The Ultimate Wedding Checklist

There are so many things to take into account when planning out your ultimate wedding checklist. What is your budget? What style and vision do you have for your Big Day? Do you want a big wedding or more of an elopement? Make sure you discuss all of these major details with your fiancé to ensure your wedding day is exactly what the two of you want. Here is a basic checklist that includes needs and wants for planning your wedding day. For more help on Needs VS Wants, check out my blog “Needs VS Wants”.

  • Make a Pinterest account!
  • Discuss your budget
  • Choose wedding colors and theme
  • Decide on Wedding Invite and Save The Date designs and companies
  • Choose wedding gown styles you love
  • Browse Venues and book- Always do this before you set a date. You may love a venue but they may not have your date available so if you are flexible, change the date so you can book that venue.
  • If the venue does not provide food or alcohol, choose these vendors
  • Decide on a date and order Save The Dates
  • Decide on guest list
  • Book your Photographer- you want to do this early as photographers book up faster than you think!
  • Book your videographer if you decide to hire one
  • Start deciding what suit your groom likes and wants
  • Find florist and start deciding on your favorites
  • Decide on Wedding Party attire
  • Choose a cake and order
  • Choose your location for your Honeymoon
  • Make a list of décor and other items needed for your ceremony and reception
  • Create a registry
  • Book your DJ and create a list of must have songs
  • Have a bridal/ wedding shower!
  • Find wedding ring styles you love
  • Decide on transportation for the day of the wedding
  • Buy your wedding rings
  • Book transportation
  • Book Honeymoon
  • Send out invites and include meal choices
  • Decide if there will be a rehearsal dinner and where
  • Ensure all décor and extras are bought for ceremony and reception
  • Get your marriage license- always call ahead and ask what the window is of when you can pick it up and when it needs to be handed back in
  • Create a seating chart after your RSVP date
  • Finalize a wedding day timeline and share it with you vendors and wedding party
  • Ensure your wedding party and family know who is sharing toasts and speeches
  • Put aside tip money for Vendors- Always tip vendors as they are doing a service for you
  • Finish paying all vendors
  • Provide guest count to vendors especially your venue
  • Get Married!
  • Send Thank Yous
  • Change your name- For a list of areas in which  you must change your name, see my article “Oh, The Places You’ll… Change Your Name”
  • Wait for Photographer and Videographer to deliver amazing photos and videos!