Wedding Planning Checklist

Print out our helpful wedding planning checklist and calendar to keep track of your wedding planning from day one.

1. Announce engagement and introduce families officially.

1. Decide on your wedding budget and determine who pays for what.

1. Pick a wedding date and time.

1. Check venues and officiates for availability.

1. Pick out your wedding attendants.

1. Hire a wedding planner (if you've chosen to use one).

1. Visit and book ceremony and reception sites.

1. Groom: start thinking about possible honeymoon sites.

1. Pick out and buy wedding rings.

1. Ask friends and family to be in your wedding.

1. Compile the guest list.

1. Bride: shop for and order your gown.

1. Start exercise programs so you'll both look fantastic at your wedding.

1. Decide on your reception type, usually based on time of reception and any themes.

1. Decide on entertainment.

1. Decide on flowers and find a florist.

1. Interview caterers and go over the menu.

1. Research accommodations for out of town guests.

1. Register for wedding gifts (at 1 to 2 places is usual).

1. Research wedding photographers and videographers.

1. Select wedding music/band/DJ.

1. Shop for and select bridesmaid dresses.

1. Research wedding cake designers if caterer or site does not provide this service.

1. Finalize contracts with vendors.

1. Browse for and purchase wedding gown accessories: shoes, lingerie, jewelry and gloves.

1. Send save-the-date cards.

1. Decide on traditions to include in your wedding.

1. View and shop for wedding invitations.

1. Research tuxedos for the groom, fathers and groomsmen.

1. Renew or get passports for the honeymoon.

1. Research and book your wedding rehearsal ceremony and dinner location.

1. Reserve rental equipment: chairs, tables, tents, wedding decorations, etc.

1. Discuss ideas for wedding day hair and makeup with your stylist.

1. Research and order wedding favors.

1. Purchase wedding accessories and wedding supplies: guest book, ring pillow, baskets, etc.

1. Sign up for dance lessons if you plan to have dancing.

1. Finalize your guest list.

1. Schedule last tasting and finalize the menu with the caterer.

1. Interview cake designers and plan your wedding cake.

1. Rent the tuxedos.

1. Hire wedding day transportation or make plans to protect your car from "well wisher" decorations.

1. Mail invitations eight weeks before your wedding date.

1. Have fittings for bridesmaids.

1. Write your vows.

1. Purchase gifts for your parents, attendants and each other.

1. Rehearse make-up and hairstyles for the big day.

1. Brides: have gown fittings; you may need more than one fitting to make it perfect.

1. Check with the vendors one last time and make any necessary adjustments.

1. Make sure the bridesmaids' dresses are ready for the wedding.

1. Apply for a marriage license; check the local bureau in the town where you'll marry for rules and regulations (usually marriage licenses expire 30 days after application).

1. Have final wedding gown fitting and pick up.

1. Finalize must-have shots with photographer and videographer.

1. Finalize the music list: include special song requests and songs you do not want played.

1. Give the caterer and venue your final guest count: include vendors who will expect a meal (photographer, videographer, band members or DJ).

1. Attend wedding-related parties: bridal showers, bachelorette parties or bachelor parties.

1. Have the gown pressed or steamed if needed.

1. Groom and groomsmen have final fittings and pick up tuxedos or suits.

1. Decide on seating arrangements, if necessary, and have place cards, table cards, menus and favors ready.

1. Reconfirm details with the vendors and transportation.

1. Arrange for out-of-town guests to be picked up from the airport or train station.

1. Prepare payment envelopes for all vendors, if not already paid; remember to include tips.

1. Make sure everyone knows their tasks.

1. Assign someone to mail wedding announcement cards or mail them yourself.

1. Get some final pampering (manicure, pedicure and massage) with bath and shower products.

1. Attend the rehearsal dinner and enjoy yourself.

1. Present parents and attendants with gifts.

1. Remember to eat breakfast and drink plenty of water.

1. Give each other your gifts.

1. HAVE FUN!

1. Prearrange for rentals to be returned.

1. Prearrange for gown and tuxedo cleaning and return, if applicable.

1. Write and send thank-you notes to all gift givers and vendors who made your wedding day special.

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