The Wedding Planning Checklist

Set the total budget, then split it by category before anyone gets attached to a venue

Draft the guest list — venue capacity depends on this number, not the other way around

Pick 2–3 possible dates Off-peak + weekdays can cut venue cost 20–30% — low season dates vary by hemisphere/country, not universal

Book venue + officiant — these two lock your date, everything else follows

Hire a planner or day-of coordinator, if using one

Book photographer + videographer The best ones book out 9–12 months ahead — do this before caterer/florist

Book caterer and schedule a tasting

Book florist, band/DJ, and rentals (tables, chairs, linens)

Order the dress Bridal orders take 4–6 months + 2–3 for alterations — this is the real deadline driver

Reserve room blocks for out-of-town guests

Send save-the-dates

Order invitations

Book hair + makeup trial Trial now, not the week of — leaves time to switch artists if it's not right

Start planning the honeymoon

Order wedding bands Sizing + engraving needs 2–3 months lead time

Finalize menu + cake tasting

Mail invitations (6–8 weeks before the date)

Buy shoes and accessories — break shoes in now, not day-of

Draft the seating chart as RSVPs come in

Apply for your marriage license or civil registration Validity window and waiting periods vary by country/state — confirm your local rule now, not the week of

Final dress fitting

Confirm final headcount with caterer Most caterers lock the number 10–14 days out — that's your real deadline, not "the week of"

Create and send the day-of timeline to every vendor

If tipping vendors is customary where you're getting married, prep the envelopes now and give them to one person (not the couple) to hand out day-of

Delegate day-of tasks — someone else runs the timeline, not you

Pack for the honeymoon

Confirm arrival times with every vendor one final time

Give rings to best man / maid of honor the night before

Eat breakfast. Drink water. That's the whole list for today.