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

Wedding Checklists

Ensure your wedding day is flawless with this final preparation checklist. Double-check legal documents, finalize vendor payments, confirm transportation, pack an emergency kit, and assign tasks to your bridal party. From morning preparations to evening celebrations, stay organized and stress-free as you say “I do.”

Complete last-minute wedding checklist to ensure your big day runs smoothly — from legal paperwork and attire to venue setup, emergency kit, and final touches.

Last Minute Wedding Checklist for a Perfect Day

Obtain and have the signed marriage license / certificate ready

Confirm that officiant knows local rules / protocols (signing, witnesses, filing)

Prepare final payments for all vendors; have envelopes with names and amounts

Create tip envelopes (for staff, DJ, caterers, etc.)

Bring extra cash for unplanned costs or tips

Make a final vendor contact list (phone numbers, arrival times) and share with someone reliable

Confirm all vendor arrival / setup times, delivery addresses, and contacts

Pack copies of your wedding day timeline / schedule; carry a phone version too

Assign someone to oversee gifts, cards, and transportation of those at night's end

Confirm any required permits (music, alcohol, venue use) are in place

Legal & Administrative Essentials

Pick up your wedding dress, suit / tux, and confirm final fittings

Steam / press all garments; have a steamer or iron on hand

Lay out all accessories: shoes, jewelry, veil, cufflinks, belts, undergarments

Break in / wear your shoes (if not done already) to avoid discomfort

Pack a backup pair of comfortable shoes for the reception / dancing

Prepare a garment bag or dress carrier for transport

Organize any hairpieces, combs, clips, and pin backups

Label each item (especially for bridesmaids / groomsmen) so nothing is lost

Ensure dress bustle / hooks are functional; practice it if needed

Pack an alteration kit (needle, thread, safety pins, fabric tape)

Attire & Accessories

Assemble a wedding day emergency kit: sewing kit, safety pins, double-sided tape, stain remover, super glue

Include extra makeup / touch-up items (mascara, powder, lipstick)

Pack personal care items: deodorant, tissues, antacid / pain reliever

Carry extra hosiery, spare buttons, backup underwear

Bring a compact mirror, lint roller, wet wipes

Include a mini first-aid kit (bandages, blister pads)

Keep extra phone chargers, power banks, extension cords

Include a small water bottle and snacks (protein bars, fruits)

Pack stain removal pens, sewing kit, scissors

Keep a few umbrellas or shelter options in case of weather issues

Emergency & Backup Kit

Conduct a final walkthrough of ceremony & reception sites with coordinator / venue staff

Deliver or check on décor, centerpieces, signage, place cards, seating charts

Ensure all rentals (chairs, tables, linens, lighting) are delivered and set up

Confirm music / sound setup (speakers, mics, playlists, USB connections)

Provide the DJ / band with final song list and do-not-play list

Ensure florals, bouquets, boutonnieres are delivered and hydrated

Confirm cake, catering, beverage deliveries and setup timelines

Check that restrooms, changing areas, and guest flow are clear and accessible

Confirm lighting, electrical outlets, extension cords are positioned and safe

Designate someone to supervise breakdown, return of rentals, and venue cleanup

Venue, Décor & Logistics

Delegate a trusted point person (friend, planner) to handle vendor questions / issues

Start day with hydration and a light meal (don't skip breakfast)

Follow your hair / makeup schedule to stay on time

Conduct "getting ready" photos / prep shots early

Confirm procession order and cue the wedding party

Distribute rings to the person responsible (best man, ring bearer)

Ensure groom / officiant / witnesses are in place before ceremony start

After the ceremony, confirm returning of items: guestbook, signed registry, gifts, etc.

Monitor event timing (dinner, speeches, dances) so things don't overrun

At night's end, ensure transport is ready for the couple, bridal party, and guest departures

Day-Of Execution & Flow

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.

Ultimate Wedding Coordinator Checklist

Meet the couple to understand their vision, priorities, style, and budget

Clarify roles & responsibilities (what the coordinator will do vs what clients or other vendors will handle)

Collect or review vendor contracts (venue, catering, florist, photography, music, rentals etc.)

