Wedding Checklist & Wedding To-Do List

* 12 or More Months Before
o Determine potential dates and times for your wedding.
o Decide on the size, formality and setting of your wedding.
o Create a wedding and engagement budget.
o Reserve the locations for your wedding and reception.
o Meet with and book your wedding officiant or clergy.
o Choose your wedding party and confirm the participants.
o Choose your wedding rings.
o Draw up an initial guest list.
o Organize your engagement party.

* 9–12 Months Before
o Order your wedding dress and attendants’ attire.
o Book your photographer and videographer.
o Reserve a caterer.
o Arrange for decor, chair covers and linens.
o Book your live entertainment or DJ.
o Reserve your florist.
o Order your wedding cake.
o Reserve any rental items from the rental company.
o Register your gift choices at your favourite stores.
o Research accommodation for out-of-town guests.
o Plan your honeymoon.

* 6–9 Months Before
o Decide on your menu.
o Reserve the musicians and soloist for your ceremony.
o Reserve your limousine service.
o Order your invitations and any other stationery.
o Order bombonieres for your guests.
o Choose outfits for mother of the bride and mother of the groom.
o Check marriage licence requirements.

* 3–6 Months Before
o Finalize your guest list.
o Choose the reader for your ceremony.
o Finalize your order with the florist.
o Reserve the men’s wedding attire.
o Make an appointment with your hairdresser.

* 2 Months Before
o Mail the invitations.
o Decide on your wedding vows or compose your own.
o Finalize the reception menus.
o Confirm the wedding details with the musicians and clergy or officiant.
o Have the programs printed.
o Purchase gifts for parents and attendants.
o Make appointments for nails and make-up.
o Schedule final dress fitting.

* 1 Month Before
o Apply for a marriage licence.
o Plan the rehearsal dinner.
o Meet with photographer and videographer.

* 2 Weeks Before
o Have a party for the attendants.
o Draft the speeches.
o Finalize reception details.
o Call any guests who have not replied.
o Meet with your hairdresser and make-up artist for consultation.
o Deliver song lists to musicians or playlists to DJ.
o Confirm honeymoon reservations.

* 1 Week Before
o Finalize seating plan.
o Determine the order for the procession.
o Have your rehearsal.
o Confirm accommodation reservations.
o Pick up the attire for the groomsmen.
o Confirm the final numbers with the caterer.
o Confirm details with the limousine company.
o Deliver your marriage licence to the officiant.
o Draw up a seating arrangement for the reception and write out the place cards.
o Choose someone to hand out the bombonieres.
o Choose someone to return any rented items after the wedding.
o Write any cheques required for the wedding day.
o Pack for your honeymoon.

* On the Day
o Give the wedding bands to the best man.
o Give the best man any cheques that need to be given out that day.
o Present the attendants and parents with their gifts.
o Relax and enjoy your special day!

* After the Wedding
o Make a gift list and send out your thank-you notes.
o Send thank-you letters to suppliers and attendants.
o Arrange for cleaning and preservation of your gown.