Agree on your top wedding priorities
Pick 3–5 shared priorities to guide every later choice
Agree on your top wedding priorities
Pick 3–5 shared priorities to guide every later choice
Checklist160 tasks · engagement to after the wedding
Wedding Planning Checklist & Timeline
Every wedding planning task, month by month. Tap any task for its guide and tick it off as you go — no account needed.
By The ReadyToWeddy Team · Updated
Quick answer
What should be on a wedding planning checklist?
A wedding planning checklist should cover priorities, a working budget and a guest estimate, then the venue 12–18 months out and key vendors 9–12 months out. Next come save-the-dates, attire, rings and invitations, then RSVPs, seating, the marriage license, final payments and the wedding-day timeline. It ends with thank-yous, returns and photo backups.
The month-by-month wedding planning timeline
Getting Started
Just engaged? Enjoy it first. The planning can start slowly.
Set your working budget
Agree on a total, add a contingency, then split by priority
Set your working budget
Agree on a total, add a contingency, then split by priority
Talk about family contributions
Clarify amounts, timing and any strings before you plan
Talk about family contributions
Clarify amounts, timing and any strings before you plan
Estimate your guest count
Your headcount drives venue size, catering and most costs
Estimate your guest count
Your headcount drives venue size, catering and most costs
Draft your guest list in three tiers
Must invite, would like, if space allows — adjust later
Draft your guest list in three tiers
Must invite, would like, if space allows — adjust later
Choose a season or date range
A flexible window makes venue and vendor dates easier
Choose a season or date range
A flexible window makes venue and vendor dates easier
Decide where you want to get married
Near home, near family or abroad shapes budget and guests
Decide where you want to get married
Near home, near family or abroad shapes budget and guests
Decide what kind of ceremony you want
Civil, religious or symbolic — it shapes venue and paperwork
Decide what kind of ceremony you want
Civil, religious or symbolic — it shapes venue and paperwork
Decide whether you need a planner
Full service, partial or day-of, based on time and budget
Decide whether you need a planner
Full service, partial or day-of, based on time and budget
Set up a shared planning system
One shared home for budget, guests, vendors and tasks
Set up a shared planning system
One shared home for budget, guests, vendors and tasks
Insure your engagement ring
A specialist policy or your home cover protects against loss
Insure your engagement ring
A specialist policy or your home cover protects against loss
Share your news the way you want to
Tell close people personally first, no details promised yet
Share your news the way you want to
Tell close people personally first, no details promised yet
12+ Months Before
Plenty of time. Start with the foundations.
Research and shortlist venues
Filter by capacity, budget, location and your dates
Research and shortlist venues
Filter by capacity, budget, location and your dates
Visit your shortlisted venues
Go at your wedding’s time of day with a list of questions
Visit your shortlisted venues
Go at your wedding’s time of day with a list of questions
Book your venue
Compare quotes and read the contract before you sign
Book your venue
Compare quotes and read the contract before you sign
Secure your ceremony location
Lock in a separate place of worship or office alongside it
Secure your ceremony location
Lock in a separate place of worship or office alongside it
Confirm your date and tell key people
Once contracts are signed, tell family and key vendors
Confirm your date and tell key people
Once contracts are signed, tell family and key vendors
Hire your planner or coordinator
Compare services, style and contract terms before you hire
Hire your planner or coordinator
Compare services, style and contract terms before you hire
Book your wedding photographer
Compare full galleries, coverage hours and delivery times
Book your wedding photographer
Compare full galleries, coverage hours and delivery times
Decide on a videographer
Decide if you want film, then match style and deliverables
Decide on a videographer
Decide if you want film, then match style and deliverables
Book your caterer
Compare full quotes with staff, equipment and service fees
Book your caterer
Compare full quotes with staff, equipment and service fees
Book your officiant
Make sure they can lead your ceremony and any legal part
Book your officiant
Make sure they can lead your ceremony and any legal part
Book your band or DJ
Check venue noise and power rules, then compare set times
Book your band or DJ
Check venue noise and power rules, then compare set times
Know what to check in every vendor contract
Inclusions, payments, cancellation, substitutes, usage rights
Know what to check in every vendor contract
Inclusions, payments, cancellation, substitutes, usage rights
Consider wedding insurance
Know the exclusions and if your venue requires liability cover
Consider wedding insurance
Know the exclusions and if your venue requires liability cover
Start researching wedding outfits
Set a budget and check lead times before you fall in love
Start researching wedding outfits
Set a budget and check lead times before you fall in love
Check destination wedding requirements
Residency, documents, translation and legal vs symbolic
Check destination wedding requirements
Residency, documents, translation and legal vs symbolic
Check passport validity for both of you
Many countries need months of validity past your trip
Check passport validity for both of you
Many countries need months of validity past your trip
Choose your wedding party
Ask each person personally and be clear on time and costs
Choose your wedding party
Ask each person personally and be clear on time and costs
9–12 Months Before
Your big pieces are in place. Now for the people and the plans around them.
