The Wedding Checklist (Free Download)

DIY wedding-checklist


Congratulations! Planning your wedding is pretty exciting, but it can also be quite stressful so a checklist is a must.


Planning a wedding is probably something you’ve never actually done before! To help you get organised, we’ve created a free printable as a general guide to help with the planning process.

Here’s a checklist that might help!

Twelve months seems to be the ideal length of time to organise a wedding, especially if you want to book a popular venue/church/date. But once the date and venue are booked the rest of the tasks could easily be completed in six months.

You may decide you would prefer to elope – in that case you won’t need to worry about reading this list!

Step one – these are the big ones!

  • Determine your budget
  • Choose a date (often dependent on church and venue availability so book early)
  • Book a church (or officiant/celebrant)
  • Select the venue/caterer
  • Select your bridal party
  • Make a guest list
  • Decide on theme and formality
  • Should you hire a wedding planner?

Step two – theme & style

  • Choose your wedding dress
  • Choose colour theme and overall design
    Pinterest is a great place to start!
  • Hire vendors – photographer, band, DJ, videographer
  • Create your wedding website
  • Start looking at invitations & save-the-dates
    The theme of your invitations should match the style of your wedding and reflect you as a couple. Order enough to allow for mistakes, make sure they will arrive in time, set up a system for recording RSVP replies, and confirm all addresses and spelling.
    Save-the-dates are important if your wedding is in a busy time of the year (eg. around Christmas) or is a destination wedding.

Step three – six to nine months prior

  • Send save-the-dates (if required)
  • Plan transportation – bride, groom, for guests if needed
    eg. a location wedding may require a shuttle bus
  • Book wedding night accommodation
  • Plan the rehearsal dinner venue
  • Plan and book the honeymoon – check passport, visa
DIY Save-Date-Leaves-Green-Hero
Editable Save the Date

Step four – three to six months prior

  • Select the bridesmaids’ dresses and arrange fittings/adjustments
  • Select groom’s outfit – choose between a tux or suit, based on the formality of your wedding, and then decide whether to buy or rent
  • Select groomsmen’s attire – suit, shirt, tie, shoes, socks
  • Buy wedding rings
  • Register for gifts
  • Order cake
  • Choose florist & order flowers
  • Hair and makeup trial
  • Plan gift bags or bonbonnerie for guests
  • Book a photo booth

Step five – two to three months prior

  • Send the wedding invitations – include rehearsal-dinner invitations for those invited
  • Buy gifts for wedding party
  • Make song selections for church or ceremony
  • Select readings
  • Finalise your menu
DIY Peony Invitation
Editable Wedding Invitation

Step six – one month prior

  • Follow up RSVP replies and confirm numbers
  • Create a seating chart
  • Order place cards
  • Write your vows & practice out loud

Step seven – last week

  • Beauty treatments
    Manicure/pedicure, eyebrows, waxing, massage
  • Final dress fitting
  • Pick up suits
  • Pack your bags for the honeymoon & confirm travel arrangements
  • Clean your ring so it’s extra sparkly
  • Confirm bookings with vendors
  • Rehearsal dinner
  • Drop off things to venue

On the day

  • Sleep well, hair, makeup, drink water, eat healthy, relax, have fun!

After

  • Make sure your vendors have been paid
  • Return rentals, clothing, and accessories
  • Send thank you notes
  • Follow up on wedding photos
  • Enjoy your honeymoon!
DIY wedding-checklist

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