The 12-month wedding checklist

Agree on your total budget

Decide the number you will not go over, and who is contributing what. Your budget page already splits it by category.

Draft your guest list

A rough count is enough for now. Venue and catering quotes both depend on it.

Choose the season, date range and overall style

Keep two or three possible dates until the venue is booked.

Decide whether to hire a planner or day-of coordinator

If yes, book now: a planner helps choose every other vendor.

Ask your wedding party

Start your wedding website

Date, location and travel details are enough to begin. Add the rest as you book.

Tour venues and book yours

The venue fixes your date. Use the venue questions on the Vendors page before you sign.

Book your photographer

Ask to see a full recent wedding gallery, not only a highlight reel.

Book your caterer

Skip this if your venue includes catering. Ask what the per-person price leaves out.

Book a videographer, if you want one

Reserve hotel room blocks for guests

Start shopping for your dress or suit

Made-to-order dresses are usually ordered 9 to 12 months ahead. On a shorter timeline, ask about off-the-rack, sample sales and rush fees.

Start your registry

Book your florist

Share your budget up front and ask for an itemized quote.

Book your DJ or band

Book your officiant

Confirm they are legally allowed to marry you in the state where the ceremony takes place.

Choose wedding party attire

Send save-the-dates

Usually 6 to 8 months before. Send closer to 8 if many guests will travel or the date falls on a holiday weekend.

Review every contract and payment schedule

Add each deposit and due date to the Vendors page so nothing is missed.

Reserve rentals

Tables, chairs, linens, tent, lighting: whatever your venue does not include.

Look up your marriage license rules

Rules depend on the state and county. Check the waiting period and how long the license stays valid on the county clerk's website. See the Marriage license guide.

Book hair and makeup

Ask whether the person at your trial is the person who will be there on the day.

Plan your honeymoon

Check that passports are valid for your travel dates.

Choose your invitation design

Book your baker and schedule a tasting

Order invitations

Order extra envelopes for addressing mistakes.

Arrange transportation

Your own getaway car, and shuttles if guests are staying far from the venue.

Reserve a place to get ready

Schedule your first fitting

Plan on two to four fittings, with the last one about two weeks before the wedding.

Book the rehearsal dinner

Write your photo shot list

List the family groupings you want. The Photo shot list guide has a starting point.

Choose ceremony music

Buy your wedding rings

Sizing and engraving can take a few weeks.

Write your vows

Confirm the menu and bar with your caterer

Confirm the ceremony plan with your officiant

Agree on length, readings and who files the license afterwards.

Mail invitations

Send them no later than six weeks before. Set the RSVP date about a month before the wedding.

Follow up on missing RSVPs

Finish the wedding-day timeline and send it to every vendor

Your Wedding day page has a draft. Download the PDF and email it.

Have your hair and makeup trial

Set aside cash for tips

Check each contract first: some already include gratuity. See the Tipping guide.

Get your marriage license

About three weeks before clears every waiting period and stays inside every expiration window in the 14 states listed in the Marriage license guide. Confirm the exact rules with the clerk of the county where you will marry.

Send must-play and do-not-play lists to your DJ or band

Give the final headcount to your caterer and venue

About two weeks before is common, but your contract sets the real deadline.

Finish the seating chart and place cards

Assign tables on the Guests page.

Go to your final fitting

Make final vendor payments and prepare tip envelopes

Label each envelope and give them to a person you trust to hand out.

Confirm arrival times with every vendor

Pack your emergency kit and overnight bag

The Emergency kit guide lists what to bring.

Pick up your attire

Hold the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner

Hand off rings, license, tip envelopes and the day-of binder

Give each to the person responsible for it tomorrow.

Return rentals and collect any deposits

Make sure the signed license was returned to the county

Your officiant usually files it. Ask how to order certified copies.

Start name-change paperwork, if you are changing your name

You will need certified copies of your marriage certificate.

Send thank-you notes

Aim for within three months. Track them on the Guests page.

Choose photos and order your album