Book your florist
Secure the date and plan around what’s in season
Book your florist
Secure the date and plan around what’s in season
Book hair and makeup
Good artists take limited bookings on busy weekends
Book hair and makeup
Good artists take limited bookings on busy weekends
Book rentals and equipment
Furniture, linens, tents and power for blank-canvas venues
Book rentals and equipment
Furniture, linens, tents and power for blank-canvas venues
Check permits for a private or outdoor venue
Homes, parks and beaches may need event or alcohol permits
Check permits for a private or outdoor venue
Homes, parks and beaches may need event or alcohol permits
Create your wedding website
Date, location, travel and hotels before save-the-dates go
Create your wedding website
Date, location, travel and hotels before save-the-dates go
Collect guest addresses and contact details
Mailing, email and phone for every household in one sheet
Collect guest addresses and contact details
Mailing, email and phone for every household in one sheet
Reserve accommodation for guests
A room block gives traveling guests a set rate nearby
Reserve accommodation for guests
A room block gives traveling guests a set rate nearby
Book your getting-ready space and wedding-night stay
Good light and space for hair, makeup and photos
Book your getting-ready space and wedding-night stay
Good light and space for hair, makeup and photos
Plan how guests will get around
Getting there, moving between venues and getting home
Plan how guests will get around
Getting there, moving between venues and getting home
Set up your registry
Items, experiences or funds that actually suit you
Set up your registry
Items, experiences or funds that actually suit you
Book an engagement photo session
Get to know your photographer and images for save-the-dates
Book an engagement photo session
Get to know your photographer and images for save-the-dates
Order your wedding outfits
Made-to-order pieces take months, plus time for alterations
Order your wedding outfits
Made-to-order pieces take months, plus time for alterations
Book your cake or dessert supplier
Check what your venue or caterer includes and allows first
Book your cake or dessert supplier
Check what your venue or caterer includes and allows first
Share travel details with destination guests
Flights, stays, entry rules and costs so guests can budget
Share travel details with destination guests
Flights, stays, entry rules and costs so guests can budget
Research marriage license requirements
Learn the application window and what to bring
Research marriage license requirements
Learn the application window and what to bring
Complete any religious ceremony requirements
Ask about meetings, courses and documents your faith needs
Complete any religious ceremony requirements
Ask about meetings, courses and documents your faith needs
6–9 Months Before
You’re building the details now.
