Free Printable Wedding Planning Checklist

If you’re in the midst of planning your wedding, you know just how overwhelming it can be. That’s where wedding planning checklists come in – they’re a lifesaver! By breaking down all the tasks you need to tackle before the big day, these lists help you stay organized, focused, and (hopefully) stress-free.

Your wedding day is going to be one of the best days of your life, and with a little planning, can be one of the smoothest. I know what you are thinking, Wedding Day’s going smoothly!?

Well yes! You just have to take the time before your wedding day and make sure you plan accordingly and everything will fall into place!

FREE WEDDING PLANNING CHECKLIST

Here’s a comprehensive wedding checklist by month to help you stay on track and ensure that your special day goes smoothly.

12-18 Months Before the Wedding:

• Determine your budget.
• Choose a wedding date.
• Book your venue(s) for the ceremony and reception.
• Hire a wedding planner, if desired.
• Create a guest list.
• Start looking for wedding vendors (photographer, caterer, florist, etc.).
• Purchase wedding dress and bridal accessories.
• Send out save-the-date cards.
• Choose your officiant.
• Choose your wedding party.

6-12 Months Before the Wedding:

• Finalize your guest list.
• Send out wedding invitations.
• Book your vendors (photographer, caterer, florist, etc.).
• Choose your wedding colors and theme.
• Order bridesmaid dresses and groomsmen attire.
• Reserve hotel rooms for out-of-town guests.
• Plan your honeymoon.
• Start planning the ceremony and reception details (decor, music, food, etc.).
• Choose your wedding cake and book a baker.
• Schedule engagement photo shoot.

3-6 Months Before the Wedding:

• Schedule a hair and makeup trial.
• Order wedding favors and decorations.
• Purchase wedding rings.
• Meet with the officiant to plan the ceremony.
• Arrange transportation for the wedding party and guests.
• Finalize the menu with the caterer.
• Choose music and finalize the playlist.
• Plan the seating chart and reception layout.
• Schedule final dress fittings.
• Send out rehearsal dinner invitations.

1-3 Months Before the Wedding:

• Apply for a marriage license.
• Confirm all vendors and make final payments.
• Have your final dress fitting.
• Write your vows and finalize the ceremony details.
• Send out final details to vendors, including timelines and contact information.
• Pack for your honeymoon.
• Attend pre-wedding events (bridal shower, bachelorette party, etc.).
• Pick up wedding rings and make sure they fit.
• Confirm the seating chart and reception layout.
• Schedule a final hair and makeup appointment.
• Arrange for someone to take care of the wedding gifts.

1 Week Before the Wedding:

• Pack for the wedding day.
• Confirm all details with vendors.
• Rehearse the ceremony and reception with the wedding party.
• Confirm the final guest count with the caterer.
• Assign tasks to wedding party members and family members.
• Relax and enjoy some self-care.

On the Wedding Day:

• Get plenty of rest and eat a good breakfast.
• Get ready with your bridal party.
• Take wedding photos.
• Get married!
• Enjoy the reception and dance the night away.
• Have a blast on your honeymoon!

PRINT THIS FREE WEDDING PLANNING CHECKLIST

WEDDING BUDGET CHECKLIST

Planning a wedding can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming when it comes to budgeting. Here’s a comprehensive wedding budget checklist to help you stay on top of your finances and make sure you don’t overspend.

Determine your overall wedding budget.

• Sit down with your partner and figure out how much you can afford to spend on your wedding.

Break down your budget into categories.

• Allocate a portion of your budget to each category such as venue, catering, photography, attire, flowers, music, etc. Complete list is in our printable.

Prioritize your spending.

• Decide which aspects of the wedding are most important to you and allocate more of your budget towards those areas.

Keep track of your expenses.

• Use a spreadsheet or budgeting app to keep track of all your wedding expenses.

Stick to your budget.

• Be mindful of your spending and avoid overspending in one area at the expense of another.

Wedding Venue

• Research venue options that are within your budget.
• Take note of any additional fees such as cleaning or insurance costs.
• Negotiate the price with the venue.