Create a master timeline / workback schedule (milestones)

Build a vendor contact sheet (names, roles, phone, email, arrival times)

Begin a wedding day "skeleton" schedule (ceremony, reception, transitions)

Identify potential challenges (weather, logistics, site constraints) and propose contingency plans

Establish communication protocols (how & when vendors and couple will communicate)

Obtain venue rules, restrictions, site maps, venue floor plan

Create a file or binder (physical or digital) for all documentation, contracts, checklists

Initial / Kick-off Phase

Touch base regularly with each vendor to update status, needs, and questions

Monitor and manage deadlines (payments, deposits, cancellations)

Help with logistical coordination (transport, guest arrival, parking, lodging)

Assist with seating chart / guest list changes and finalizations

Coordinate décor, rentals, and setup plans with florist, rental company, décor designer

Create and distribute detailed vendor timelines / "vendor packet"

Secure and organize wedding stationery (programs, menus, place cards, signage)

Confirm permits or legal requirements (licenses, noise, permits, insurance)

Assist with backup / rain plan logistics (if outdoor)

Liaise with venue staff regarding site access, power, lighting, restrictions

Mid-Planning & Coordination Phase

Confirm all vendor arrival, setup, and breakdown times

Finalize and distribute the full wedding day timeline (minute by minute) to vendors, bridal party, family

Verify final guest count and share with caterer and venue

Confirm transportation logistics (to/from venues, guest shuttles)

Print and assemble all documents / packets: contracts, timelines, floor plans, contact lists

Prepare an emergency kit (sewing, stain remover, scissors, tape, first aid, safety pins, etc.)

Plan vendor payments & tip envelopes (pre-mark them out)

Confirm offsite items to be delivered (cake, décor, favors, signage)

Attend or lead the rehearsal, clarifying processional, roles, cues

Check in with the couple for any last-minute changes, concerns, or final wishes

Final Weeks (1–4 Weeks Before)

Arrive early and set up a "command center" or base of operations

Confirm vendor check-ins and direct them to their areas

Ensure floorplans, diagrams, and layouts are in place

Oversee delivery and setup of décor, florals, signage, rentals

Coordinate hair, makeup, dressing of bridal party (timing, assistance)

Distribute bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages to appropriate people

Confirm that ceremony items (rings, marriage license, vows, unity items) are ready

Ensure signage, guest book, place cards, seating charts are placed correctly

Assist with guest seating, usher direction, and guest flow

Conduct a final walk-through of ceremony and reception spaces

Wedding Day – Morning & Setup

Cue processional, music, and timing with officiant, musicians / DJ

Monitor and manage any last-minute changes (late guests, seating issues)

Help direct guests from ceremony to cocktail hour or reception

Coordinate transition of décor or setup changes between ceremony and reception

Ensure photographers/videographers get their required shots on schedule

Keep communication with vendors to maintain flow and timing

Oversee guest comfort (shade, fans, water, shelter) when needed

Monitor the schedule and gently "push" as needed to keep on track

Be ready to resolve small emergencies discreetly

Assist in seating guests for reception, ensuring prompt start of meals

Wedding Day – Ceremony & Transition

Cue the grand entrance, first dance, speeches, cake cutting, bouquet toss, etc.

Monitor lighting, music, sound cues, and transitions

Coordinate timing of courses, dessert, and toasts with catering and venue

Ensure vendors have meals and breaks scheduled appropriately

Supervise service flow and guest experience (moving between areas, mingling, dancing)

Monitor any décor changes, lighting, or ambiance shifts during event

Keep track of the timeline and gently correct deviations

Handle special requests or surprises (guest speeches, surprise performances)

Coordinate send-off, exit, or final moment of the evening

Oversee breakdown: ensure rentals, signage, gifts, personal items, and décor are collected

Wedding Day – Reception & Program

Confirm all rentals and décor items are returned or picked up

Ensure venue is cleaned or left per contract

Collect personal items, wedding day documents, gifts, decor

Confirm vendor final payments, tip distributions, gratuities

Follow up with couple to ensure their satisfaction

Request reviews/testimonials from the couple

Compile all photos, vendor feedback, reflections for your portfolio or future reference

Hold a debrief with your team (what worked, what didn't, lessons learned)

Archive all files, contracts, and checklists for future access

Send thank you notes to vendors, assistants, and anyone who helped

Post-Wedding & Wrap-Up

Maintain consistent and clear communication with the couple (weekly check-ins)

Update and re­distribute timeline changes to vendors and key stakeholders

Monitor budgets, payments, deposits, and financial tracking

Document critical decisions, changes, and client approvals

Offer guidance or suggestions when the couple is uncertain

Be proactive: anticipate issues and propose solutions

Keep backup plans at hand (weather, vendor no-shows, equipment failure)

Ensure compliance with venue rules, contracts, permits

Maintain a shared calendar (with all parties) of key dates, deadlines, and deliverables

Stay organized: keep all documentation, contracts, vendor communications, and receipts in one system

Ongoing / Throughout the Process

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

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 Checklists

Last Minute Wedding Checklist for a Perfect Day

Ultimate Wedding Coordinator Checklist

Wedding Decor Checklist: Elegant Ideas for Your Big Day

Wedding Planning Checklist (Step-by-Step Guide)

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

Ultimate Wedding Registry Checklist for Couples