Send save-the-dates
Names, date, location and website — earlier for destinations
Send save-the-dates
Names, date, location and website — earlier for destinations
Book the remaining vendors
Only add services that serve your shared priorities
Book the remaining vendors
Only add services that serve your shared priorities
Review your budget against real quotes
Estimates vs quotes, extras, contingency and what to trim
Review your budget against real quotes
Estimates vs quotes, extras, contingency and what to trim
Plan the ceremony structure
Order, readings, music, processional and rough length
Plan the ceremony structure
Order, readings, music, processional and rough length
Plan your honeymoon
Book flights and stays, and check entry requirements
Plan your honeymoon
Book flights and stays, and check entry requirements
Request time off work
Cover prep days, the day after and any honeymoon
Request time off work
Cover prep days, the day after and any honeymoon
Review accessibility and guest needs
Step-free access, seating, hearing support and a quiet space
Review accessibility and guest needs
Step-free access, seating, hearing support and a quiet space
Choose wedding party outfits
Leave time for alterations and agree who pays for what
Choose wedding party outfits
Leave time for alterations and agree who pays for what
Plan a rehearsal or welcome dinner
Decide who’s invited, who’s hosting and where it happens
Plan a rehearsal or welcome dinner
Decide who’s invited, who’s hosting and where it happens
Book transport for the two of you
To the ceremony, between venues and away at the end
Book transport for the two of you
To the ceremony, between venues and away at the end
Decide on plus-ones and children
Set one clear rule for each, before anything is sent
Decide on plus-ones and children
Set one clear rule for each, before anything is sent
Decide your dress code
A clear term that suits the venue, season and footwear
Decide your dress code
A clear term that suits the venue, season and footwear
Sketch the reception flow
Rough times for entrance, meal, speeches and dancing
Sketch the reception flow
Rough times for entrance, meal, speeches and dancing
Check venue rules for vendors and décor
Noise curfews, candles, confetti and required suppliers
Check venue rules for vendors and décor
Noise curfews, candles, confetti and required suppliers
3–6 Months Before
Things are coming together.
Design and order your invitations
Agree wording and RSVP method, leaving time to proof and print
Design and order your invitations
Agree wording and RSVP method, leaving time to proof and print
Finalize your menu and tasting
Taste first, then lock in dietary options and late-night food
Finalize your menu and tasting
Taste first, then lock in dietary options and late-night food
Plan the bar and drinks
Pick a package, add alcohol-free options, confirm licensing
Plan the bar and drinks
Pick a package, add alcohol-free options, confirm licensing
Finalize flowers and décor
Quantities, setup, cleanup and pieces that move between spaces
Finalize flowers and décor
Quantities, setup, cleanup and pieces that move between spaces
Confirm transportation details
Give every address, pickup time and a day-of contact
Confirm transportation details
Give every address, pickup time and a day-of contact
Buy your wedding rings
Leave time for sizing, engraving and insurance
Buy your wedding rings
Leave time for sizing, engraving and insurance
Plan signage and on-the-day stationery
Only the signs guests need: welcome, directions, tables
Plan signage and on-the-day stationery
Only the signs guests need: welcome, directions, tables
Decide how guests will share photos
One simple method, like a shared album or QR upload
Decide how guests will share photos
One simple method, like a shared album or QR upload
Decide on an unplugged ceremony
Phones away during the vows — tell guests kindly
Decide on an unplugged ceremony
Phones away during the vows — tell guests kindly
Choose your key music moments
Processional, recessional, first dance and last song
Choose your key music moments
Processional, recessional, first dance and last song
Schedule hair and makeup trials
Test the look after choosing outfits, with time to adjust
Schedule hair and makeup trials
Test the look after choosing outfits, with time to adjust
Decide on wedding favors
Optional — if you give them, pick things guests will use
Decide on wedding favors
Optional — if you give them, pick things guests will use
Choose a guest book or keepsake
A book, cards, audio or photos, plus someone to look after it
Choose a guest book or keepsake
A book, cards, audio or photos, plus someone to look after it
Write your vows
Check what your officiant allows, then draft and revise
Write your vows
Check what your officiant allows, then draft and revise
Decide who will give speeches
Give each speaker a slot, an order and a few-minute limit
Decide who will give speeches
Give each speaker a slot, an order and a few-minute limit
Buy shoes and accessories
Bring them to your first fitting so hems are right
Buy shoes and accessories
Bring them to your first fitting so hems are right
Plan bachelor and bachelorette parties
Hold them weeks before so everyone can rest and recover
Plan bachelor and bachelorette parties
Hold them weeks before so everyone can rest and recover
Agree on a wet-weather plan
Covered backup, tent or heating costs and guest comfort
Agree on a wet-weather plan
Covered backup, tent or heating costs and guest comfort
1–3 Months Before
RSVPs are arriving. The plan is getting real, one reply at a time.
