Planning a wedding is exciting—but without a clear wedding planning checklist, it’s easy to feel lost in the details. I know that feeling of sitting down with a blank notebook and a head full of questions, wondering where to even begin. That’s why I created this guide—not as a generic list, but as a straightforward plan that walks you through every key stage.
Each section gives you realistic, manageable tasks to keep your plans moving forward without the overwhelm. Whether you're working with a wedding planner or organising it all yourself, this checklist helps you take control and feel confident about your big day.
Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist: 12+ Months Before Your Wedding
This is your foundation phase and arguably the most important part of your wedding planning checklist. Everything begins here, and setting up the right structure from the start will help make the entire journey feel smoother and more enjoyable. Use this time to dream big, but also to ground those dreams in practical planning.
Start by sitting down with your partner and openly discussing your priorities. What matters most to each of you? Whether it’s a large celebration or an intimate gathering, being clear from day one helps guide your decisions throughout the process. Once you’ve aligned on your vision, it’s time to take actionable steps.
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Set a budget: Be realistic and thorough. Factor in every expected cost—from your venue and food to outfits and thank-you gifts. A smart wedding planner checklist will always include a contingency fund for last-minute surprises.
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Draft a preliminary guest list: Your guest count affects almost every element of your day, from venue size to catering and seating plans.
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Research and book your venue: Popular venues get booked up early, especially for peak seasons. Decide whether you want a weekday or weekend wedding and lock in the date.
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Consider hiring a wedding planner: If your schedule is already full or you're not confident handling logistics, a planner can be an incredible asset.
This stage is also a great time to start browsing through wedding inspiration. Create mood boards, save links, and start forming a picture of the experience you want to create.
Creating your dream wedding offers ideas on how to shape your vision practically requires a detailed planning checklist for your wedding ensures you stay on track, enjoy the process, and make confident decisions from the beginning.
Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist: 9-12 Months Before
This is when the wheels start turning and your wedding planning checklist begins to take shape in real, exciting ways. With your date and venue booked, now’s the time to secure the essential pieces that will bring your day to life. Booking early during this phase means less stress and more choice later on.
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Book your major vendors: This includes your photographer, videographer, caterer, florist, and entertainment. These suppliers often get booked up quickly, especially for peak wedding seasons. Prioritise those you connect with—your photographer will be capturing your most emotional moments, so comfort and trust are key.
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Start your dress journey: Finding the perfect dress takes time. Many bridal gowns are made-to-order, and multiple fittings may be required. This is also the ideal time to start looking at attire for bridesmaids or your partner.
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Arrange guest accommodations: Whether you’re hosting a countryside escape or a city celebration, make sure to provide nearby accommodation options. If you’re planning a destination wedding, a wedding checklist should include researching group discounts or room blocks.
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Consider your officiant: If you’re not marrying in a traditional religious setting, take time to find an officiant who reflects your values. Some couples even choose a friend or family member to lead the ceremony.
As you bring together these important elements, think about how you’ll preserve the memories. Our premium velvet photo albums offer a beautifully timeless way to relive your favourite moments again and again.
For added support and digital organisation, the Bridebook wedding planning app is a great companion to your checklist, offering timelines, budget tracking, and vendor recommendations.
Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist: 6-9 Months Before
This period is all about refinement. With the major decisions in place, your wedding planning checklist shifts from big-picture decisions to the creative and personal details that bring everything together. It's about shaping the experience, setting the tone, and communicating your vision clearly to everyone involved.
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Send Save the Dates: These are essential if your wedding falls during a busy season or involves travel. Sending them now gives your guests time to plan, request time off, or make arrangements.
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Select your wedding party: Choose the friends and family you want by your side. Make sure they understand their roles—being clear from the start helps avoid confusion later on. Think about responsibilities for pre-wedding events, attire, and emotional support.
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Begin planning décor details: This is where your wedding aesthetic starts to take shape. Use Pinterest, mood boards, or even a section in your wedding planner checklist to collect ideas. Focus on colour palettes, floral arrangements, lighting, and signage.
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Secure transport and guest accommodations: Booking shuttle services, buses, or taxis now ensures guests can travel easily between venues. For weddings in rural or destination locations, arrange hotel blocks and share this info with your Save the Dates.
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Start mapping out your ceremony and reception timeline: Think about flow. What do you want guests to experience as they arrive? When should the key moments happen? These details will feed into your master timeline later.
This is a great time to revisit your wedding planner checklist to make sure nothing is overlooked. If you like a tactile experience, use a paper planner or wedding binder to stay organised.
Using a planning checklist for wedding milestones like this keeps the momentum going and helps make thoughtful choices, not rushed ones.
Wedding Planner Checklist: 4-6 Months Before
The pace picks up during this stage of your wedding planning checklist, but with structure and foresight, it's entirely manageable. This is where logistics start aligning with your vision. Your timeline should start coming together, and every detail begins to serve the larger flow of the day.
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Order your wedding cake: Cake tastings can be a highlight of planning! Use this moment to try different flavours and consider how the cake ties into your décor and theme. Make sure to finalise the design, flavour, and delivery details with your baker.
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Plan your honeymoon: Whether it’s a tropical escape or a scenic road trip, now is the time to book accommodations and transport. Check passports, renew if necessary, and research travel insurance for peace of mind.
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Schedule fittings and organise attire: Make sure your dress fittings are locked in, and your wedding party has ordered or scheduled fittings for their outfits. Don't forget accessories, shoes, and undergarments.
