Plan your big day with wedding checklists covering planning, budget, guests, and timeline. Stay organized from start to finish.

Wedding Checklists

Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, but a clear checklist makes the process much smoother. From setting your budget to booking vendors, every detail can be managed step by step. Staying organized helps reduce stress and ensures nothing important gets overlooked. With the right plan in place, you can enjoy the journey as much as the big day itself.

Comprehensive wedding planning checklist covering all aspects from vision and budget to final preparations and post-wedding wrap-up for your perfect day.

Wedding Planning Checklist (Step-by-Step Guide)

Decide your overall wedding style / theme (formal, rustic, modern, traditional etc.)

Choose a budget and allocate amounts to key categories (venue, food, attire, décor, etc.)

Choose wedding date(s) (with alternatives)

Select your wedding party (maid of honor, groomsmen, bridesmaids, best man, etc.)

Decide whether to hire a wedding planner or coordinator

Research and shortlist venues (ceremony & reception)

Determine your ceremony format (religious, civil, symbolic)

Create a master planning timeline (month-by-month or weekly)

Vision, Budget & Big Decisions

Finalize guest list (names, addresses, plus-ones)

Create "save the dates" (if applicable) and send them

Design / choose wedding invitation suite (invitations, RSVP cards, envelopes)

Order invitations & stationery (programs, menus, place cards, signage)

Prepare guest accommodations (hotel blocks, guest transport)

Build a wedding website or information portal

Track RSVPs and follow up on missing responses

Prepare ceremony programs / order of service

Send rehearsal dinner / bridal party invites

Prepare thank-you / follow-up stationery for post-wedding

Guest List, Invitations & Communications

Research and hire a photographer & videographer

Hire hair & makeup artists / beauty services

Book rentals: tables, chairs, linens, lighting, sound, décor items

Arrange transportation (for couple, wedding party, guests)

Secure any extra services (photo booth, lighting, fireworks, etc.)

Vendors & Services

Schedule and complete fittings, alterations

Choose footwear, jewelry, veils, accessories

Bridesmaids' / groomsmen's attire & fittings

Select undergarments, hosiery, shoes for the wedding party

Prepare emergency attire kit (spare buttons, tape, safety pins)

Coordinate color palettes / attire style among party

Arrange safe storage / transport for garments

Attire & Accessories

Finalize color scheme, theme & visual elements

Design ceremony décor: altar, aisle, arch, seating décor

Design reception décor: centerpieces, table settings, linens

Lighting plan (uplights, string lights, spotlights)

Signage and stationery décor (welcome sign, direction signs, seating chart)

Design and order table numbers / place cards / escort cards

Arrange cake table décor and dessert station styling

Design send-off décor (confetti, sparklers, bubbles, lanterns)

Coordinate with vendors on set-up / teardown logistics

Décor, Styling & Design

Finalize reception menu (starters, mains, desserts)

Determine dietary restrictions and special meals (vegetarian, allergies)

Decide on bar / beverage package (open bar, limited, signature drinks)

Decide on timing of courses & service schedule

Meet with caterer to specify number of guests, portions

Arrange service staff / bartenders / servers

Plan layout for food stations / buffet / plated service

Coordinate with venue for kitchen access, serving logistics

Food, Drink & Menu Planning

Create a detailed timeline for the wedding day (hour-by-hour)

Allocate buffer times for travel, delays, breaks

Assign responsibilities (who helps with setup, cues, running errands)

Finalize vendor arrival / departure times

Plan rehearsal and rehearsal dinner schedule

Plan transportation and logistics between venues

Prepare a wedding day "emergency kit" (sewing kit, stain remover, painkillers etc.)

Prepare contact list for all vendors, wedding party, key personnel

Arrange for someone to handle payments / tips for vendors

Walk through venue and logistics (load-in, parking, layout)

Timeline, Logistics & Day-of Plan

Research and apply for marriage license / legal requirements

Prepare required documentation (IDs, witnesses, affidavits)

Confirm contracts and deposits with all vendors

Track payments schedule and outstanding balances

Plan wedding insurance (liability, cancellation)

Open a dedicated wedding bank / accounting sheet

Prepare backup plans (weather, vendor failures)

Retain all vendor receipts and document deposits

Legal, Financial & Paperwork

Plan engagement party / celebratory event

Finalize décor / entertainment for events

Confirm logistics / details for each event

Pre-Wedding Events & Activities

Confirm final guest count and inform vendors

Give vendor final payments and tips in labeled envelopes

Confirm vendor setup, layout, and teardown plans

Pack décor, signage, favors, guest book for day-of

Delegate someone to oversee wrap-up and cleanup

Collect all personal items and loose ends after reception

Send "thank you" notes or organize post-wedding thank yous

Return rental items (linens, décor, attire, equipment)

Preserve gown / bouquet, file paperwork for marriage certificate

Final Checks & Post-Wedding Wrap Up

Complete wedding decor checklist covering all decorative elements from getting-ready spaces to ceremony and reception areas, including lighting, signage, floral arrangements, and interactive zones for your perfect wedding day.

Comprehensive wedding decor checklist covering getting-ready spaces, ceremony, reception, lighting, and all decorative elements for your special day.