Send your wedding invitations
Set an RSVP deadline about 3–4 weeks before the day
Send your wedding invitations
Set an RSVP deadline about 3–4 weeks before the day
Track RSVPs as they arrive
Attendance, meals, dietary and access needs in one list
Track RSVPs as they arrive
Attendance, meals, dietary and access needs in one list
Follow up on missing RSVPs
A kind nudge after the deadline keeps numbers on track
Follow up on missing RSVPs
A kind nudge after the deadline keeps numbers on track
Create your seating plan
Group guests thoughtfully around access needs and family
Create your seating plan
Group guests thoughtfully around access needs and family
Apply for your marriage license
Check the window, any waiting period and the expiry date
Apply for your marriage license
Check the window, any waiting period and the expiry date
Confirm your officiant can legally marry you
Especially important when a friend or relative officiates
Confirm your officiant can legally marry you
Especially important when a friend or relative officiates
Attend your outfit fittings
Bring your shoes and undergarments so alterations fit
Attend your outfit fittings
Bring your shoes and undergarments so alterations fit
Finalize ceremony details
Readings, music cues, microphones and required wording
Finalize ceremony details
Readings, music cues, microphones and required wording
Create your wedding-day timeline
Build around fixed moments, then add buffer time
Create your wedding-day timeline
Build around fixed moments, then add buffer time
Set up guest photo sharing
Test it on several phones, then add it to site and signs
Set up guest photo sharing
Test it on several phones, then add it to site and signs
List every final payment
Amounts, due dates, who pays and whether tips are included
List every final payment
Amounts, due dates, who pays and whether tips are included
Share a must-have photo list
Focus on family groups and people they won’t recognize
Share a must-have photo list
Focus on family groups and people they won’t recognize
Arrange vendor meals
Check contracts and add vendors to your caterer’s numbers
Arrange vendor meals
Check contracts and add vendors to your caterer’s numbers
Prepare welcome bags or notes
Water, snacks, a local map and the weekend schedule
Prepare welcome bags or notes
Water, snacks, a local map and the weekend schedule
Buy gifts for your wedding party and parents
For your wedding party, parents and key helpers
Buy gifts for your wedding party and parents
For your wedding party, parents and key helpers
Set the exact weather decision point
Name who makes the call and when the backup kicks in
Set the exact weather decision point
Name who makes the call and when the backup kicks in
1 Month Before
Time to turn plans into confirmations.
Confirm your final guest count
Lock numbers once RSVPs close so vendors can plan
Confirm your final guest count
Lock numbers once RSVPs close so vendors can plan
Send final numbers to vendors
Headcount, meals and dietary needs by each contract deadline
Send final numbers to vendors
Headcount, meals and dietary needs by each contract deadline
Do a final venue walkthrough
Check layout, power, access, storage and timings
Do a final venue walkthrough
Check layout, power, access, storage and timings
Confirm vendor arrival and access times
Load-in, parking, and setup and cleanup windows
Confirm vendor arrival and access times
Load-in, parking, and setup and cleanup windows
Finalize the ceremony and reception layout
Floor plans so the venue and rentals set up correctly
Finalize the ceremony and reception layout
Floor plans so the venue and rentals set up correctly
Print place cards and the seating chart
Proofread every name and leave room for late changes
Print place cards and the seating chart
Proofread every name and leave room for late changes
Approve signs and printed materials
Check every name, date and time on the final proofs
Approve signs and printed materials
Check every name, date and time on the final proofs
Test your printed QR codes
Scan each one on several phones before the day
Test your printed QR codes
Scan each one on several phones before the day
Assign wedding-day responsibilities
One named person each for rings, gifts, vendors and cleanup
Assign wedding-day responsibilities
One named person each for rings, gifts, vendors and cleanup
Decide who looks after gifts and cards
A lockable box, a watched spot and a safe way home
Decide who looks after gifts and cards
A lockable box, a watched spot and a safe way home
Prepare your own thank-you words
A few warm minutes for guests, family and helpers
Prepare your own thank-you words
A few warm minutes for guests, family and helpers
Confirm guest accommodation details
Check room-block bookings, release dates and shuttles
Confirm guest accommodation details
Check room-block bookings, release dates and shuttles
Choose your wedding-day point of contact
Someone other than you two, shared with every vendor
Choose your wedding-day point of contact
Someone other than you two, shared with every vendor
Check mobile signal and Wi-Fi at the venue
Weak coverage affects payments, uploads and coordination
Check mobile signal and Wi-Fi at the venue
Weak coverage affects payments, uploads and coordination
2 Weeks Before
Final checks now. The hard work is already behind you.
