Wedding Checklist
Whether you are celebrating in a small circle or hosting a grand event, a wedding requires a lot of preparation. To help you stay organized amidst all the decisions, planning, appointments, and arrangements, we have compiled this comprehensive wedding checklist with many tips, suggestions, and additional information. We wish you a beautiful and unforgettable preparation period for your very own dream wedding!
12 - 8 Months Before the Wedding
- Set the wedding date and determine the type and scope of the wedding celebration
- Establish a budget and estimate approximate costs
- Obtain information on necessary documents from the registry office
- Visit potential venues and churches
- Search for and pre-book wedding planners, officiants, bands, etc.
8 - 6 Months Before the Wedding
- Book your honeymoon in advance
- Create a guest list
- Select witnesses and appoint a master of ceremonies if necessary
- Learn about name rights and consider a prenuptial agreement
6 Months Before the Wedding
- Register for marriage at the registry office
- Reserve the church and venues
- Send out Save the Date cards
- Pre-reserve hotel rooms for guests
- Select the bridal gown
5 Months Before the Wedding
- Wedding invitations: Choose invitation cards, plan the wording, and have the cards printed
- Consider gift registry, if applicable
4 Months Before the Wedding
- Send out the wedding invitations
- Select music and book a band or DJ
- Book special elements like fireworks or entertainment
3 Months Before the Wedding
- Wedding rings: Gather information on materials, etc., and select rings
- Purchase the groom's outfit
- Take a dance class for the perfect wedding waltz
- Reserve wedding transportation, whether it's a car or horse-drawn carriage
- Hire a photographer/videographer
- Select the menu and have menu cards printed
- Consider your outfit for the civil ceremony
2 Months Before the Wedding
- Schedule a hair appointment
- Finalize the seating arrangement
- Plan the bachelor/bachelorette party
- Choose your wedding cake
- Arrange for decorations and floral arrangements for the ceremony and reception
6 Weeks Before the Wedding
- Organize a guest book
- Purchase and possibly wrap guest favors
- Don't forget the essentials for the ceremony: wedding candle and ring pillow!
4 Weeks Before the Wedding
- Create program booklets for the church
- Choose your bridal bouquet and order it
- Final fitting and any necessary adjustments to the bridal gown/wedding attire
- Confirm the final seating arrangement
- Collect the wedding rings
- Discuss the schedule for the wedding day and confirm all appointments
2 Weeks Before the Wedding
- Delegate any remaining tasks
- Check documents for completeness and validity
- Pack for your honeymoon
- Conduct a rehearsal for the ceremony
- Submit the marriage announcement
The Days Leading Up to the Wedding
- Prepare your speech for the reception
- Pack your handbag for the big day
- Prepare gratuities
- Keep documents and rings ready
- Visit the nail studio
- Provide labeled place cards and the final seating arrangement to the restaurant/venue
- Relax and get a good night's sleep!
The Wedding Day
Congratulations! Today is your big day. Enjoy it!
The Days Following the Wedding
- Settle outstanding bills
- Return rented items
2 - 3 Weeks After the Wedding
- Review the photos and have prints made
- Send thank-you notes
- Acquire photo albums and assemble them
- Clean and store or sell the wedding dress
- Don't forget the to-dos for after the name change!