Here is a simple checklist that we found to be helpful. Take the list and print it off, or copy it and then fill out a date or check by each item you would have in your wedding checklist.
9 - 12 Months
Announce Engagement
Select Wedding Date
Hire wedding consultant/coordinator
Determine type of wedding: location, theme, # of guests, formality, time of day
Determine budget & how expenses will be shared
Buy a daytimer to keep track of appointments & events
Develop a record keeping system for payments
Create an approximate # guest list
Decide if you will be inviting children or not
Select and reserve ceremony site
Select and book Officiant/Priest/Minister/Rabbi
Select and book reception location
Select and order bridal gown
Determine colour scheme
If ceremony or reception is at a home, arrange for any home improvements
Obtain, passports, visas, birth certificates, any documents need for travel and/or marriage licenses
6 - 9 Months
Select and book caterer, if needed
Select and book photographer
Select wedding party
Give wedding party a list of their responsibilities
Select and buy attire or bridesmaids & flower girl
Select and buy attire for mothers of the bride and groom
Select and book ceremony musicians
Select and book live band or DJ for reception
Select and book videography
Select and book florist
Register for your wedding gifts (this can be done sooner)
4 - 6 Months
Schedule fittings for custom made bridesmaids gowns
Arrange marriage prep-courses, if necessary
Reserve rental items
Select and book decorator
Finalize an A and B list of guests
Select and order invitations and other wedding stationary
Set date, time and location for rehearsal dinner
Select and book honeymoon night suite
Arrange accommodations for out-of-town guests
Start planning your honeymoon
Shop for your wedding gifts to each other
Shop for your wedding gifts to your wedding party
Shop for your wedding gifts to your parents
Buy shoes, lingerie and accessories for the bride
Buy shoes and accessories for the bridesmaids
Select and order wedding bands
2 - 4 Months
Take formal engagement picture
Select and order wedding cake
Order party favours/bombonniere
Select and order decorations
Purchase honeymoon attire and luggage
Select and book wedding day transportation
Start addressing your invitations
Plan activities for out-of-town guests (optional)
Go on trials and book wedding day hair and makeup. Bring your headpiece and wear a white shirt
Obtain marriage license (expires in 3 months)
Send out your invitations
Select ceremony readers
Select ushers to seat your guests
Select guest book attendant
Select your MC
Mail invitations to shower
Get photography permit, if needed
6 - 8 Weeks
Maintain a record of RSVP's and early wedding gifts
Maintain a record of shower gifts and send thank you's
Purchase all ceremony and reception accessories: guest book, toasting glasses, garter, ring pillow, etc.
Select and reserve wedding attire for all gentlemen
Mail invitations to rehearsal dinner
Plan bridesmaid luncheon
Select your something old, new, borrowed, blue
2 - 6 Weeks
Finalize all food and beverages for wedding
Finalize all ceremony details with Officiant
Finalize all rehearsal arrangements
Finalize all floral arrangements
Final fittings for yourself and bridesmaids
Make a wedding day itinerary
Give a copy of the itinerary to your wedding party and vendors
Finalize all details with all your vendors
Decide order of receiving line and head table setting
Contact guest that haven't replied
Pick up wedding rings
Give photographer a photo checklist
Visit reception site for floor plan
Create reception seating plan
Give musicians a list of your music selection
Inform attendants when and where to pick up attire
Determine VIP seating for ceremony seating
Print out seating cards
Pick up honeymoon tickets
1 Week
Give caterer/reception venue final tally of guests
Pack of your honeymoon
Wrap reception flavours/bombonniere
Arrange mail collection while you are on honeymoon
Day of Rehearsal Dinner
Drop all wedding accessories and decor off at ceremony and reception locations
Make sure you bring all gifts that will be handed out at dinner
Make sure you have all final payments in envelopes for wedding day
Pack over night bag for honeymoon suite
Make sure wedding party has their itinerary
Make sure gentlemen have black socks
Go to church for rehearsal
Review VIP seating with ushers at ceremony location
Wedding Day
Most of the details will be on your wedding day itinerary
Eat breakfast
Pack anything remaining on your "To Bring" list in cars
Make sure Maid of Honour has groom's ring and Best Man has bride's ring
Make sure you have your marriage license, photo permit and Special Occasions Permit, if needed
Put your engagement ring on your right hand
Use your wedding day itinerary to get you through the day on some sort of trouble
Remember to look around and soak in the views of the day you planned so long and hard for.