Send the final timeline to vendors
Arrival times, addresses and your day-of contact’s details
Send the final timeline to vendors
Arrival times, addresses and your day-of contact’s details
Reconfirm every vendor
Date, arrival time, address, services and on-site contact
Reconfirm every vendor
Date, arrival time, address, services and on-site contact
Prepare final payments and tips
Pay due balances and label day-of envelopes clearly
Prepare final payments and tips
Pay due balances and label day-of envelopes clearly
Start packing for the wedding and honeymoon
Separate wedding-day items, overnight bags and travel gear
Start packing for the wedding and honeymoon
Separate wedding-day items, overnight bags and travel gear
Review your backup plans
Weather, power, transport, illness — and who knows each
Review your backup plans
Weather, power, transport, illness — and who knows each
Attend your final fitting
Wear your wedding shoes and arrange outfit pickup
Attend your final fitting
Wear your wedding shoes and arrange outfit pickup
Book pre-wedding grooming
Stick to treatments you’ve had before — no surprises
Book pre-wedding grooming
Stick to treatments you’ve had before — no surprises
Confirm rental and décor deliveries
Quantities, delivery times, drop-off point and collection
Confirm rental and décor deliveries
Quantities, delivery times, drop-off point and collection
Send music requests and a do-not-play list
Key songs, a short request list and timings for each moment
Send music requests and a do-not-play list
Key songs, a short request list and timings for each moment
Send guests the final details
Timings, addresses, parking, dress code and photo link
Send guests the final details
Timings, addresses, parking, dress code and photo link
Wedding Week
Most decisions are done. Focus on handoffs and essentials.
Gather your marriage documents
License and ID checked, with one person to bring them
Gather your marriage documents
License and ID checked, with one person to bring them
Check the rings are ready
Try them on, check engraving and choose who holds them
Check the rings are ready
Try them on, check engraving and choose who holds them
Hold your ceremony rehearsal
Everyone learns where to stand, when to walk and what to do
Hold your ceremony rehearsal
Everyone learns where to stand, when to walk and what to do
Steam and prepare your outfits
Steam, then hang with shoes and accessories in one place
Steam and prepare your outfits
Steam, then hang with shoes and accessories in one place
Pack a wedding-day emergency kit
Sewing kit, stain remover, bandages, chargers and snacks
Pack a wedding-day emergency kit
Sewing kit, stain remover, bandages, chargers and snacks
Charge devices and power banks
Phones, speakers and card readers ready the night before
Charge devices and power banks
Phones, speakers and card readers ready the night before
Save vendor contacts offline
Phone numbers saved offline, plus a printed sheet
Save vendor contacts offline
Phone numbers saved offline, plus a printed sheet
Reconfirm pickup times and routes
Allow for traffic, road closures and parking
Reconfirm pickup times and routes
Allow for traffic, road closures and parking
Drop off décor at the venue
Labeled boxes with setup notes and a pickup plan
Drop off décor at the venue
Labeled boxes with setup notes and a pickup plan
Plan food and water for getting ready
Simple snacks and water so everyone eats before it starts
Plan food and water for getting ready
Simple snacks and water so everyone eats before it starts
Hand over vendor communication
Vendors now go to your day-of contact, not you two
Hand over vendor communication
Vendors now go to your day-of contact, not you two
Stop making big changes
Only fix what truly needs it — what you have is ready
Stop making big changes
Only fix what truly needs it — what you have is ready
The Day Before
You’ve planned this. Let your people take it from here.