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Finalise your guest list: Having a confirmed guest count will help you fine-tune catering numbers, seating charts, and transport logistics.
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Check marriage license requirements: Each location has different legal steps. A comprehensive wedding checklist always includes checking deadlines, required documents, and any waiting periods.
This is also the ideal time to tackle reception seating arrangements. If you're unsure where to start, our wedding seating planner guide walks you through it with easy templates and thoughtful advice.
Using your planning checklist for wedding goals now will reduce last-minute pressure later and ensure a smoother run-up to the big day.
Planning Checklist For Wedding: 2–4 Months Before
Now is the time to solidify your event timeline and bring the emotional details into focus. This is when the wedding planning checklist becomes more personalised. You're not just checking boxes—you’re curating an experience.
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Mail your wedding invitations: By now, your final guest list should be in place. Include RSVP cards or online links, as well as space for dietary preferences or song requests. Include accommodation details and any dress code.
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Book hair and makeup trials: Trial sessions are essential for feeling confident and polished on the day. Schedule them with plenty of time to make adjustments.
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Confirm all vendor logistics: Double-check arrival times, contact details, and any special setup instructions. Your wedding checklist should now include a draft run sheet that ties all vendors together.
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Create your wedding music playlist: Work with your DJ or musicians to select key songs for your ceremony, first dance, cake cutting, and exit. Having a personalised playlist helps shape the atmosphere and pacing of your celebration.
Now’s also the perfect time to think about sentimental touches. Capture the love from your guests with our handcrafted wedding guest books. They’re a heartfelt keepsake you’ll treasure for years to come.
This phase of your wedding planner checklist is about refining, confirming, and adding emotion to every layer of your celebration.
1 Month Before
This is the home stretch in your wedding planning checklist, and everything is starting to come together. At this point, it's all about tightening up details and confirming your timeline. Staying calm and organised will help you enjoy this final stretch rather than feel buried in tasks.
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Apply for your marriage license: Each region has its own requirements, so check well in advance. Gather documents, ID, and witness info to avoid last-minute stress. Some offices may require appointments, so book early.
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Attend your final dress fitting: Make sure your gown fits perfectly and you feel comfortable. Bring your shoes and accessories so the final adjustments match the full look.
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Chase up RSVPs: By now, you should have most of your responses, but a few guests may need a gentle reminder. Accurate numbers are essential for catering, seating, and transport.
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Write your vows and speeches: Whether you’re a confident speaker or a little nervous, writing ahead of time and practising aloud will help you deliver something heartfelt and memorable.
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Create your wedding day timeline: Detail the day's schedule, from morning prep to your grand exit. Share this with your wedding party, vendors, and coordinator to keep everyone on the same page.
- Apply for your marriage license: Each region has its own requirements, so check well in advance using the UK Government’s official guidelines.
This part of the wedding planner checklist is where everything becomes real. Don’t forget to lean on your support system and take breaks when you need them.
Need extra support? Our wedding advice for grooms is a great resource for your partner to feel just as prepared as you do.
1 Week Before
This week is all about preparation, calm, and letting go of what you can’t control. You’re at the final stage of your wedding planning checklist, and now is the time to settle into the experience and take care of yourself.
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Assemble a wedding emergency kit: Include safety pins, plasters, a sewing kit, tissues, hairpins, pain relief, snacks, water, deodorant, and anything else that gives you peace of mind. Appoint someone to carry it on the day.
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Confirm arrival times and logistics with vendors: Triple-check delivery and setup times, contact numbers, and venue access. This ensures everyone knows where to be and when.
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Prepare final payments and tips: Organise envelopes for each vendor with the appropriate amount and a thank-you note. Assign a trusted person to distribute them on your behalf.
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Prioritise self-care: Your wedding planning checklist should also include you. Carve out time for sleep, nourishing meals, light exercise, or a massage. This is about showing up as your happiest, calmest self.
For one last emotional touch, consider using our wedding video book. It’s a beautiful way to capture video messages from guests and moments from the day—something you'll treasure long after the music stops.
This final week is about trust. You've planned, prepped, and now it's time to soak in the moment you've been building toward.
Wedding Day Checklist: On The Day
This is it. The moment you’ve been planning for is finally here. Your wedding day should be a celebration—not a checklist. Trust the preparation you've put in and allow yourself to be fully present. There’s no need to micromanage; you’ve handed off the details to people you trust. Let them carry the plan so you can carry the joy.
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Start your day with calm: Whether it’s a quiet coffee, deep breaths, or a few stretches, take time to centre yourself before the excitement begins.
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Follow the timeline loosely: Give yourself flexibility for the natural flow of the day. If a moment runs late or early, go with it. The wedding planning checklist was your guide—but the real magic is in the moment.
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Be in the moment with your guests: This is one of the few times in life when all your favourite people are in one place. Soak it in. Take mental snapshots. Laugh. Cry. Dance.
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Stay hydrated and eat something: With all the emotion and activity, it's easy to forget. Ask someone to make sure you have a snack and water nearby throughout the day.
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Lean into the emotion: You’ve earned every moment of happiness, gratitude, and even the unexpected ones. Let yourself feel everything.
This final step in your wedding planner checklist isn’t about doing—it’s about being. Being present. Being in love. Being surrounded by the people who support your story.
This checklist has carried you through the planning, but now it’s time to let go and trust the day. You've got this—and it’s going to be beautiful.
For more down-to-earth advice and planning tools, visit Peach & Pear Studio