Guide · 10 min read

An open planning notebook with a handwritten checklist, pen and dried flowers on a linen table

The complete wedding planning checklist

A 12-month, task-by-task checklist that covers everything from budget and venue to the day-of emergency kit. Use it as a printable worksheet or import it into Lumière as a living timeline.

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How to use this checklist

Every wedding timeline is different, but the sequence rarely changes. Start from the top, work downward, and move tasks earlier if your engagement is short. The goal is to make the big decisions first—budget, guest count, venue, and key vendors—then fill in the details as the date gets closer.

12+ months out

Lock the foundation

Budget, date, guest count, and venue

Set your total budget and who contributes what
Use percentages, not line-item guesses, so every later decision fits the total.
Pick 2–3 potential dates
Have backups in case your first-choice venue is booked.
Draft your guest list
Start with everyone, then cut by tier. The list drives venue size and catering cost.
Book your venue
Venue + catering is usually ~40% of the budget. Sign only after you've read the contract in the app.
Start researching photographers, videographers, and planners
Top talent books 9–12 months out. Save portfolios in one place.
Create a wedding email address
Keeps vendor quotes, contracts, and RSVPs out of your personal inbox.

9–11 months out

Book the big vendors

Photography, catering, florals, music, and attire

Book photographer and videographer
Confirm hours, deliverables, second shooters, and turnaround time.
Book caterer and finalize menu direction
Plated, buffet, or family style? Dietary restrictions? Tastings come later.
Book florist for bouquets and ceremony/reception décor
Bring inspiration photos and a rough palette.
Book DJ or band
Ask for a sample set list and how they handle requests.
Shop for wedding dress or suit
Allow 6–8 months for made-to-order pieces plus alterations.
Reserve hotel room blocks
Block rooms at two price points if guests have varied budgets.
Send save-the-dates
9–12 months is standard; earlier for destination or holiday weekends.
Begin honeymoon research and booking
Passports and visas take longer than you think.

6–8 months out

Fill in the details

Stationery, rentals, officiant, transport, and registry

Order invitations and day-of stationery
Include RSVP cards, envelopes, signage, and menus if you want them printed.
Create your registry
Choose 2–3 stores at different price points.
Book officiant
Confirm they can legally marry you in your state and venue.
Book ceremony and reception rentals
Chairs, tables, linens, dance floor, and ceremony décor.
Book transportation
Guest shuttles, couple's getaway car, and any VIP airport transfers.
Order wedding cake or dessert
Tasting first. Confirm delivery, setup, and cake-cutting time.
Book hair and makeup artists
Book the artist, not just the salon. Ask about a trial.

4–5 months out

Shape the guest experience

Menu, attire, seating plan, and ceremony script

Finalize menu and bar package
Confirm final headcount deadline and any dietary accommodations.
Order wedding rings
Custom bands need 6–8 weeks; allow time for resizing.
Schedule attire fittings
First fitting now, second closer to the date.
Plan ceremony structure
Readings, vows, ring exchange, unity ritual, recessional order.
Draft seating chart v1
Use a digital tool so you can move tables as RSVPs come in.
Book hair and makeup trials
Bring photos and a swatch of your dress color.
Plan rehearsal dinner or welcome party
Book the venue and send invites.

2–3 months out

Invite and confirm

Invitations, final counts, seating, and vendor meetings

Send wedding invitations
8 weeks before is standard; 10–12 for destination.
Track RSVPs and chase late responders
Set a deadline 2–3 weeks before you need final counts.
Finalize guest count and seating chart
Share the count with caterer, venue, and rental company.
Write vows and toasts
Practice out loud; time yourself.
Confirm final meetings with all vendors
Timeline, contact list, load-in, and breakdown details.
Order attendant gifts and welcome bags
Add names or a handwritten note.
Apply for marriage license
Check expiration rules—some expire after 30–90 days.

1 month out

Final fittings and timeline

Attire, license, final counts, and day-of schedule

Final dress or suit fitting
Bring the shoes and undergarments you'll wear.
Confirm final headcount with caterer and venue
This number usually locks in your final bill.
Build the day-of timeline
Hair, travel, portraits, ceremony, reception, and vendor arrivals.
Finalize seating chart and place cards
Export a PDF for your venue and caterer.
Create vendor contact sheet
Names, phone numbers, and arrival times for every vendor.
Confirm final flower order and delivery window
Review substitutions policy in case of supply issues.

1 week out

Walk through and pack

Venue, emergency kit, and last confirmations

Final venue walkthrough
Bring the layout, timeline, and a list of questions.
Pick up wedding attire
Inspect for stains, loose beads, or missing buttons.
Pack a wedding-day emergency kit
Pain relievers, stain pen, fashion tape, phone chargers, snacks.
Confirm final headcount and any dietary updates
Last chance to adjust without penalties.
Reconfirm hair and makeup arrival times
Send the address, parking info, and your contact number.
Attend rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
Walk the processional, assign ushers, and finalize cue timing.

Day before & day of

Showtime

Delivery, rest, and staying present

Deliver boxes to the venue
Décor, signage, favors, guest book, and vendor tips.
Get nails done and hydrate
Schedule a late-morning or early-afternoon appointment.
Set phones to Do Not Disturb
Give one trusted contact the vendor hotline role.
Eat a real breakfast
Protein + complex carbs. You'll be standing and talking for hours.
Hand vendor tips to one responsible person
Pre-labeled envelopes prevent last-minute fumbling.
Enjoy the day
The plan is set. Let your vendors and wedding party handle the rest.

Get the editable checklist as a PDF

A fillable, 8-page worksheet with every task above. Tick the boxes right inside your PDF reader, type notes, owners, and due dates on each line, add your own tasks at the end, then save your copy. Works on desktop and phone — and still prints beautifully.

Download editable checklist (PDF)

Do this checklist in Lumière instead of on paper

A printed checklist is a great start, but it won't remind you when a vendor deadline is coming, update tasks as your wedding date changes, or sync between you and your partner. Lumière turns this checklist into a dated timeline with automatic reminders.

Start your free plan

Frequently asked questions

How do I plan a wedding in 6 months?

Compress the 12-month checklist into phases. In month 6, book the venue, caterer, photographer, and officiant immediately. In month 5, secure attire, florist, music, and transportation. In month 4, send invitations and finalize rentals. Months 2–3 are for RSVP tracking, seating, and final meetings. Expect fewer custom-order options and be flexible on dates.

How do I plan a wedding in 3 months?

Prioritize venue, officiant, and attire first. Use off-the-rack or sample sale dresses, digital invitations, and a restaurant or all-inclusive venue that handles catering in-house. Cut the guest list to simplify seating and rentals. Book a photographer and DJ as soon as you have a date. Accept that some details will be simpler—but the marriage is still the goal.

What is the most important thing to do first?

Set the budget and guest list. Those two numbers determine every other decision: venue size, catering style, bar package, and which vendors you can afford. Without them, you'll waste time falling in love with options that don't fit.

Should I use a wedding planning checklist app?

Yes. A spreadsheet is fine for numbers, but a checklist app ties tasks to your wedding date, updates deadlines automatically, and reminds you when vendors need answers. Lumière's timeline does exactly that—import the checklist below and turn it into a living plan.