Wedding checklist

A wedding planning timeline from a year out to the wedding day. Tick items off as you go: your ticks are saved in this browser, and you can print the list or clear it and start again.

12 months or more to go

9 to 11 months to go

6 to 8 months to go

3 to 5 months to go

1 to 2 months to go

The final week

The wedding day

Your ticks are saved in this browser only, on this device. Nothing is sent to us, and clearing your browser data clears them.

How to use this checklist

  1. Start from where you are. If the wedding is four months away, tick off what is already done and begin at the "3 to 5 months to go" section.
  2. Use the calculators for the numbers. The drinks, food, cake, supplies and seating calculators turn your guest count into quantities to order, and the budget calculator splits your total across the categories.
  3. Print it or keep it open. Print gives a clean list with a box for each task, and any ticks you have made print too. Ticks stay on the device and browser where you made them.
  4. What it assumes. A general timeline for a wedding planned about 12 months ahead, with a ceremony, a reception and a guest list of 50 or more. It does not include local legal rules or any one venue's requirements, so add your own tasks and check the rules for your area.

Questions

How far ahead should I start planning a wedding?

Twelve months is a common timeline for a wedding with a venue, a caterer and a guest list of 100 or more, because popular venues and photographers book up. A smaller or off-season wedding can come together in six months or less, and the later sections of this list still apply.

Will my ticks be there next time?

Yes, on the same browser and device, until you clear your browser data or use the clear button. They are not synced between devices, because we do not have accounts and nothing is sent to us. If you want a copy elsewhere, print the checklist.

Is this list right for every wedding?

No. It is a general timeline, and some items depend on where you live and what you are planning, such as the marriage license rules and how long a license is valid. Check the requirements for your own area, and use the list as a starting point you can add to on paper.

When should I confirm quantities with suppliers?

Most caterers and venues want a final headcount one to two weeks before the day, and some want it earlier. Work out your quantities with the calculators when the guest list settles, then confirm the exact numbers with each supplier in the month before.