Wedding Decor Checklist: Elegant Ideas for Your Big Day

Personalized robe or hanger display for bride & bridesmaids

Floral arrangements or bouquets for the getting-ready room

Mirror signage (e.g. "Bride", "Bridesmaid")

Decorative trays or boxes for jewelry, hair pins, accessories

Framed photos of couple or parents to set mood

Decorative signage / welcome board in entrance area

Coordinated linens (tablecloths, napkins) for prep spaces

Morning / Getting-Ready Décor

Directional signage (parking, ceremony, reception)

A decorative arch or foliage over entrance

Lanterns, fairy lights, or pathway lighting

Umbrella stand or weather check signage (if outdoor)

Floral or greenery arrangements flanking entrance

Photo wall or backdrop for guests arriving

Entrance & Arrival Area

Aisle markers (flowers, lanterns, ribbons)

Signage (e.g. "Pick a seat, not a side"; unplugged ceremony)

Ritual items (candles, sand, unity ceremony props)

Ceremony Décor

Decorative lighting (string lights, candles)

Cocktail Hour / Pre-Reception Space

Lighting (uplights, pin spots, fairy lights)

Hanging décor (floral installations, lanterns, chandeliers)

Entrance to reception décor (arch, signage)

Reception Venue Décor

Centerpieces (flowers, candles, greenery)

Glassware, flatware, and dinnerware accents

Small votive candles, tealights, lanterns

Wedding favors or small tokens at each seat

Table / Place Setting Décor

Tiered shelving or stands for visual height

Cake & Dessert Station Décor

Guest polaroid drop board (guests pin photos)

Memory table with photos of couple / family

Photo / Interactive Zones

Backup lighting (in case of power issues)

Lighting, Sound & Ambience

Backup décor pieces (extra flowers, vases)

Storage tent / hidden staging area décor

Staff / vendor signage (e.g. "Do Not Enter")

Weather contingency décor (umbrellas, covers)

Battery / lighting control stations hidden décor

Vendor access paths décor (e.g. rugs, carpets)

Wrap up décor ('just married' sign, exit props)

Transitional & Utility Decor

This comprehensive wedding registry checklist provides couples with a systematic approach to creating the perfect gift registry for their new life together. The registry planning process covers kitchen and cooking essentials, kitchen appliances and gadgets, dining and serveware, bakeware and dessert tools, bedroom and bedding, bathroom and linen, home decor and living room items, storage and organization solutions, electronics and entertainment, and travel and experience gifts. Use this checklist to ensure you have all the essential items for your new home, create a well-rounded registry that appeals to all guests, and make the gift-giving process easier for your wedding guests while building the foundation for your married life.

Comprehensive wedding registry checklist covering kitchen essentials, home goods, electronics, and experiences for newlyweds.

Ultimate Wedding Registry Checklist for Couples

Cookware set (pots, pans, sauté, stockpot)

Utensil set (spatula, ladle, tongs, whisk)

Kitchen & Cooking Essentials

Kitchen Appliances & Gadgets

Butter dish, gravy boat, salt & pepper shakers

Dining & Serveware

Bakeware & Dessert Tools

Bedroom & Bedding

Bathroom & Linen

Home Decor & Living Room

Tool kit (basic tools: hammer, screwdrivers, drill)

Storage, Organization & Cleaning

Electronics & Tech / Entertainment

Travel accessories (passport holder, tags)

Experience / date-night fund (restaurant, spa)

Travel, Experiences & Extras

Comprehensive wedding photography checklist covering every essential shot from getting ready details and ceremony moments to reception celebrations and exit photos, ensuring no precious memory is missed on your special day.

Complete wedding photography guide covering all essential shots from getting ready to reception and exit for capturing every precious moment.

Wedding Photo Checklist: Don’t Miss a Single Special Moment

Wedding dress hung (on a nice hanger, from a door/window)

Bridal shoes, jewelry, perfume, accessories

Groom's shoes, cufflinks, tie, boutonnière

Bouquet, boutonnières, floral arrangements

Bridal clutch / purse / other small props

Details & Styling

The bride putting on her dress (from different angles)

Bridesmaids helping (zipping, buttoning, adjusting)

Full-length bride in mirror / reflection shot

Bride with her parents / siblings in candid moments

Reaction shots / candid laughter / emotion

Detail shots on dress texture, lace, train

Getting Ready – Bride

Groom putting on his shirt, tie, cufflinks

Getting Ready – Groom

Bride approaching groom (back view or side)

Alternative portrait with soft light (environment)

First Look & Pre-Ceremony Moments

Ceremony Venue & Setup

Signing of register / marriage certificate

Recessional — couple walking back down the aisle

Ceremony Key Moments

Bride & groom solo portraits (various poses)

Couple with wedding party (bridesmaids & groomsmen)

Bride with bridesmaids, groom with groomsmen

Portraits & Formal Group Shots

Reception venue before guests arrive (empty)

Place cards, napkin details, table numbers

Reception & Venue Details

Parent dances (father/daughter, mother/son)

Bouquet toss / garter toss (if applicable)

Performers, band / DJ, entertainment shots

Reception Moments & Entertainment

Night lighting, venue in darkness / lights

Clean-up, lights off, empty venue for memory

Exit / After Party / Final Shots

A wedding coordinator’s role is to ensure every detail of the big day runs smoothly—from pre-wedding preparations to the final send-off. This detailed checklist helps coordinators organize timelines, manage vendors, oversee ceremony and reception setups, handle guest logistics, and troubleshoot last-minute issues to deliver a stress-free and memorable wedding experience.

Comprehensive wedding coordinator checklist covering planning, vendor management, ceremony setup, guest coordination, and event-day logistics for a seamless celebration.

Wedding Checklists

Wedding Planning Checklist (Step-by-Step Guide)

Wedding Decor Checklist: Elegant Ideas for Your Big Day

Ultimate Wedding Registry Checklist for Couples

Wedding Photo Checklist: Don’t Miss a Single Special Moment

Ultimate Wedding Coordinator Checklist

Last Minute Wedding Checklist for a Perfect Day