The Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist for Brides
Why I Created This Wedding Planning Checklist
Planning a wedding can feel like juggling a million details. It’s exciting, but it’s also a lot! From trying to book the right vendors to figuring out what needs to be done and when, it can quickly get overwhelming. I remember the stress of late email replies, forgotten to-dos, and that constant feeling like I was missing something important.
So, I created this checklist to make it easier and more enjoyable for you. This is your go-to list to help you stay organized, stay on track, and actually have fun during the planning process.
The Checklist
Use this wedding planning checklist as a guide. You can print it, use it digitally, or turn it into your own version based on your unique needs.
1. Set a Budget
Before you get swept away by all the fun details, it’s important to talk about your budget. Sit down with your partner (and family if they’re contributing) to decide how much you can spend overall.
Sit down and talk about a realistic total budget
Break it down by category: venue, food, dress, decor, etc.
Prioritize the things that matter most to you
2. Choose a Wedding Date and Time
Your wedding date is one of the first and most important choices. Some couples choose a date with special meaning, while others look at seasons or availability. Also think about the time of day, do you imagine a sunny afternoon ceremony or a romantic evening celebration?
Pick your preferred date
Have 1–2 backup dates just in case
Decide if you want a day or evening ceremony
3. Create a Guest List
Start by making a rough list of the people you want to invite. Your guest count will affect your budget, venue size, and how formal or casual your day feels. Talk with your partner about must-have guests, and gather addresses early so you're not scrambling later when it's time to send invitations.
Make a rough list of guests
Think about how the guest count affects your budget and venue
Gather addresses for invitations early
4. Select a Venue
Your venue will shape the look and feel of your whole wedding. Begin by researching places that fit your style and budget. Visit a few top options, ask plenty of questions, and imagine how your ceremony and reception would look there. Once you’ve found the one, book it right away to secure your date.
Research ceremony and reception venues
Visit your top choices and ask questions
Book your venue as soon as you're ready
5. Hire a Wedding Planner (Optional)
Planning a wedding can be a full-time job. If you’d like support, a wedding planner can help with organizing timelines, handling vendors, and making sure nothing is missed. It’s an extra cost, but many couples find it’s worth it, especially if you’re short on time or planning a larger event.
If you want help, start interviewing planners early
A planner can help manage vendors, timelines, and all the small stuff
This is optional but very helpful for busy couples
6. Choose Your Wedding Party
Your wedding party includes the people who will stand by your side throughout the planning and the big day. Choose friends or family who have supported you and will be happy to be part of your journey. Let them know their roles early so they can prepare for fittings, events, and travel if needed.
Ask your bridesmaids, groomsmen, and others you’d like by your side
Let them know their roles in advance
7. Book Wedding Vendors
Your wedding vendors bring your day to life, so book your favorites as early as possible. Don’t forget your beauty team, this is the ideal time to connect with a trusted Makeup Artist Woodbridge who matches your style and understands your vision. Start booking these early, they go fast!
Photographer and/or videographer
Caterer
Florist
Officiant
DJ or band
Rentals (chairs, linens, tables)
Cake designer
Makeup & hair artist
8. Shop for Wedding Attire
Finding your wedding outfit can take time, so start shopping early. Visit bridal boutiques or explore designers until you find a dress that feels just right. Don’t forget the groom and wedding party, choose their outfits early too, so everything is ready on time.
Find your dream dress and accessories
Schedule fittings and alterations
Choose outfits for the groom and bridal party
9. Send Save-the-Dates and Invitations
Once your date and venue are confirmed, it’s time to let guests know. Send save-the-dates in advance, especially if many guests are traveling. Invitations should go out weeks before the big day. This gives everyone time to make arrangements and RSVP.
Order save-the-dates and mail them 6–8 months in advance
Order invitations and send them 6–8 weeks before the wedding
10. Plan Your Honeymoon
After all the planning, you’ll deserve some time to relax together. Whether it’s a beach vacation, mountain retreat, or city getaway, start planning your honeymoon early. Book flights, hotels, and activities in advance, and make sure your travel documents are in order.
Decide where you want to go
Book flights and hotels
Make sure passports and documents are ready
11. Arrange Transportation
Transportation isn’t the most glamorous part of wedding planning, but it’s very important. Think about how the wedding party and guests will get to and from the ceremony and reception. Book cars, limos, or shuttles as needed, and don’t forget to plan a fun getaway ride for you and your partner after the celebration.
Book cars for the bridal party
Arrange guest shuttles if needed
Don’t forget a fun ride for your grand exit!
12. Select and Order Wedding Rings
Your rings are something you’ll wear every day, so take your time choosing the right ones. Visit a few stores, try on different styles, and make sure they fit comfortably. Plan ahead for engraving and resizing so there’s plenty of time before the wedding.
Choose and order your rings
Double check the sizing
Plan any engraving you want
13. Finalize Ceremony and Reception Details
Now that the big pieces are in place, focus on the details that bring your day together. Choose the music for your walk down the aisle, write your vows, and finalize your seating plan. Work with your caterer on the menu and confirm all arrangements with your vendors.
Plan your ceremony flow and write vows
Pick songs for the ceremony, entrance, and reception
Confirm details like seating arrangements, food, and decor
14. Beauty Prep
Every bride deserves to feel her best on the big day. Book your hair and makeup trials early, and consider facials or other beauty treatments a few weeks before the wedding. A skilled Professional Makeup Artist Woodbridge can enhance your natural features and give you a look that lasts through every moment and photo.
Schedule your makeup and hair trials
Book beauty treatments like facials or manicures
15. Create a Wedding Day Timeline
A timeline helps keep your day stress-free. Start from the time you wake up and include all key moments: hair and makeup, getting dressed, the ceremony, reception events, and even your grand exit, so everyone stays on the same page.
Start with what time you’ll wake up and end with your grand exit
Include vendor arrival times and key moments
Share this with your vendors and bridal party
16. Get Your Marriage License
Before you can make it official, you’ll need a marriage license. Check the rules for your area, every place has its own steps, fees, and timelines. Plan ahead and make sure you have all the right documents ready.
Research the rules and apply within the required timeframe
Keep the license in a safe place
17. Finalize RSVPs and Guest Count
As the day gets closer, confirm how many guests are coming. Share the final list with your venue, caterer, and anyone helping with seating. This step makes everything feel very real and very close!
Track your RSVPs
Share the final count with your caterer and venue
18. Prepare Thank-You Gifts and Cards
Your wedding party, family, and guests all play a big part in your special day. Take time to find thoughtful thank-you gifts and write heartfelt cards. It’s a lovely way to show appreciation and end your celebration on a warm note.
Choose gifts for your wedding party, parents, and other helpers
Have a plan for writing thank-you notes after the big day
A Few Extra Tips
Keep everything in one place: contracts, receipts, notes
Don’t be afraid to ask for help, this isn’t something you have to do alone
Take moments to enjoy the process (yes, even the busy ones!)
Don’t forget to eat on your wedding day seriously!
Last But Not Least
Planning a wedding is a journey and it’s a special one. There will be days that feel like a breeze and others that feel a bit too much. That’s okay. Just remember what it’s all about: celebrating love, with the people who mean the most to you.
With the right support (and the right Makeup Artist Woodbridge to get you glowing), your wedding day will be everything you dreamed of. So, go ahead and make a copy of this checklist, cross things off as you go, and celebrate every milestone. You’ve got this!
