The wedding planning checklist every couple needs

Planning your big day is one of the most exciting chapters of your life, but it can also be overwhelming if you don’t know where to begin. Whether you're newly engaged or just starting to explore how to plan a wedding, having a clear and organised wedding planning checklist is key to staying stress-free and on track.

This step-by-step wedding planning guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from how to start planning a wedding from scratch to what to include in a wedding planner. Let’s get started!

How to Start Planning a Wedding from Scratch

First things first, take a deep breath and enjoy the moment! Once you're ready to dive in, here are a few initial steps to help you get going:

1. Set Your Budget
   Establishing your wedding budget is the foundation of your planning. It will help you prioritise and allocate your funds wisely.
   
   

2. Create a Guest List Estimate
   Having a rough idea of your guest count will influence your venue options and overall costs.
   
   

3. Choose a Wedding Date
   Whether you're dreaming of a summer soirée or a winter wonderland wedding, locking in a date is crucial.
   
   

4. Invest in a Wedding Planner Book
   A physical planner can be a lifesaver. It keeps all your notes, ideas, contracts, and wedding planning timeline in one beautiful place.
   
   

Your Step-by-Step Wedding Planning Guide

Here’s a month-by-month breakdown to keep your planning on track:

12–18 Months Before the Wedding

• ☐ Celebrate your engagement!
  
  

• ☐ Set your wedding budget
  
  

• ☐ Draft a guest list estimate
  
  

• ☐ Choose your wedding date (or a few potential options)
  
  

• ☐ Research and book your venue
  
  

• ☐ Hire a wedding planner (if desired)
  
  

• ☐ Choose your wedding style/theme (rustic, modern, classic, etc.)
  
  

• ☐ Start a wedding Pinterest board or mood board
  
  

• ☐ Create a wedding email address to keep things organised
  
  

• ☐ Purchase a wedding planner book to track everything

9–12 Months Before

• ☐ Finalise the guest list
  
  

• ☐ Book key vendors:

  • Photographer

  • Videographer

  • Caterer

  • Band/DJ

  • Officiant
    
    

• ☐ Shop for wedding attire (bride, groom, wedding party)
  
  

• ☐ Plan engagement photo shoot
  
  

• ☐ Send save-the-dates
  
  

• ☐ Set up your wedding website
  
  

• ☐ Research honeymoon destinations
  
  

• ☐ Choose bridesmaids, groomsmen & ask them officially
  
  

• ☐ Consider wedding insurance

 6–9 Months Before

• ☐ Book:

  • Florist

  • Cake designer

  • Hair & makeup artist

  • Rentals (tables, chairs, linens, etc.)
    
    

• ☐ Order wedding dress and accessories
  
  

• ☐ Plan ceremony details
  
  

• ☐ Schedule menu tastings with caterer
  
  

• ☐ Finalise honeymoon plans
  
  

• ☐ Begin planning the rehearsal dinner
  
  

• ☐ Choose and order bridesmaids’ dresses and groomsmen’s attire
  
  

• ☐ Create a gift registry
  
  

• ☐ Start collecting addresses for invitations

 3–6 Months Before

• ☐ Order wedding invitations and stationery
  
  

• ☐ Book transportation (for couple and guests if needed)
  
  

• ☐ Purchase wedding rings
  
  

• ☐ Confirm timeline with all vendors
  
  

• ☐ Arrange marriage license and legal documents
  
  

• ☐ Schedule hair and makeup trials
  
  

• ☐ Finalise ceremony readings, music, and vows
  
  

• ☐ Choose wedding favours
  
  

• ☐ Buy accessories: shoes, veil, jewellery
  
  

• ☐ Plan wedding day timeline

 1–3 Months Before

• ☐ Send out wedding invitations
  
  

• ☐ Confirm RSVP deadline
  
  

• ☐ Final dress fittings
  
  

• ☐ Apply for your marriage licence
  
  

• ☐ Plan your seating chart
  
  

• ☐ Order place cards and signage
  
  

• ☐ Write vows and speeches
  
  

• ☐ Confirm menu and final headcount
  
  

• ☐ Break in your wedding shoes
  
  

• ☐ Finalise and confirm honeymoon details

 Final Month

• ☐ Confirm all vendors and provide final timeline
  
  

• ☐ Delegate wedding day tasks (who’s bringing what, etc.)
  
  

• ☐ Assemble welcome bags or favours
  
  

• ☐ Prepare emergency kit (sewing kit, safety pins, painkillers, etc.)
  
  

• ☐ Pick up wedding attire
  
  

• ☐ Pack for honeymoon
  
  

• ☐ Practice your first dance
  
  

• ☐ Do a venue walk-through

Week of the Wedding

• ☐ Get a manicure/pedicure
  
  

• ☐ Attend final dress/suit fitting
  
  

• ☐ Rehearsal + rehearsal dinner
  
  

• ☐ Confirm arrival times with bridal party
  
  

• ☐ Pack a wedding day bag (essentials, makeup, perfume, etc.)
  
  

• ☐ Relax and rest!

 Wedding Day!

• ☐ Eat a good breakfast
  
  

• ☐ Stay hydrated
  
  

• ☐ Stick to the timeline
  
  

• ☐ Enjoy every moment—it’s your day!

 After the Wedding

• ☐ Send thank-you cards
  
  

• ☐ Return any rentals
  
  

• ☐ Change name (if applicable)
  
  

• ☐ Review vendors and share feedback
  
  

• ☐ Organise your wedding photos
  
  

• ☐ Preserve your wedding dress
  
  

• ☐ Settle into newlywed life 💕

Happy planning!