save the date.
Photo by Allie Krokowski
7–9 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING
- Make your wedding registry and add it to your wedding website.
- Book hair and makeup artists.
- Select your wedding attendants’ outfits.
- Book your cake designer.
- Order and send out save the dates.
- Book your florist.
- Book your caterer.
- Book a band, musicians, or a DJ for your ceremony and reception.
- Book a lighting company, if needed.
- Reserve hotel-room blocks for out-of-town guests.
- Create a day-of timeline for your wedding day.
- Book or ask someone to be your officiant.
- Plan any cultural or religious traditions you want to include in your ceremony or reception.
- Reserve rental equipment, such as tables, chairs, tents, linens, a dance floor, etc.
- Book your honeymoon or mini-moon.
- Request individual wedding invitation samples or order a free sample kit.
5–6 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING
- Book a room for the wedding night (and the night before, if necessary). Choose male attendants' attire.
- Plan your wedding or bridal shower.
- Plan your bachelor or bachelorette party.
- Book your rehearsal dinner venue.
- Arrange transportation for your wedding guests.
- Make a floor plan for the ceremony and reception.
Handwritten Wedding Invitation by Cass Loh
Photo by Jasmine Cree
3–4 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING
- Order and send out wedding invitations. Work with your Minted Wedding Concierge to find or customize your invitations or design an invitation from scratch.
- Decide on a dress code for your wedding guests.
- Send your bridal shower, bachelor party, and bachelorette party guest list to the host(s).
- Choose getting-ready outfits for the bridal party and groomsmen.
- Do a menu tasting and finalize the reception menu with your caterer.
- Do a cake tasting and order your cake.
- Choose the music for your ceremony and reception.
- Finalize readings for the ceremony.
- Purchase wedding rings.
- Create a guest list for the rehearsal dinner.
- Make a shot list for your photographer.
- Book your rehearsal dinner venue, if it’s different from the wedding venue.
- Schedule hair and makeup trials.
- Enjoy your bridal or wedding shower!
2 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING
- Follow up on RSVPs.
- Update the details on your wedding website.
- Schedule a ceremony rehearsal time and rehearsal dinner.
- Order and send rehearsal dinner invitations.
- Repeat a hair or makeup trial if needed.
- Order table numbers, escort cards, and place cards.
- Discuss ceremony details with your officiant.
- Book any beauty or spa treatments for the weeks leading up to your wedding.
- Order ceremony programs, menus, and wedding signs.
- Begin writing your wedding vows.
- Select gifts for the wedding party and your parents.
- Order wedding favors.
- Have a final fitting and alterations with shoes and accessories.
- Order wedding thank you cards and write them as gifts arrive.
- Purchase a cake-cutting knife, guest book, flower basket, and ring bearer pillow.
- Enjoy your bachelorette/bachelor party!
Photo by Curated Events Raleigh
1 MONTH BEFORE THE WEDDING
- Pay any remaining vendor balances in full.
- Organize table numbers, escort cards, and place cards.
- Order wedding favor tags and favor stickers.
- Obtain your marriage license and order additional certified copies.
- Send your wedding day timeline to your wedding party and vendors.
- Create a reception seating plan once you’ve received all your RSVPs.
- Walk around in your full wedding attire so you can get comfortable with the shoes, dress, veil, and other aspects of your outfit.
- Organize day-of catering for your wedding party.
- Hold any final meetings with vendors.
2 WEEKS BEFORE THE WEDDING
- Notify the caterer of the final guest count.
- Write toasts for the rehearsal dinner and wedding reception.
- Put together welcome bags for out-of-town guests.
- Confirm all vendors have received and understand the timeline.
- Put together thank-you gifts for your wedding parties.
- Confirm any final shot requests with your photographer.
- Get any last facials, massages, or other treatments.
- Make a hair and makeup schedule and distribute it to the wedding party.
1 WEEK BEFORE THE WEDDING
- Finalize the seating plan.
- Assign specific responsibilities to the wedding party.
- Practice reading your wedding vows aloud.
- Pack for your honeymoon, if you’re taking it directly after the wedding.
- Get your wedding emergency kit ready!
- Pack any decorations or items needed for the wedding day.
Photo by Junebug Weddings
3 DAYS BEFORE THE WEDDING
- Put the finishing touches on any vows and speeches.
- Get manicures, pedicures, and spray tans, if you choose to.
- Prepare tip and payment envelopes for the officiant and vendors, and assign a wedding-party member or the wedding planner to distribute them.
- Take the time to relax and appreciate your engagement with your partner.