Wedding Attire

• Set a budget for your wedding dress and accessories.
• Consider purchasing a pre-owned wedding dress.
• Set a budget for the groom’s suit.

Wedding Catering

• Choose a catering option that fits your budget.
• Decide on the type of meal service (buffet, plated, family style).
• Take note of any additional costs such as service fees or gratuities.

Wedding Photography and Videography

• Research photographers and videographers within your budget.
• Decide on the amount of time you need them to be there.
• Take note of any additional costs such as prints or albums.

Wedding Flowers and Decor

• Set a budget for your flowers and decor.
• Choose flowers that are in season to save money.
• Consider DIY decor options.

Wedding Music

• Decide on the type of music you want (DJ or live band).
• Research music options within your budget.
• Take note of any additional costs such as lighting or sound equipment.

Wedding Stationery

• Set a budget for your save-the-dates, invitations, and thank-you cards.
• Consider DIY options or using online templates.

Wedding Transportation

• Decide on transportation options for the wedding party and guests.
• Research options within your budget.
• Take note of any additional costs such as parking or fuel charges.

Wedding Gifts and Favors

• Set a budget for your wedding gifts and favors.
• Consider DIY options or purchasing items in bulk.

Wedding Planner

• Decide if you want to hire a wedding planner.
• Research options within your budget.
• Take note of any additional costs such as coordination fees.

PRINT THIS WEDDING BUDGET CHECKLIST

Remember, budgeting for your wedding can be tricky, but it’s important to stay on top of your finances so that you don’t start your marriage off with unnecessary debt. Don’t be afraid to negotiate prices with vendors and be mindful of your spending. With a little planning and budgeting, you can have the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank. 

Take it one step at a time and don’t forget to have fun along the way. Remember, the most important thing is that you and your partner are getting married and starting a new chapter in your lives together. Congratulations again, and happy planning!

PRINT BOTH WEDDING PLANNING AND WEDDING BUDGET CHECKLIST

Metallic Champagne Bottle Container (Set of 12) DIY Favor – These cute bottles are perfect containers for chocolates, candies, jellybeans etc. You can even fill it with trinkets.

Skeleton Key Bottle Opener

Love Forever Bottle Opener – A bottle opener is a practical gift that guests can use for years to come. Add a personal touch by customizing them with your wedding date or initials.

Mini Hexagonal Honey Jars that are food-grade safe. For DIY, just add honey. With Gold Lids, Wooden Dippers, Bee Charms, Thank You Cards and Gift Bags: Give your guests a mini jar of honey to add to their tea or toast in the morning.

Seed Packets Let Love Grow – For the eco-friendly couple, seed packets make a great favor. Choose seeds that are easy to grow and include instructions on how to plant them.

Love Heart Laser Cut Box – A pretty box for your DIY wedding party favors. Just add candies, or soap or led light candles inside.

Bubble Wands 

Mini Champagne Bottle Bubbles

Hexagon Floral Birch Wood Magnet with Envelopes and Stickers – Beautiful wedding party favor that you can get personalized laser engraving for your names, date and location

Heart Shape Tea Infusers

Lovebirds Shape Love Forever Bottle Openers

Love Design Golden Bicycle Shape Bottle Openers

Love Heart Design Bottle Openers

Swan Bottle Openers

Mr. & Mrs. Wedding Buttermints

Diamond Keyring & Keychains – Personalized keychains with your wedding date and initials are a practical and thoughtful gift that your guests can use daily.

Lace Floral Folding Hand Fans

Crown Tea Spoons

Sandalwood Fan

 Handmade White Rose Style Soap Favors – A bar of homemade soap is a thoughtful and practical gift that your guests can use.

Personalized wedding favor shot glasses– Shot glasses make a great keepsake and can be customized with your names and wedding date. They’re also a practical gift that your guests can use at home.

Scented Candle – Who doesn’t love a good candle? Choose a scent that matches your wedding theme and package them in cute pouch or add stickers of your name and wedding date

Check out more of our wedding planning tips: