The Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist
Author
Date Published
Planning a wedding is exciting, but let’s be real—it can also feel overwhelming. With so many details to juggle, it’s easy to forget something important. That’s why we’ve put together the Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist—your step-by-step guide to planning your dream day without the stress.
12+ Months Before the Wedding 🗓️
✅ Set Your Budget – Decide how much you’re comfortable spending and allocate funds accordingly.
✅ Create a Guest List – Draft a preliminary guest list to estimate the size of your wedding.
✅ Book Your Venue – Wedding venues fill up fast, so secure yours early!
✅ Choose a Date – Pick a wedding date based on season, availability, and personal significance.
✅ Hire a Wedding Planner (Optional) – If you need extra support, now’s the time to bring in a pro.
✅ Start Researching Vendors – Look into photographers, caterers, florists, and other key vendors.
✅ Sign Up for Vowry – Find trusted vendors, chat in real time, manage your budget, and book everything in one place! Sign up for early access.
9-12 Months Before the Wedding 🏛️
✅ Book Key Vendors – Secure your photographer, caterer, florist, DJ/band, and officiant.
✅ Go Dress Shopping – Wedding dresses can take months to arrive, so start early!
✅ Send Save-the-Dates – Give guests a heads-up about your big day, especially if it’s a destination wedding.
✅ Reserve Hotel Blocks – Arrange accommodations for out-of-town guests.
✅ Start a Wedding Website – Keep guests informed with RSVP details, venue info, and more.
6-9 Months Before the Wedding 💍
✅ Choose Bridesmaids & Groomsmen – Ask your closest friends and family to stand by your side.
✅ Plan Your Engagement Photoshoot – Book a photographer for engagement pictures.
✅ Shop for Bridesmaids Dresses & Suits – Give your bridal party time for fittings and alterations.
✅ Order Your Wedding Cake – Schedule tastings and pick your dream design.
✅ Finalize Wedding Theme & Colors – Decide on décor, flowers, and overall aesthetic.
✅ Register for Gifts – Set up your wedding registry at your favorite stores.
4-6 Months Before the Wedding 💐
✅ Send Invitations – Guests need time to RSVP and make travel plans.
✅ Plan the Honeymoon – Book flights, hotels, and any necessary reservations.
✅ Schedule Hair & Makeup Trials – Find the perfect wedding day look.
✅ Choose & Order Wedding Bands – Make sure they fit your style and budget.
✅ Plan Your Rehearsal Dinner – Decide on a location and send out invites.
2-4 Months Before the Wedding 🕊️
✅ Confirm All Vendor Bookings – Double-check dates, times, and final payments.
✅ Create Your Seating Chart – Use Vowry to keep it organized and stress-free.
✅ Plan Your Wedding Timeline – Decide when everything will happen on the big day.
✅ Write Your Vows – If you're writing your own, now’s the time to start!
✅ Have Your Bridal Shower & Bachelor/Bachelorette Party – Enjoy a celebration with friends and family.
1 Month Before the Wedding 🏆
✅ Final Dress Fitting – Make sure everything fits perfectly.
✅ Confirm RSVP Count & Submit to Caterer – Finalize headcount for meals.
✅ Break in Your Shoes – Avoid blisters by wearing them around the house.
✅ Pack Your Wedding Day Emergency Kit – Include things like band-aids, a sewing kit, and tissues.
✅ Pick Up Your Marriage License – Don’t forget the legal part!
✅ Confirm Honeymoon Plans – Double-check reservations, passports, and packing lists.
1 Week Before the Wedding 🎉
✅ Get a Final Beauty Treatment – Haircut, facial, or any last-minute pampering.
✅ Practice Your First Dance – Even just a quick run-through will help.
✅ Check in with Vendors – Ensure everyone is set for the big day.
✅ Delegate Tasks – Assign someone to handle last-minute issues so you can relax.
✅ Pack for the Wedding Day – Have everything you need in one bag.
Wedding Day! 🎊
✅ Eat a Good Breakfast – You’ll need energy for the day ahead.
✅ Stay Hydrated – Drink plenty of water!
✅ Take a Deep Breath & Enjoy – This is YOUR moment. Soak it all in!
Bonus: Post-Wedding Tasks 💌
✅ Send Thank You Notes – Show gratitude to guests and vendors.
✅ Review Your Vendors on Vowry – Help other brides find reliable vendors!
✅ Preserve Your Dress – Have it cleaned and stored properly.
✅ Update Your Last Name (if applicable) – Change it on official documents.
Make Wedding Planning Easier with Vowry
Why juggle a million spreadsheets, emails, and notes when you can manage it all in one place? With Vowry, you can:
✅ Find trusted vendors with verified reviews
✅ Chat in real-time to book & negotiate with vendors
✅ Manage your budget & track spending
✅ Plan your entire wedding from your phone
👉 Sign up for early access and make wedding planning stress-free!