The Ultimate Wedding Checklist: From Engagement to Honeymoon
Congratulations on your engagement! Planning a wedding involves numerous details, so having a comprehensive checklist can help you stay organized. Here’s a timeline checklist from engagement to honeymoon:
12-18 Months Before:
- Announce Your Engagement:
- Share the exciting news with family and friends.
- Set a Date:
- Choose a tentative wedding date.
- Determine the Budget:
- Discuss and set a budget for the wedding.
- Create a Guest List:
- Draft a preliminary guest list to estimate the size of your wedding.
- Select a Venue:
- Research and book your ceremony and reception venues.
- Hire a Wedding Planner:
- Consider hiring a wedding planner if needed.
- Research Vendors:
- Start looking for and booking key vendors: photographer, videographer, caterer, and florist.
- Choose Bridal Party:
- Invite friends and family to be part of your bridal party.
8-12 Months Before:
9. Choose a Theme/Style: –
Decide on the overall theme or style of your wedding.
- Start Shopping for Wedding Attire:
- Begin the search for your wedding dress and attire for the bridal party.
- Send Save-the-Dates:
- Notify guests about the wedding date and location.
- Book Accommodations:
- Secure accommodations for out-of-town guests.
- Create a Wedding Website:
- Set up a wedding website with details about your big day.
- Finalize Vendors:
- Confirm and finalize contracts with vendors.
6-8 Months Before:
15. Order Invitations:
Design and order wedding invitations.
- Plan Honeymoon:
- Start researching and planning your honeymoon.
- Choose Officiant:
- Select and confirm your officiant.
- Register for Gifts:
- Set up a wedding registry.
- Arrange Transportation:
- Book transportation for the wedding day.
4-6 Months Before:
20. Plan Rehearsal Dinner:
Organize the rehearsal dinner and send invitations.
- Finalize Guest List:
- Confirm your guest list and gather RSVPs.
- Purchase Wedding Bands:
- Select and purchase wedding bands.
- Schedule Dress Fittings:
- Schedule fittings for your wedding attire.
- Organize Marriage License:
- Research and obtain the marriage license.
2-4 Months Before:
25. Finalize Décor Details:
Confirm details for flowers, centerpieces, and decorations.
- Send Invitations:
- Mail out wedding invitations.
- Plan Hair and Makeup:
- Schedule hair and makeup trials.
- Create Seating Chart:
- Work on the seating chart for the reception.
- Purchase Wedding Accessories:
- Purchase any additional accessories needed.
1-2 Months Before:
30. Confirm RSVPs:
Confirm final guest count with vendors.
- Finalize Ceremony Details:
- Finalize ceremony script and details.
- Apply for Marriage License:
- Apply for the marriage license if you haven’t already.
- Finalize Day-of Timeline:
- Create a detailed timeline for the wedding day.
- Pack for the Honeymoon:
- Begin packing for your honeymoon.
1 Week Before:
35. Confirm with Vendors:
Confirm all details with vendors.
- Prepare Day-of Emergency Kit:
- Assemble a kit with essentials for the wedding day.
- Practice Vows:
- Practice your vows if you’re writing your own.
- Delegate Day-of Tasks:
- Assign responsibilities to friends or family for the wedding day.
Day Before:
39. Rehearse Ceremony:
Rehearse the ceremony with your bridal party.
- Relax and Enjoy:
- Take some time to relax and enjoy the moment.
After the Wedding:
41. Send Thank-You Cards:
Send out thank-you cards to guests and vendors.
- Change Name/Address:
- If applicable, update your name and address.
- Preserve Wedding Dress:
- Arrange for the preservation of your wedding dress.
- Share Photos:
- Share wedding photos with family and friends.
- Review Finances:
- Review and settle any outstanding wedding expenses.
- Reflect and Celebrate:
- Take time to reflect on your special day and celebrate your new life together.
Remember, this checklist is a general guide, and you may need to adjust it based on your unique circumstances and preferences. Happy wedding planning!
