Wedding Checklist: The Ultimate Step‑by‑Step Guide

Planning a wedding can feel like juggling a million tiny details. A solid checklist keeps everything in one place, stops you from forgetting the important stuff, and cuts down the stress. Below you’ll find a clear roadmap that you can copy, tweak, or print. Follow it from the first spark of the engagement all the way to the final dance.

Early Planning (0‑12 Months)

1. Set a budget. Sit down with your partner (and anyone else who’s contributing) and decide how much you can spend. Write down the big categories – venue, dress, food, photography, flowers – then allocate a realistic amount to each.

2. Choose a date and book the venue. Popular venues fill up quickly, so lock in your date as soon as possible. Check if you need a backup plan for bad weather, especially for outdoor locations.

3. Draft a guest list. Knowing how many people you’ll invite helps you pick the right venue size and estimate costs for catering, invitations, and seating.

4. Hire key vendors. Start with a photographer, caterer, and main entertainer (band or DJ). Look at portfolios, read reviews, and meet them in person to make sure the vibe matches yours.

5. Pick your dress. Give yourself at least three months for fittings and alterations. Remember to factor in accessories – veil, shoes, jewellery – when budgeting.

6. Send save‑the‑dates. If your guests are traveling, give them at least six months to arrange flights and accommodations.

Final Weeks & Day‑Of

7. Finalize the invitation suite. Double‑check wording, RSVP details, and postage weight. Send them 6‑8 weeks before the wedding, and set a clear RSVP deadline.

8. Confirm all vendor contracts. Touch base with each vendor a week before the big day. Verify delivery times, set‑up requirements, and any last‑minute changes.

9. Create a day‑of timeline. List the order of events – ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, speeches, first dance – with exact start times. Share the schedule with the wedding party and vendors.

10. Pack an emergency kit. Include safety pins, stain remover, pain relievers, extra hosiery, and a spare pair of shoes. It’s the tiny things that save the day.

11. Rehearse the ceremony. A quick run‑through with the officiant, bridal party, and parents clears up any confusion and eases nerves.

12. Relax and enjoy. On the morning of, take a few minutes for yourself – sip tea, do some light stretches, and remind yourself why you’re celebrating love.

Use this checklist as a living document. Add, remove, or rearrange items to fit your unique wedding style. When everything is written down, you’ll feel more in control, and you can focus on the fun parts: tasting cake, picking out centrepieces, and dancing the night away.