Check in with your coordinator
Run through timeline, deliveries and who handles what
Check in with your coordinator
Run through timeline, deliveries and who handles what
Put rings, documents and outfits in one place
Nothing important to hunt for on the morning itself
Put rings, documents and outfits in one place
Nothing important to hunt for on the morning itself
Hand over payment envelopes
Vendors get paid on time without you handling money
Hand over payment envelopes
Vendors get paid on time without you handling money
Eat properly, drink water and rest
Regular meals, plenty of water and an early, quiet night
Eat properly, drink water and rest
Regular meals, plenty of water and an early, quiet night
Set alarms and confirm the morning plan
Two alarms, plus wake-up, beauty, breakfast and pickup times
Set alarms and confirm the morning plan
Two alarms, plus wake-up, beauty, breakfast and pickup times
Write a note for your partner
A few heartfelt lines, delivered on the morning
Write a note for your partner
A few heartfelt lines, delivered on the morning
Wedding Day
Nothing else to plan. Go get married. ♡
Keep your essentials with one trusted person
Rings, documents, vows, ID and phone always accounted for
Keep your essentials with one trusted person
Rings, documents, vows, ID and phone always accounted for
Sign your marriage documents
With your officiant and witnesses — agree who files them
Sign your marriage documents
With your officiant and witnesses — agree who files them
Make sure you eat your meal
Sit down before greeting guests and ask for a plate saved
Make sure you eat your meal
Sit down before greeting guests and ask for a plate saved
Take a quiet moment together
Five to ten minutes alone, often right after the ceremony
Take a quiet moment together
Five to ten minutes alone, often right after the ceremony
Enjoy the wedding
The work is done and trusted people have it handled
Enjoy the wedding
The work is done and trusted people have it handled
First 48 Hours After
Rest first. Then a few small things before they slip away.
Collect and secure gifts and cards
Gather everything from the venue and store it safely
Collect and secure gifts and cards
Gather everything from the venue and store it safely
Return rentals and borrowed items
Meet each contract’s return date to avoid late fees
Return rentals and borrowed items
Meet each contract’s return date to avoid late fees
Collect décor and personal belongings
Décor, signs and guest book within the pickup window
Collect décor and personal belongings
Décor, signs and guest book within the pickup window
Check getting-ready and hotel rooms
Look for chargers, jewelry, outfit pieces and gifts
Check getting-ready and hotel rooms
Look for chargers, jewelry, outfit pieces and gifts
Store your wedding outfits safely
Somewhere clean and dry — note stains before cleaning
Store your wedding outfits safely
Somewhere clean and dry — note stains before cleaning
Download guest photos and videos
Save shared uploads and nudge anyone still holding photos
Download guest photos and videos
Save shared uploads and nudge anyone still holding photos
Back up your photos and videos
Keep at least two copies, like cloud and an external drive
Back up your photos and videos
Keep at least two copies, like cloud and an external drive
Confirm who has the marriage documents
Check they’ve been returned or registered officially
Confirm who has the marriage documents
Check they’ve been returned or registered officially
First Month After
A few final things, then you’re officially done.
