Wedding Timeline/Checklist
The following worksheet is also available as PDF file - Wedding Checklist
The following checklist will help you as you plan your wedding celebration. Remember, however, that these are only suggested guidelines. While this timeline proposes beginning your planning as much as 4-6 months ahead of time, many beautiful weddings have been planned in less time.
Read through the guidelines and check "To Do" next to those that are relevant to your celebration. Later, check the "Done" column when the items are completed.
As Soon As Possible
| To Do | Done | |
|---|---|---|
| ____ | ____ | Decide on type of wedding and reception you will have.. |
| ____ | ____ | Develop a wedding budget. Talk about how expenses will be paid. |
| ____ | ____ | Choose an officiant and location. Meet with the officiant to discuss ceremony requirements and pre-wedding counseling needs. |
| ____ | ____ | Set a wedding date and reserve wedding locations (church and reception). |
| ____ | ____ | Meet with ceremony musicians. Ask for guidelines and suggestions. |
| ____ | ____ | |
| ____ | ____ | Begin to create your own ceremony. Talk with your partner and families about various aspects and traditions. |
| ____ | ____ | Choose music for the ceremony (opening music, processional, recessional, songs and hymns). |
| ____ | ____ | Discuss and choose Scripture readings and other special readings. |
| ____ | ____ | Begin to write your vows, etc. |
| ____ | ____ | Plan ceremony format and discuss with officiant. |
| ____ | ____ | Choose attendants if you wish to have any. |
| ____ | ____ | Choose wedding attire. |
| ____ | ____ | Choose rings or other symbols. |
| ____ | ____ | Begin making a guest list. |
| ____ | ____ | Plan reception entertainment. Choose musicians, if needed. |
| ____ | ____ | Decide on decorations. Visit florists or others who will help with decorations. |
| ____ | ____ | Choose food coordinator(s) and discuss menu options. |
| ____ | ____ | Choose a photographer, if needed. |
| ____ | ____ | Plan pre-wedding gatherings. Introduce your families if they do not already know one another. |
| ____ | ____ | |
| ____ | ____ | |
| ____ | ____ |
Three Months Before
| To Do | Done | |
|---|---|---|
| ____ | ____ | Talk about what kinds of gifts might be appropriate. Do you want to make gift suggestions to guests? How? |
| ____ | ____ | Register at a store and/or choose a social justice organization(s) to receive gifts |
| ____ | ____ | Design invitations. |
| ____ | ____ | Order flowers, banner, balloons, etc. |
| ____ | ____ | Finalize guest list. |
| ____ | ____ | Participate in pre-wedding counseling. |
| ____ | ____ | Visit doctor for complete medical examinations, including blood tests. |
| ____ | ____ | |
| ____ | ____ | |
| ____ | ____ |
Two Months Before
| To Do | Done | |
|---|---|---|
| ____ | ____ | Address and mail invitations. |
| ____ | ____ | Confirm dates and arrangements with officiant, food coordinator(s), musicians, etc. |
| ____ | ____ | Meet with officiant about final ceremony plans and contents. Make sure that any requirements are included. |
| ____ | ____ | Make arrangements for rehearsal and dinner, if needed. |
| ____ | ____ | Plan lodging and transportation for out-of-town guests. |
| ____ | ____ | Decide on honeymoon plans and make reservations, if needed. |
| ____ | ____ | Decide where you will live after the wedding. |
| ____ | ____ | |
| ____ | ____ |
One Month Before
| To Do | Done | |
|---|---|---|
| ____ | ____ | Apply for marriage license. |
| ____ | ____ | If you plan to change your name(s), do so on credit cards, drivers' licenses, social security cards, bank accounts, etc. |
| ____ | ____ | Make sure wedding attire fits properly. |
| ____ | ____ | Get any accessories needed for attire. |
| ____ | ____ | Choose gifts for attendants and partner, if desired. |
| ____ | ____ | |
| ____ | ____ |
Two Weeks Before
| To Do | Done | |
|---|---|---|
| ____ | ____ | Check with officiant about final ceremony details. |
| ____ | ____ | Choose or borrow unity candles, if needed. |
| ____ | ____ | Send notes to ceremony participants about rehearsal time and date. Include dinner invitation, if needed. |
| ____ | ____ | Design and prepare wedding bulletins, if needed. |
| ____ | ____ | Count R.S.V.P.s and give food coordinator a final number. |
| ____ | ____ | Make seating charts if you are planning a sit-down dinner. |
| ____ | ____ | Send wedding announcement to newspapers, if desired. |
| ____ | ____ | Send thank-you notes for all gifts received so far. |
| ____ | ____ | |
| ____ | ____ |
One Week Before
| To Do | Done | |
|---|---|---|
| ____ | ____ | Have a final consultation with the officiant and wedding service providers or friends, including those who will be providing music, decorations, food, and photographs. |
| ____ | ____ | Begin packing for honeymoon, if necessary. |
| ____ | ____ | |
| ____ | ____ |
The Day Before
| To Do | Done | |
|---|---|---|
| ____ | ____ | Wash and clean cars. |
| ____ | ____ | Attend the rehearsal, if needed. |
| ____ | ____ | Place fees/gifts for officiant, musicians, and others in sealed envelopes and choose a person to distribute them on the wedding day. |
| ____ | ____ | Pack an emergency bag - tissues, aspirin, needle, thread, safety pins, pantyhose, etc. |
| ____ | ____ | Relax! |
| ____ | ____ | |
| ____ | ____ |
Page updated 17 Feb. 2014
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