The Ultimate Wedding Checklist

by | Mar 20, 2019 | Weddings

Mark off your to-do’s and write-in your own. If you’re organized, you’ll have more time to enjoy the process and each other!

12+ MONTHS

NO WORRIES, YOU GOT THIS!

  • Choose a date (or up to 3 so you can be flexible).
  • Talk budget and decide who is contributing what.
  • Discover your wedding style.
  • Choose wedding party:
    Maid of Honor and Bridesmaids, Best Man and Groomsmen, Flower Girl and Ring Bearer.
  • Create a wedding website.
  • Get engagement ring insured and
    consider purchasing wedding insurance.
  • Explore ceremony and reception venue options.
  • Start assembling a team of wedding pros:
    planner, photographer, videographer, caterer, florist, and musicians.
  • Begin compiling a guest list.
  • Browse wedding dress and veil styles.
  • Create wedding and style boards on Pinterest.
  • Get engagement photos taken.
  •  Order your Save the Dates.

10-11 MONTHS

YOU’RE ON A ROLL …

  • Choose bridal party attire and accessories.
  • Reserve ceremony and reception venues.
  • Book officiant.
  • Hire photographer, videographer, caterer, DJ/band, florist, and planner.
  • Mail your Save the Dates.
  • Purchase wedding dress, veil and undergarments.
  • Establish a fitness routine.
  • Establish a skin care/beauty routine.

8-9 MONTHS

GET YOUR COLORS ON!

  • Find 3 hotels (at different price points) for out-of-town guests.
  • Refine guest list.
  • Create gift registries at 3 national retailers.
  • Browse Wedding Invitation designs and coordinating stationery
    (Enclosures, Programs, Menu Cards, Thank Yous, and Favors).
  • Begin planning honeymoon

6-7 MONTHS

GOOD JOB! WHAT’S NEXT?

  • Explore wedding day hair and makeup styles.
  • Meet with officiant to discuss plans for ceremony.
  • Reserve rentals: chairs, linens, lighting, décor, etc.
  • Choose cake style and schedule tastings.
  • Decide on groomsmen attire.
  • Personalize & order Invitation.
  • Hire ceremony musicians.
  • Book transportation to and from venues.
  • Purchase wedding bands.
  • Order Wedding Invitation Suite.
  • Order Thank You Cards (for gifts that arrive early).

4-5 MONTHS

THE FINISHING TOUCHES…

  • Choose flowers for:
    wedding party, attendants, venues, cake, etc.
  • Schedule dress fittings.
  • Book honeymoon flights and hotels.
  • Book room for wedding night.
  • Order wedding cake.
  • Plan welcome baskets for out-of-town guests.
  • Prepare {play/do not play} lists for DJ/band.
  • Finalize wedding guest list.
  • Assemble rehearsal dinner guest list.
  • Book rehearsal dinner venue.
  • Order Rehearsal Dinner Invitations.

3 MONTHS

YOU’RE GETTING CLOSE!

  • Finalize honeymoon plans and ensure all documents are in order.
  • Plan ceremony and reception seating.
  • Experiment with hair and veil with stylist.
  • Finalize readers and readings.
  • Purchase: toasting flutes, serving pieces, guestbook, flower basket and ring bearer pillow.
  • Finalize reception menu.
  • Order Menu Cards.
  • Order Wedding Favors.

2 MONTHS

CRUNCH TIME

  • Mail Wedding Invitations.
  • Develop system for organizing RSVPs.
  • Begin writing vows.
  • Review ceremony details with officiant.
  • Lay out the content for Wedding Programs.
  • Apply for marriage license: order 2-3 extra.
  • Finalize seating arrangements.
  • Finalize playlists with musicians.
  • Finalize fittings for wedding party and parents.
  • Create wedding day timeline and send to your vendors, officiant and wedding party.
  • Write out honeymoon itinerary for family at home.
  • Decide “Something Old, New, Borrowed, Blue.”
  • Book spa and beauty treatments for you and your bridal party.
  • Book wedding day transportation.
  • Purchase gifts for attendants.
  • Order Wedding Program.

1 MONTH

DON’T FORGET

  • Call vendors to confirm date, times and location.
  • Confirm honeymoon reservations.
  • Pack for honeymoon.
  • Pick up wedding rings.
  • Pick up marriage license
  • Order Wedding Programs.
  • Final dress fitting (with shoes & undergarments).
  • Write Thank You notes as gifts are received.

2 WEEKS

DOWN TO THE WIRE

  • Follow up with guests who have not RSVP’d.
  • Give final count to caterer.
  • Update registries.
  • Begin breaking in wedding shoes.
  • Make arrangements for the caring of pets and plants while on honeymoon.
  • Send playlists to DJ/band/ceremony musicians.
  • Get final haircut and color.
  • Delegate wedding day duties: gift table, guestbook, etc.
  • Delegate someone to return tuxes, rentals and tend to wedding dress.
  • Send directions to wedding day limo/transportation driver

1 WEEK

RELAX, ALMOST THERE!

  • Prepare final payments to vendors + cash tips for service personnel.
  • Give readers their scripts.
  • Give photographer and videographer your image and video requests
  • Lay out wedding clothes.
  • Prepare wedding day emergency kit.
  • Get spa treatments for you and the bridal party.

THE DAY BEFORE

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?

  • Deliver welcome baskets.
  • Get mani/pedi/massage.
  • Attend wedding rehearsal.
  • Have fun at the rehearsal dinner.
  • Get to bed at a decent hour!

WEDDING DAY

ENJOY YOUR DAY!

  • Eat a good breakfast! Allow yourself plenty of time to get ready.
  • Give wedding rings and officiant fee to best man.
  • Relax, smile, and soak in every moment.

BEYOND THE WEDDING

WRAPPING THINGS UP…

  • Ensure tuxes and rentals have been returned.
  • Get wedding dress to preservationist or cleaners.
  • Order Thank You Cards (include a wedding photo).
  • Order Personalized Stationery with your new last name.
  • Put your favorite wedding photo on a beautiful Custom Canvas.

If you’re looking for the best indoor/outdoor wedding venue in Joplin, Missouri, please contact Greenwood Springs Event Center today.