Wedding Planning Checklist (Step-by-Step Guide)

Wedding Checklists

100 Items

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

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.

1. Vision, Budget & Big Decisions

1Decide your overall wedding style / theme (formal, rustic, modern, traditional etc.)

2Choose a budget and allocate amounts to key categories (venue, food, attire, décor, etc.)

3Draft an estimated guest list size

4Choose wedding date(s) (with alternatives)

5Select your wedding party (maid of honor, groomsmen, bridesmaids, best man, etc.)

6Decide whether to hire a wedding planner or coordinator

7Research and shortlist venues (ceremony & reception)

8Determine your ceremony format (religious, civil, symbolic)

9Decide on honeymoon plans / destination

10Create a master planning timeline (month-by-month or weekly)

2. Guest List, Invitations & Communications

1Finalize guest list (names, addresses, plus-ones)

2Create "save the dates" (if applicable) and send them

3Design / choose wedding invitation suite (invitations, RSVP cards, envelopes)

4Order invitations & stationery (programs, menus, place cards, signage)

5Prepare guest accommodations (hotel blocks, guest transport)

6Build a wedding website or information portal

7Track RSVPs and follow up on missing responses

8Prepare ceremony programs / order of service

9Send rehearsal dinner / bridal party invites

10Prepare thank-you / follow-up stationery for post-wedding

3. Vendors & Services

1Research and hire a photographer & videographer

2Book a caterer / food & beverage service

3Hire florist / floral designer

4Hire DJ / band / musicians

5Book officiant / celebrant

6Hire hair & makeup artists / beauty services

7Book rentals: tables, chairs, linens, lighting, sound, décor items

8Arrange transportation (for couple, wedding party, guests)

9Hire cake / dessert vendor

10Secure any extra services (photo booth, lighting, fireworks, etc.)

4. Attire & Accessories

1Shop for wedding dress / bridal outfit

2Schedule and complete fittings, alterations

3Choose footwear, jewelry, veils, accessories

4Groom / partner's attire and fittings

5Bridesmaids' / groomsmen's attire & fittings

6Select undergarments, hosiery, shoes for the wedding party

7Plan hair trials / makeup trials

8Prepare emergency attire kit (spare buttons, tape, safety pins)

9Coordinate color palettes / attire style among party

10Arrange safe storage / transport for garments

5. Décor, Styling & Design

1Finalize color scheme, theme & visual elements

2Design ceremony décor: altar, aisle, arch, seating décor

3Design reception décor: centerpieces, table settings, linens

4Lighting plan (uplights, string lights, spotlights)

5Signage and stationery décor (welcome sign, direction signs, seating chart)

6Design and order table numbers / place cards / escort cards

7Prepare guest book / memory table décor

8Arrange cake table décor and dessert station styling

9Design send-off décor (confetti, sparklers, bubbles, lanterns)

10Coordinate with vendors on set-up / teardown logistics

6. Food, Drink & Menu Planning

1Hold menu tastings / trial of dishes

2Finalize reception menu (starters, mains, desserts)

3Determine dietary restrictions and special meals (vegetarian, allergies)

4Decide on bar / beverage package (open bar, limited, signature drinks)

5Plan cake / dessert items and logistics

6Decide on timing of courses & service schedule

7Meet with caterer to specify number of guests, portions

8Arrange service staff / bartenders / servers

9Plan layout for food stations / buffet / plated service

10Coordinate with venue for kitchen access, serving logistics

7. Timeline, Logistics & Day-of Plan

1Create a detailed timeline for the wedding day (hour-by-hour)

2Allocate buffer times for travel, delays, breaks

3Assign responsibilities (who helps with setup, cues, running errands)

4Finalize vendor arrival / departure times

5Plan rehearsal and rehearsal dinner schedule

6Plan transportation and logistics between venues

7Prepare a wedding day "emergency kit" (sewing kit, stain remover, painkillers etc.)

8Prepare contact list for all vendors, wedding party, key personnel

9Arrange for someone to handle payments / tips for vendors

10Walk through venue and logistics (load-in, parking, layout)

8. Legal, Financial & Paperwork

1Research and apply for marriage license / legal requirements

2Prepare required documentation (IDs, witnesses, affidavits)

3Confirm contracts and deposits with all vendors

4Track payments schedule and outstanding balances

5Plan wedding insurance (liability, cancellation)

6Open a dedicated wedding bank / accounting sheet

7Budget tracking and contingency funds

8Prepare backup plans (weather, vendor failures)

9Confirm vendor cancellation policies

10Retain all vendor receipts and document deposits

9. Pre-Wedding Events & Activities

1Plan engagement party / celebratory event

2Plan bridal shower / groom shower

3Plan bachelor / bachelorette party

4Plan rehearsal dinner / welcome dinner

5Coordinate guest transport for events

6Finalize décor / entertainment for events

7Send invites / RSVPs for each event

8Purchase gifts for bridal party / family

9Prepare speeches / toasts

10Confirm logistics / details for each event

10. Final Checks & Post-Wedding Wrap Up

1Confirm final guest count and inform vendors

2Final walkthrough with venue, vendors

3Give vendor final payments and tips in labeled envelopes

4Confirm vendor setup, layout, and teardown plans

5Pack décor, signage, favors, guest book for day-of

6Delegate someone to oversee wrap-up and cleanup

7Collect all personal items and loose ends after reception

8Send "thank you" notes or organize post-wedding thank yous

9Return rental items (linens, décor, attire, equipment)

10Preserve gown / bouquet, file paperwork for marriage certificate

Overall Progress

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Checklist Progress

1. Vision, Budget & Big Decisions0/10

2. Guest List, Invitations & Communications0/10

3. Vendors & Services0/10

4. Attire & Accessories0/10

5. Décor, Styling & Design0/10

6. Food, Drink & Menu Planning0/10

7. Timeline, Logistics & Day-of Plan0/10

8. Legal, Financial & Paperwork0/10

9. Pre-Wedding Events & Activities0/10

10. Final Checks & Post-Wedding Wrap Up0/10

Checklist Progress0 of 100 items completed

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