Planning your wedding can be so exciting. There is so much to do and keeping up with it can be difficult at times. The list of tasks and to-do's seem to be ever-growing and never-ending! As a worldwide wedding photographer, I know how hard it can be to keep it all organized. It's so important to stay organized and on top of everything to ensure that every detail gets handled, but it can be overwhelming if you don't have a good place to start. My Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist will simplify your wedding to-do's all in one place. Keep this checklist handy for easy reference and check back every few months to ensure you're on target for the big day.Good luck!
15 Months Before Your Wedding
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Insure your engagement ring
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Set up a wedding website
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Start a Pinterest board
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Start planning your guest list to get a good idea of numbers
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Start your wedding budget
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Choose your wedding date or season
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Begin looking at venues
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Choose a wedding theme
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Host an engagement party
1 Year Before Your Wedding
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Book your officiant
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Hire a wedding planner (if necessary and budget permits)
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Have an engagement photo shoot.
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Choose your wedding party
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Choose your color scheme
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Plan and budget for your honeymoon
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Order your passport if you plan to travel for your honeymoon
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Start wedding dress and bridal party shopping
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Start researching your bachelor/bachelorette parties
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Get started on a health and skincare routine
6-9 Months Before Your Wedding
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Finalize your guest list
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Hire your photographer (Questions to ask)
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Book your DJ, musicians or other entertainment
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Hire your florist, caterer and other wedding vendors
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Order your invitations and thank you cards
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Purchase your wedding dress and bridal party dresses
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Send out save the date cards
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Book any transportation needs and reserve hotel for out-of-town guests
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Book a suite for your wedding night
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Revisit your budget to make sure you’re on track and make any adjustments
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Confirm any rentals you may need, including a tent, tables, chairs, linens and table settings
4 Months Before Your Wedding
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Order your flowers
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Book your rehearsal dinner
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Decide on your hair and makeup style and book appointments with stylists
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Have several tasting sessions and choose your cake and food
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Start writing your vows and choose any ceremony readings
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Create a schedule of the ceremony and reception activities
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Schedule dress fittings for yourself and your bridal party
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Purchase your rings & gifts for wedding party
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Plan the menus for all your pre-wedding events
6 to 8 Weeks Before Your Wedding
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Send out your wedding invitations
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Start tracking RSVPs
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Arrange for your marriage license
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Plan any name change documents and insurance
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Finalize your reception menu
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Finalize any outstanding vendor bookings
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Purchase favors & guest book & create a seating plan
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Confirm any travel arrangements
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Coordinate the details of the day with bridal Party
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Purchase your wedding accessories including shoes, jewelry, veil, ring pillows, gloves etc.
1 Month Before Your Wedding
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Finalize your wedding vows
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Have a trial hair and makeup day & final fitting of your gown
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Finish tracking and following up RSVPs
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Find something old, something new, something borrowed & something blue!
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Pick up your wedding rings
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Start preparing DIY elements of your wedding
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Prepare a shot-list for your photographer
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Get a facial and continue with your skincare routine
2 Weeks Before Your Wedding
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Finalize your guest list &
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Give a final headcount to your reception facility, caterer etc.
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Confirm all final arrangements with your vendors
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Send detailed instructions to your bridal party and vendors
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Make sure to including the final schedule for the ceremony and reception
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Pack for your honeymoon
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Provide a final song-list to your DJ/musicians
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Print place cards
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Prepare payment for all your vendors
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Write speeches
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Pick up your wedding dress
1 Week Before Your Wedding
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Build emergency kit with tissues, lipstick, band aids, safety pins etc.
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Check the weather forecast and make any required alternative plans
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Have a spa day with your bridal party.
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(Be careful about getting a facial this close to your wedding day
1-3 days Before Your Wedding
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Get a manicure/pedicure
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Wedding rehearsal or pre-wedding dinner
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Pack all your wedding day items like your rings, shoes, accessories.
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Pack your vows and your marriage license
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Arrange for someone in your wedding party to transport any gifts
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Arrange for someone to transport flower arrangements before & after.
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Finish DIY elements and arrangements
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Arrange for return of rental items
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Get as much rest as possible