How to Prioritise Your Wedding Planning Checklist

Congratulations on your engagement! No doubt your mind is buzzing with excitement and a million things to think about—but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We’ve broken down the wedding planning process into seven simple steps to help you prioritise what to tackle first. If you’re a fan of lists, why not turn this guide into a printable or use our custom wedding planning checklist? There’s nothing more satisfying than ticking off tasks as you complete them! Of course, every wedding is unique, so not everything here may apply to your celebration. Simply pick and choose what fits your vision, and get ready to plan the wedding of your dreams!

1. Pre-Wedding Planning (12-18 months before)

Determine your wedding budget

Decide who’s paying for what and allocate funds accordingly. This helps avoid misunderstandings and keeps everyone on the same page from day one

Create a detailed spreadsheet to track spending and make adjustments as needed; this will help you keep onto of your budget and prevent any overspending

Research and gather inspiration for your wedding day; this will spark ideas and help you visualise your dream celebration with ease

Start thinking about your wedding theme, colour scheme, and overall aesthetic to help create a cohesive look and simplify decision-making

Create a wedding guest list

Decide on a guest list by considering your budget and venue to ensure your guest count aligns with your resources and space

Divvy up the list and cut it down to a final number; this will help manage costs and keep your wedding intimate

Create a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves for your wedding day, as this will help prioritise spending and simplify planning

Research the logistics of accommodating out-of-town guests. It makes travel and accommodation easier for them and ensures they feel welcomed

Start creating your RSVP wedding website early and consider whether you want to send paper invites or keep everything digital. It is worth remembering that your wedding website will do a lot of the heavy lifting for you though by streamlining communications and providing guests with up-to-date information throughout the whole process

2. Wedding Planning and Party

Hire a wedding planner

Research and meet potential wedding planners to ensure you find someone experienced, who you click with and who can see aligning with your style

Consider hiring a planner who offers packages or discounts; this can save money and provide flexibility in services

Ask the right questions to ensure the planner is a good fit to clarify their experience and approach to wedding planning

Discuss expectations and the tone you want to create with your chosen planner

Plan the wedding party

Decide on the size and makeup of your wedding party. This sets clear roles and helps with planning.

These chosen members will want to help, so don't be afraid to delegate tasks to share the load

3. Venue and Vendors

Select the venue

Research and visit potential venues to visualise your wedding day and assess options

Take your guest count into consideration here, as well as your chosen style and budget when choosing a venue. This ensures the space fits your needs and aligns with your vision

Trust your gut when making a decision

Hire vendors who get booked up quickly

Research and lock in your favourite wedding vendors who get booked up quickly, such as photographers and musicians

Ask the right questions and consider hiring vendors who offer packages or discounts

4. Wedding Attire (9-12 months before)

Send out the wedding invitations

Send out wedding invitations with RSVPs due one month before the wedding. Please note that this time frame might differ if you're having a destination wedding

Find the perfect wedding dress

Start shopping for your wedding dress and researching local hair and makeup pros

Think about hiring a professional stylist or asking a friend for help

Start shopping for your bridal party and groomsmen's attire, and if you're going to buy wedding party gifts

Choose wedding bands

Research and look through wedding band options to help you find styles that suit your taste and budget

Don’t forget to purchase insurance for your wedding bands. It protects your investment and provides peace of mind in case of loss or damage

5. Wedding Details (6-9 months before)

Choose a colour palette and overall design

Gather inspiration and select a colour palette for your wedding to set the tone and create a cohesive look

Create a mood board and take your time with this part of the process to allow you to refine your vision and make thoughtful choices

Consider hiring a professional stylist or asking a friend for help. A pro can provide expert advice and help bring your vision to life

Meet with potential florists

Meet with potential florists and discuss your vision and budget. It's important to find a florist who can bring your ideas to life within your price range

Hire a florist who offers packages or discounts; this can save you money while still achieving your dream floral look

6. Final Preparations (3-6 months before)

Finalise the menu and schedule a tasting

Finalise your menu with your caterer and provide them with any special guest dietary requirements

Ensure the menu fits your budget, tastes, and timing. It keeps the event on track and will keep your guests happy

Consider every detail, from hors d’oeuvres to your dessert table, to create a well-rounded dining experience that impresses your guests

7. Last-Minute Tasks (1-3 months before)

Pick up your marriage license

Research and obtain a marriage license; it's essential that you meet legal requirements for your wedding

Make sure the license is valid and meets state requirements to prevent any legal issues on your big day

A professional can help with the process if you're getting married abroad. They can navigate local regulations and simplify the paperwork

Prepare for the big day

Take care of final wedding planning tasks, such as attending your final dress fitting

Refer back to your wedding checklist to make sure all details are taken care of. This will help you stay organised and reduce last-minute stress

Break in your wedding shoes to avoid blisters on the big day