Send thank-you notes
Name each gift or kindness and add a personal line
Send thank-you notes
Name each gift or kindness and add a personal line
Leave reviews for your vendors
Share specific details that will help future couples
Leave reviews for your vendors
Share specific details that will help future couples
Follow up on photos, video and other deliverables
Track contract delivery dates and follow up kindly
Follow up on photos, video and other deliverables
Track contract delivery dates and follow up kindly
Clean or preserve your outfits
Specialist clean, then preserve, sell, donate or store
Clean or preserve your outfits
Specialist clean, then preserve, sell, donate or store
Update your name, if you’re changing it
Start with core ID once you have the marriage certificate
Update your name, if you’re changing it
Start with core ID once you have the marriage certificate
Order certified copies of your marriage certificate
Several copies for name changes, banks and passports
Order certified copies of your marriage certificate
Several copies for name changes, banks and passports
Update finances, insurance and beneficiaries
Accounts, insurance, beneficiaries and emergency contacts
Update finances, insurance and beneficiaries
Accounts, insurance, beneficiaries and emergency contacts
Settle final charges and deposits
Check invoices against contracts and get deposits back
Settle final charges and deposits
Check invoices against contracts and get deposits back
Organize gifts and close your registry
Handle returns, use registry perks and close it out
Organize gifts and close your registry
Handle returns, use registry perks and close it out
Share photos with your guests
A gallery link or album, within your photographer’s terms
Share photos with your guests
A gallery link or album, within your photographer’s terms
Choose photos for prints or an album
Shortlist favorites and check any album selection deadline
Choose photos for prints or an album
Shortlist favorites and check any album selection deadline
Update or close your wedding website
Add a thank-you and photos, or close it when done
Update or close your wedding website
Add a thank-you and photos, or close it when done
In-depth wedding planning guides
Step-by-step help for the decisions that shape the rest of your plan.
Budget
How to Set a Wedding Budget (Step by Step)
Agree on a total, add a contingency, then split by priority
3 min readRead
Guest List
How to Make a Wedding Guest List (3-Tier Method)
Must invite, would like, if space allows — adjust later
2 min readRead
Vendors
Do You Need a Wedding Planner? How to Decide
Full service, partial or day-of, based on time and budget
4 min readRead
Venue & Date
How to Book a Wedding Venue: Checklist & Questions
Compare quotes and read the contract before you sign
3 min readRead
Photography & Video
How to Choose and Book a Wedding Photographer
Compare full galleries, coverage hours and delivery times
3 min readRead
Food & Drink
How to Choose a Wedding Caterer: Questions & Checklist
Compare full quotes with staff, equipment and service fees
4 min readRead
Wedding planning timeline at a glance
| When | Main priorities |
|---|---|
| Getting started | Agree on priorities, set a working budget, estimate your guest count, choose a date range and location |
| 12+ months | Research and book the venue (ideally 12–18 months out), confirm the date, start booking priority vendors such as photographer, caterer and officiant |
| 9–12 months | Book florist and rentals, create your wedding website, reserve guest accommodation, order wedding outfits |
| 6–9 months | Send save-the-dates, book remaining vendors, plan the ceremony and reception flow, plan the honeymoon |
| 3–6 months | Design and order invitations, finalize menu and décor, shop for rings, choose music, agree on a wet-weather plan |
| 1–3 months | Send invitations 6–8 weeks out, track RSVPs, create the seating plan, apply for your marriage license, attend fittings, build the day-of timeline |
| 1 month | Confirm final numbers, do the venue walkthrough, assign wedding-day responsibilities |
| 2 weeks | Send the final timeline to vendors, reconfirm everyone, prepare final payments |
| Wedding week | Gather documents and rings, rehearse, pack an emergency kit, hand over vendor contact |
| Wedding day | Keep essentials with one trusted person, let others handle questions, enjoy it |
| After | Secure gifts, return rentals, back up photos, send thank-you notes, settle final charges |
Checklists for your kind of wedding
The same checklist, adapted: what changes, what matters most and what you can skip.
- Destination wedding checklistDecide early whether you’ll marry legally abroad or at home with a symbolic ceremony at the destination.
- Micro wedding checklistA firm number shapes the venue, the budget and how personal the day can be.
- Courthouse wedding checklistThe license, documents and appointment are the core tasks, so start with your local office.
- Elopement checklistNo guest list, invitations or seating, so planning centers on the place and the moment.
- How to plan a wedding in 6 monthsBudget, guest count, venue, officiant, photographer and caterer are all settled in roughly the first four weeks.
- DIY wedding checklistA single shared planning system and vendor tracker do the job a planner would.
Wedding checklist by category
All 160+ tasks by category →The same tasks, organized around what you’re working on right now.
