Bliss- you’re engaged and excited and everyone you love is excited for you. It’s a beautiful moment. When you wake up the next day, you have this crushing weight land on your shoulders.

What do I do first?

When do I do it?

How do I know if I missed something?

Who should I ask all of these questions?

Here at Creative Grace Planning, we LOVE being a part of your day. Not just when you walk down the aisle and enjoy speeches from loved ones, but the whole day- starting from the beginning. Most people think the wedding starts the day of the ceremony; we know that it starts the moment you say “YES!”

Check out our ultimate wedding day checklist. We want to help you stay on track with your plans and not get overwhelmed with the ‘what’s next’ questions or ‘how’s the planning going’ questions. This list will help you be confident when you say, “It’s right on schedule.” *cue winning engaged-couple smiles.*

12-18 Months Before the Wedding:
☐ Determine your budget!
☐ Create a guest list
☐ Select a theme or color scheme
☐ Research and book your wedding venue
☐ Hire a wedding planner
☐ Book ceremony and reception musicians or DJs
☐ Start shopping for wedding attire (dress, tuxedo/suit, accessories)
☐ Research accommodations for out-of-town guests
☐ Research marriage license requirements for your state

☐ Begin researching and booking vendors (photographer, videographer, caterer, florist, etc.)

10-12 Months Before the Wedding:
☐ Finalize your guest list
☐ Choose and book your officiant
☐ Begin researching/planning your honeymoon
☐ Book your caterer
☐ Start planning your wedding décor and centerpieces
☐ Begin looking for wedding bands ☐ Start exploring invitation designs and stationery options
☐ Research and book transportation for the wedding day
☐ Start thinking about wedding favors and gifts for the wedding party

☐ Book your photographer and videographer

8-10 Months Before the Wedding:
☐ Order your wedding dress and schedule fittings
☐ Decide on bridesmaid dresses and groomsmen attire, set an ‘order by’ date
☐ Book a florist
☐ Choose and book a wedding cake designer/baker (cake tasting time!)
☐ Order your wedding invitations and other stationery
☐ Begin planning your rehearsal dinner
☐ Start a wedding gift registry

6-8 Months Before the Wedding:
☐ Plan and book your honeymoon
☐ Select and order wedding rings
☐ Schedule hair and makeup trials
☐ Start planning the ceremony details
☐ Finalize the menu with your caterer
☐ Book any necessary rental items (chairs, tables, linens, etc.)
☐ Arrange wedding day transportation for the wedding party
☐ Begin planning for any cultural or religious traditions

☐ Reserve accommodations for your honeymoon

4-6 Months Before the Wedding:
☐ Choose and order wedding favors
☐ Finalize the ceremony details with your officiant
☐ Schedule engagement photoshoot
☐ Plan rehearsal dinner details
☐ Arrange wedding-day childcare, if necessary
☐ Order wedding party attire
☐ Plan and book any additional entertainment (photo booth, live band, etc.)
☐ Finalize the design for wedding programs and menus
☐ Start preparing a wedding day timeline

2-4 Months Before the Wedding:
☐ Mail out wedding invitations (make sure to include that ‘RSVP by’ date!)
☐ Start planning seating arrangements and create table layouts
☐ Attend and schedule dress fittings and alterations, as needed
☐ Confirm all vendor bookings and finalize contracts
☐ Purchase any necessary wedding accessories (veil, shoes, jewelry, etc.)
☐ Plan the order of events for the ceremony and reception
☐ Begin writing vows, if desired
☐ Book any special accommodations for elderly or disabled guests, if necessary
☐ Arrange transportation for out-of-town guests

1-2 Months Before the Wedding:
☐ Finalize the wedding day timeline
☐ Obtain a marriage license ☐ Confirm the final guest count with the caterer and venue
☐ Schedule any final dress fittings
☐ Confirm the song list with the DJ/Band
☐ Purchase any final decorations for the ceremony and reception
☐ Purchase wedding party gifts
☐ Finalize the wedding menu and drink selection
☐ Create a shot list for the photographer/videographer
☐ Plan the order of speeches and toasts

1-2 Weeks Before the Wedding:
☐ Confirm all final details with vendors or planner/coordinator
☐ Finalize the seating chart and place cards
☐ Pack for your honeymoon
☐ Arrange for final payments

We know! Even with this list, it looks a bit overwhelming, but we’re right here to support you. We walk through
every tough decision alongside you and try to soften any stressful moment that we can. It’s our pleasure to
create your dream- reach out, and let’s make some magic together!