Free Wedding Planning Checklist
Here's a free basic checklist for you. All of our clients get an expanded, personalized checklist that includes everything they need to do for the wedding and related events. A word of caution: If you are planning a wedding in Western North Carolina in May or October, you need to move quickly on the venue, hotel, and wedding coordinator arrangements, because those are our most popular months. Contact us for more information.
6-9 Months Ahead
Talk to immediate family and set a date
Decide on a budget and who will pay for what
Decide on Wedding Party and create your guest list
Hire a wedding planner or coordinator
Reserve minister or officiant
Book ceremony and reception locations
Block rooms at local hotels
Send Save the Dates
3-6 Months Ahead
Check with insurance agent about wedding insurance
Contact local hotels
Create a wedding web page
Book photographer
Decide on menu; hire caterer and/or baker
Decide on color scheme & theme and hire florist and/or decorator
Shop for wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses and order
Hire musicians for ceremony and band/DJ for reception
1-3 Months Ahead
Visit stores and register
Reserve rented tuxedos or suits for men
Reserve tent and other major rentals
Order rings
Hire videographer
Mail invitations (6 weeks)
Make hair and makeup appointments
Guys-make reservations for golf, etc.
Bridal showers/Bachelorette parties
Meet with officiant to finalize ceremony and select music and readings
4-6 Weeks Before
Final dress fitting
Head counts and final payments due to vendors
Walk throughs at venues for final layout and order of events
Confirm dates/times/arrangements with all vendors
Make arrangements for child care or activities for children
Get marriage license (up to 60 days prior in NC)
Bachelor parties
Draft place cards/escort cards/seating charts/seat assignments
Prepare guest welcome kits for hotel guests
Download photos and music that will be needed for events
Buy favors and decorations, print programs
Talk to immediate family and set a date
Decide on a budget and who will pay for what
Decide on Wedding Party and create your guest list
Hire a wedding planner or coordinator
Reserve minister or officiant
Book ceremony and reception locations
Block rooms at local hotels
Send Save the Dates
3-6 Months Ahead
Check with insurance agent about wedding insurance
Contact local hotels
Create a wedding web page
Book photographer
Decide on menu; hire caterer and/or baker
Decide on color scheme & theme and hire florist and/or decorator
Shop for wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses and order
Hire musicians for ceremony and band/DJ for reception
1-3 Months Ahead
Visit stores and register
Reserve rented tuxedos or suits for men
Reserve tent and other major rentals
Order rings
Hire videographer
Mail invitations (6 weeks)
Make hair and makeup appointments
Guys-make reservations for golf, etc.
Bridal showers/Bachelorette parties
Meet with officiant to finalize ceremony and select music and readings
4-6 Weeks Before
Final dress fitting
Head counts and final payments due to vendors
Walk throughs at venues for final layout and order of events
Confirm dates/times/arrangements with all vendors
Make arrangements for child care or activities for children
Get marriage license (up to 60 days prior in NC)
Bachelor parties
Draft place cards/escort cards/seating charts/seat assignments
Prepare guest welcome kits for hotel guests
Download photos and music that will be needed for events
Buy favors and decorations, print programs
"Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee; for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge; thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God." [Ruth 1:16-17]
