Wedding Planning Checklist: A Comprehensive Guide

Planning a wedding can be an exciting, yet overwhelming experience. With so many details to consider, it can be easy to feel lost and unsure of where to begin. That’s why having a comprehensive wedding planning checklist can help keep you organized and on track. In this guide, we’ll outline a general wedding planning checklist, including what you should consider doing each month leading up to your wedding.

12+ Months Before the Wedding

• Set a wedding budget: This is the foundation of your wedding planning process. Determine how much you can afford to spend on your wedding and allocate funds accordingly.
• Draft your guest list: Start compiling a list of potential guests. This will give you an idea of how many people you’ll need to accommodate and help you choose the right venue.
• Book your venue: Once you have a rough idea of how many guests you’ll have, book your wedding venue. This is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make, so take your time to choose the perfect location. Here are 17 Stunning Arkansas Venues.
• Determine your style and create a mood board: Decide on your wedding style, whether it’s modern, rustic, or bohemian, and create a mood board to help you visualize your theme.

10-11 Months Before the Wedding

• Hire your wedding photographer: Booking a photographer early on ensures that you have someone to capture all of your special moments. Research and find a photographer whose style resonates with you.
• Choose your wedding party: Decide who you want to be in your wedding party and ask them to be a part of your special day.
• Create your registry: Register for gifts and items you’ll need as you start your new life together. You can start your registry for Amazon here.
• Start planning your honeymoon: Research and plan for your honeymoon early to get the best deals and to ensure availability.

8-9 Months Before the Wedding

• Pick wedding dress and bridesmaids’ dresses: Start shopping for wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses to give yourself plenty of time for alterations. Below are some great locally owned wedding dress shops: Inverness, Tesori, Low’s,  and The Bridal Cottage
• Choose your wedding cake: Decide on your wedding cake flavor and design, and book your baker.
• Plan your music: Decide on your music for the ceremony and reception and book your DJ or band.
• Send save-the-date cards: Give your guests plenty of notice by sending save-the-date cards.

6-7 Months Before the Wedding

• Finalize your guest list: After receiving RSVPs, finalize your guest list.
• Book your transportation: Book your transportation for the wedding day, whether it’s a limo, shuttle, or car service.
• Purchase wedding bands: Start shopping for wedding bands and purchase them in advance.
• Plan your menu: Finalize your menu with the caterer and consider any special dietary requirements.

4-5 Months Before the Wedding

• Book your rehearsal dinner venue: Choose your rehearsal dinner venue and book it in advance.
• Choose your wedding readings and vows: Decide on your wedding readings and vows and practice them.
• Order wedding stationery: Order your wedding invitations, menus, programs, and any other stationery you’ll need.
• Schedule your final dress fitting: Schedule your final dress fitting date to make sure everything fits perfectly.

2-3 Months Before the Wedding

• Schedule your final dress fitting: Schedule your final dress fitting to make sure everything fits perfectly.
• Bridal Session: Don’t forget to schedule a makeup trail and order a bouquet for these.
• Schedule hair and makeup trials: Your bridals are the perfect opportunities for these. Book hair and makeup trials to ensure you’re happy with your look on the big day.
• Purchase wedding favors: Decide on your wedding favors and purchase them in advance.
• Finalize details with vendors: Confirm details with your vendors and make any necessary changes.
• Create a seating chart: Create a seating chart for the reception to ensure guests are seated comfortably.

1 Month Before the Wedding

• Complete your questionnaire for your photographer so together you two can finalize a timeline
• Obtain marriage license: Obtain your marriage license from your local government office.
• Confirm guest count and menu with caterer: Confirm the final guest count and menu with your caterer.
• Schedule beauty appointments: Schedule any last-minute beauty appointments, such as facials, haircuts, and manicures.
• Pack for your honeymoon: Start packing for your honeymoon, ensuring that you have all necessary documents and items.

1 Week Before the Wedding

• Confirm all details with vendors: Confirm all details with your vendors one final time to ensure that everything is on track.
• Delegate tasks: Assign tasks to trusted family members and friends, such as delivering welcome bags or setting up decor.
• Practice your vows: Practice your vows and any readings to ensure that you’re comfortable with them.
• Get plenty of rest: Get plenty of rest in the days leading up to your wedding to ensure that you’re well-rested and energized for the big day.
• Gather your detail flatlay items for your photographer

On Your Wedding Day

Relax and enjoy: Finally, on your wedding day, relax and enjoy the moment. Trust that all of your planning and preparation has paid off, and savor every moment of your special day.

In conclusion, planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but with a comprehensive wedding planning checklist, it can be much easier to manage. Use this guide as a starting point, and tailor it to your specific needs and preferences. Remember to stay organized, communicate with your partner, and enjoy the process. Your wedding day will be one of the most memorable days of your life, and with proper planning, it can be a stress-free and joyful experience.