No need to keep track of stacks of information or separate lists and notes. Use this checklist to create your wedding binder and you need not feel overwhelmed by planning your wedding. We have helped you stay focused on the main tasks, so this list can draw you back to what is important when you feel distracted by the millions of voices and possibilities that are grasping at your attention.
Remember to delegate tasks where possible. Your friends and family want to help, so let them, especially with things that need to be done on the weekend of the wedding. Though it can be difficult to give over control, trying to do everything yourself will leave you burnt out and frustrated. Planning your wedding as a team will add to the fun and excitement of the day and keep you from becoming stressed.
Let this checklist be your guide to make sure that every base is covered. Keeping a binder divided by vendor or category can also help you stay organized and in control.
Here is the checklist in a Microsoft Word format for download:
The Ultimate Wedding Checklist >>
You can also view our Wedding planning with Google Spreadsheet guide here:
Wedding planning with Google Spreadsheets >>
Or just go over the list right here :
| Task | Responsibility | Important Dates | Notes |
| What needs to be done? | Who needs to do it? | When must it be done? | What else must I remember? |
| Initial Wedding Planning | |||
| Collect ideas: | |||
| - Wedding Shows | |||
| - Bridal Magazines | |||
| Set a budget | |||
| Choose wedding party | |||
| Start guest list | |||
| Hire a planner | |||
| Choose a date | |||
| Book officiate | |||
| Begin Research | |||
| Venues: | |||
| - Ceremony | |||
| - Reception | |||
| - Rehearsal dinner | |||
| Photographer | |||
| Videographer | |||
| Caterers | |||
| Entertainment: | |||
| - DJ | |||
| - Band | |||
| - Other entertainment | |||
| Florists | |||
| Cake | |||
| Wedding dresses | |||
| Men’s formalwear | |||
| Reserve and Sign Contracts | |||
| Venues: | |||
| - Ceremony | |||
| - Reception | |||
| - Rehearsal dinner | |||
| - Venue extras: porta potty, electric, tents, tables, chairs | |||
| Photographer | |||
| Videographer | |||
| Caterers | |||
| Entertainment: | |||
| - DJ | |||
| - Band | |||
| - Other entertainment | |||
| Florists | |||
| Cake | |||
| Men’s formalwear | |||
| Limo/Transportation | |||
| For the Guests | |||
| Reserve hotel room block | |||
| Plan favors and gifts | |||
| Set up gift registries | |||
| Create & Customize a wedding invitation on Wedivite | |||
| Child care arrangements | |||
| Send invites | |||
| Go Shopping (yay!) | |||
| Wedding dress | |||
| Bridesmaid dresses | |||
| Invitations | |||
| Jewelry | |||
| Undergarments | |||
| Shoes | |||
| Rings | |||
| Wedding party gifts | |||
| Decorations | |||
| Choose a theme | |||
| Table linens | |||
| Flowers | |||
| Centerpieces | |||
| Favors | |||
| Delegate décor setup | |||
| Honeymoon | |||
| Set budget | |||
| Choose destination | |||
| Make bookings | |||
| Pack early | |||
| Update passports | |||
| Arrange house/pet sitter | |||
| Only Three Months to Go | |||
| Dress fittings | |||
| Finalize menu | |||
| Practice hair and makeup | |||
| Song list | |||
| Guest list to shower host | |||
| Readings and vows | |||
| Order of ceremony | |||
| Create timeline of the day | |||
| Touch base with vendors | |||
| Almost There: Last 30 Days | |||
| Review RSVPs & Export to CSV | |||
| Marriage license | |||
| Final dress fitting | |||
| Contract payments | |||
| Seating arrangement | |||
| Delegate tasks | |||
| - returning rentals | |||
| - transporting gifts | |||
| Break in your shoes | |||
| The Big Day | |||
| Have a wonderful time! | |||
| Greet all of your friends | |||
| Returning Home | |||
| Thank you cards | |||
| Wedding dress preservation | |||
| Meet with photographer | |||
| Download the photos you liked from your digital wedding album at Wedivite | |||
| Live happily ever after! | |||