- Venue & Date10 tasks
- Budget6 tasks
- Guest List8 tasks
- Vendors14 tasks
- Photography & Video8 tasks
- Attire12 tasks
- Invitations & Stationery7 tasks
- Ceremony14 tasks
- Reception8 tasks
- Food & Drink7 tasks
- Flowers & Décor7 tasks
- Music & Entertainment3 tasks
- Transportation6 tasks
- Accommodation & Travel6 tasks
- Legal & Documents14 tasks
- Wedding Website3 tasks
- Registry5 tasks
- Wedding Party6 tasks
- Beauty & Grooming7 tasks
- Rings5 tasks
- Seating3 tasks
- Timeline & Logistics17 tasks
- Guest Experience15 tasks
- Photo Sharing8 tasks
- Honeymoon3 tasks
- Payments & Contracts9 tasks
- Backup Plans7 tasks
- Post-Wedding Wrap-Up13 tasks
Essential, recommended and optional tasks
Every task has a priority. When planning feels like too much, handle the essentials first, then the recommended tasks that support what matters to you.
- Essential
- The wedding depends on it legally or practically
- e.g. Venue, officiant, marriage license, guest count, food
- Recommended
- Reduces stress or clearly improves the day
- e.g. Wedding-day timeline, contracts review, backup plans, transport
- Optional
- A preference or tradition — keep it only if it matters to you
- e.g. Favors, engagement photos, welcome bags, rehearsal dinner
Plan the wedding, not every tradition
- ♡You don’t need something just because it’s traditional.
- ♡If it doesn’t matter to either of you, skip it.
- ♡Your wedding doesn’t need every idea you’ve ever saved.
- ♡Done is sometimes better than perfect.
Mark anything that doesn’t fit as Not for us. It’s one less thing to think about.
Wedding tasks couples commonly forget
- Meals for vendors who work through dinner
- Who looks after gifts and cards at the reception
- The exact time you’ll make the rain decision
- Mobile signal and Wi-Fi at the venue
- Chargers and power banks for the day
- Vendor contacts saved offline
- Who has the rings and marriage documents
- Transport home after the reception
- Returning rentals on time
- Checking the getting-ready room before checkout
- Backing up every photo and video
- Food and water while getting ready
Wedding checklist FAQ
What is the first thing to do when planning a wedding?
Agree on your top priorities as a couple, set a working budget and estimate your guest count. Those three decisions determine which venues, dates and wedding styles are realistic, so they come before any booking.
What should you book first for a wedding?
The venue is usually the first major booking because it fixes your date, location and capacity. After that, book the vendors that matter most to you and tend to fill up early, such as your photographer, caterer, officiant and band or DJ.
How far in advance should you start planning a wedding?
Many couples plan over about 12 months, and 12–18 months gives the most choice of venues and vendors. Smaller or simpler weddings can come together in a few months by combining early steps and focusing on essentials.
Can you plan a wedding in 6 months or less?
Yes. Start with your budget, guest count, venue, legal requirements and the vendors that matter most, then simplify optional details. ReadyToWeddy compresses the timeline automatically when you enter a date that’s coming up soon.
How many tasks are on a wedding checklist?
A thorough checklist covers roughly 100–160 tasks, but not every wedding needs all of them. ReadyToWeddy marks each task as essential, recommended or optional, and lets you mark anything that doesn’t apply as “Not for us.”
When should wedding invitations go out?
Invitations commonly go out about 6–8 weeks before the wedding, or 8–12 weeks ahead for destination weddings or when many guests need to travel. Set the RSVP deadline about 3–4 weeks before, so you can give your caterer final numbers, usually due 1–3 weeks before, and finish the seating plan.
What do couples most often forget when planning a wedding?
Commonly missed details include vendor meals, who looks after gifts and cards, a clear rain-decision time, transport home, chargers, offline vendor contacts, rental returns and backing up photos. Each has its own task in this checklist.
Is this wedding checklist free?
Yes. The full checklist is free to read, print and use without an account, and it always will be. If you want it saved as your own plan — on every device, shared with your partner, with your dates and notes — that part is free for 14 days and then $29 once.