Wedding Planning Checklist
Stay on top of every detail from engagement to reception with a clear, step-by-step wedding planning checklist. Start with this template and customize it to match your budget, timeline, and vision.
Use this template
Create a checklist from this template, then add, remove, or reorder items to match your exact wedding planning timeline and priorities.
You can always tweak the items. Upgrade to Pro to save, reuse, and export your checklists as PDF.
Wedding Planning Checklist Preview
Here’s a sample of what your wedding planning checklist might look like. Use it as-is or customize the items to match your timeline, guest count, budget, and style.
12+ months before
- • Set your overall wedding budget
- • Draft a preliminary guest list
- • Choose potential dates and season
- • Research and tour venues
- • Book ceremony and reception locations
9–12 months before
- • Choose your wedding party
- • Book photographer and videographer
- • Reserve catering, bar, and cake vendor
- • Book DJ or band for reception
- • Create a wedding website and share save-the-dates
6–9 months before
- • Shop for wedding dress, suit, and wedding party attire
- • Choose florist and discuss décor ideas
- • Plan ceremony and reception layout
- • Arrange accommodations for out-of-town guests
- • Start planning honeymoon options
3–6 months before
- • Finalize menu and cake design
- • Order invitations and day-of stationery
- • Schedule hair and makeup trials
- • Confirm rentals (chairs, linens, décor)
- • Book transportation for wedding party and guests
1–2 months before
- • Mail wedding invitations
- • Confirm RSVP date and tracking method
- • Finalize ceremony details and readings
- • Create a draft timeline for the day
- • Apply for marriage license (based on local rules)
Week of the wedding
- • Confirm headcount with caterer and venue
- • Share final timeline with vendors and wedding party
- • Pack day-of emergency kit and personal items
- • Prepare final payment envelopes and tips
- • Double-check transportation and lodging details
Why a wedding planning checklist matters
Planning a wedding involves dozens of decisions, vendors, and deadlines spread out over many months. Trying to keep everything in your head makes it easy to miss important details or feel overwhelmed.
A written planning checklist gives you a clear roadmap from engagement to the big day. It helps you prioritize tasks, stay on budget, and keep everyone on the same page so you can enjoy the process instead of constantly playing catch-up.
Pro tips for using this checklist
- • Break larger tasks (like “book vendors”) into smaller, actionable steps.
- • Assign due dates to items so you can pace your planning month by month.
- • Share the checklist with your partner so you can divide responsibilities.
- • Use notes to track quotes, payment schedules, and contract details.
- • Revisit the checklist weekly to keep everything moving forward.
Wedding Planning Checklist FAQ
Do I have to follow this timeline exactly?
No. Every wedding is different. Use this template as a flexible guide and adjust the timing based on how far out your date is, your venue availability, and your personal preferences.
Can I combine this with my venue’s checklist?
Yes. Many couples use this template alongside a venue-provided checklist. Combine them inside NeedChecklist so you have one master plan to work from.
Is this only for large weddings?
Not at all. Even small or micro weddings benefit from a planning checklist. Just remove any sections that don’t apply and keep the pieces that do.
Can I reuse this for other events?
Absolutely. Many people adapt their wedding planning checklist for anniversary parties, vow renewals, or other big celebrations by editing it inside NeedChecklist.
Ready to organize your wedding plans?
Start with this wedding planning template, then adjust items, timelines, and details to match your vision and schedule.
About this template
This wedding planning checklist template is designed to cover the most common tasks couples handle in the months leading up to their wedding day.
Use it as a quick starting point, then customize the items inside NeedChecklist so it matches your timeline, culture, budget, and priorities.
Save, edit & export with Pro
- Save unlimited wedding planning checklists
- Edit and tweak every item
- Export as a clean PDF for vendors
- Share with your planner or wedding party