DAY & NIGHT BEFORE THE WEDDING
- Host the rehearsal dinner.
- Bring welcome gifts to the hotel or wherever your guests are staying.
- Give rings and the marriage license to the best man.
- Run through the ceremony.
- Give gifts to wedding party members and parents.
- Go to sleep early (if you can!).
DAY OF THE WEDDING
- Request specific support from your maid of honors, bridesmaids, and family members.
- Eat healthy and stay hydrated.
- Take a moment (or more) to yourself.
- You’ve checked every item off of your wedding to-do list. Relax, be present, and enjoy your wedding!
BONUS: POST-WEDDING CHECKLIST
- Send thank-you notes (order early, but begin mailing them within weeks after).
- Settle outstanding vendor balances and tips.
- Share photos on social media and with guests.
- Return any rentals.
- Clean and preserve wedding attire.
- Review budget wrap-up and store receipts.
- Begin name-change paperwork (if applicable).
Photo by Sarah Beards
Wedding Planning Checklist Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Planning a wedding comes with countless moving parts, and it’s natural to have questions about where to begin and how to stay on track. These FAQs will give you clarity and confidence so you can focus on enjoying the process while keeping everything organized.
What is a wedding planning checklist, and why is it important?
A wedding planning checklist is your step-by-step guide to ensure nothing falls through the cracks before your big day. You’ll find it helpful because it breaks down tasks into manageable pieces, from booking a venue to confirming final details. By using one, you make sure you’re staying on track and avoiding last-minute stress.
When should I start using a wedding planning checklist?
You should start using your wedding planning checklist as soon as you begin planning. The earlier you start, the easier it is to pace yourself and spread tasks out over time. If you begin right away, you’ll give yourself the flexibility to handle delays without panicking.
How do I create a personalized wedding planning checklist?
You can personalize your wedding planning checklist by tailoring it to your unique priorities, traditions, and timeline. For example, if you’re planning a cultural ceremony, add specific customs to your list. The goal is to make sure your checklist reflects your vision and keeps you focused on what matters most to you.
What are the essential tasks to include on a wedding planning checklist?
Your checklist should include booking the venue, hiring vendors, choosing attire, sending invitations, and finalizing logistics. These are the non-negotiables that every couple needs to cover. Once those are in place, you can layer in personal touches like décor details or unique entertainment.
How can a wedding planning checklist help me stay organized throughout the process?
A wedding planning checklist helps you by breaking everything into bite-sized steps that you can track and complete. You’ll always know what’s next and can avoid feeling overwhelmed by the bigger picture. Crossing items off your list also gives you a sense of progress and accomplishment.
Are there different types of wedding planning checklists available?
Yes, there are traditional print checklists, digital versions, and even mobile apps that can guide you through planning. You’ll want to choose the format that fits your lifestyle. A digital app may be best if you’re always on the go. Having options lets you stay organized in the easiest way for you.
What timeline should I follow when using a wedding planning checklist?
Most checklists are designed around a 12-month timeline, but yours can be shorter or longer depending on your engagement. You’ll want to adjust the timing based on your wedding date and priorities. The key is to make sure the checklist keeps you steadily moving forward.
How do I prioritize tasks listed on a wedding planning checklist?
Prioritize the tasks that depend on availability first, like booking your venue and vendors. You’ll want to lock those in before moving on to details like attire or décor. By tackling high-priority items first, you give yourself peace of mind and flexibility later.
Can digital tools enhance the effectiveness of a wedding planning checklist?
Digital tools can make your checklist more powerful by sending reminders, syncing with calendars, and allowing you to share tasks with your partner. You’ll find it easier to stay on the same page and avoid duplicate efforts. Using tech also helps you adapt quickly when plans shift.
How do I adjust my wedding planning checklist when unexpected changes occur?
You can adjust your checklist by moving tasks around and revising priorities when things don’t go as planned. For example, if a vendor cancels, you’ll need to shift focus to securing a replacement right away. Staying flexible ensures that you stay in control even when surprises pop up.
Keep Your Wedding on Track with Ease
A wedding planning checklist is your roadmap to a smooth, stress-free celebration. By breaking the process into steps, you can keep your focus on what matters most: celebrating your love and creating lasting memories with family and friends. When you stay organized, you’ll feel confident and prepared at every stage of the journey.
As you move through your planning, remember to make the checklist your own and adapt it to your unique vision. Every couple’s path is different, and having a flexible, personalized guide will keep you on track no matter what comes your way. And when it comes to details like invitations, save the dates, or thank-you cards, don’t forget to explore Minted’s wedding collection.
