A Full Wedding Planning Checklist

Planning a wedding can be hard, especially when you haven’t done it before. So I’ve compiled a list of everything you need to do before your wedding, so you know exactly what to do 3, 4, 5 or even 10 months out from your wedding day.

By the time your wedding day comes, you will be feeling fully prepared and ready to sit back and enjoy the day!

12 - 14 MONTHS OUT

  • DETERMINE A BUDGET - be realistic with yourselves here. It helps to set an estimated budget and an actual budget to keep track along the way. This can show what you might be willing to spend a little more on or what you might feel like you can pass on if you need to save some pennies.

  • CREATE A GUEST LIST

  • BOOK A VENUE

  • DETERMINE OVERALL THEME/VIBE OF THE DAY - this can depend on your venue or vice versa. For example, if you wanted a cozy, romantic vibe, a formal, bright white, large room might not give that same feel

  • HIRE VENDORS THAT BOOK OUT QUICKLY LIKE PHOTOGRAPHER, VIDEOGRAPHER, FLORIST, DJ

10 - 11 MONTHS OUT

  • START SHOPPING FOR YOUR WEDDING DRESS (if applicable)

  • BLOCK OUT ROOMS AT HOTEL FOR GUESTS (if applicable)

8 -9 MONTHS OUT

  • START SHOPPING FOR BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES (if applicable)

  • BOOK OTHER VENDORS LIKE OFFICIANT, HAIR & MAKEUP, ETC.

6 - 8 MONTHS OUT

  • BOOK YOUR ENGAGEMENT SESSION

  • SEND OUT SAVE THE DATES - your engagement photos can be a great use for these!

5 - 6 MONTHS OUT

  • ORDER ANY RENTALS YOU MAY NEED FOR THE WEDDING

3 - 4 MONTHS OUT

  • SEND OUT INVITATIONS

  • ORDER GROOM'S SUIT (if applicable)

  • ORDER WEDDING BANDS

2 MONTHS OUT

  • PICK UP MARRIAGE LICENSE

  • PICK UP ANY SMALL ITEMS YOU NEED FOR THE DAY OF

1 MONTH OUT

  • CREATE A SEATING CHART

  • HAVE A FINAL WALK THROUGH OF VENUE

  • WRITE YOUR SPEECHES / VOWS

THE WEEK LEADING UP

  • FINALIZE ALL DETAILS WITH YOUR VENUE + VENDORS - final numbers to venue, timelines, etc.

  • PACK YOUR "DAY-OF" BAG OR OVERNIGHT BAG

  • ANY "HOUSEKEEPING" ITEMS FOR YOURSELVES - haircut, get your nails done, heck schedule a massage so you can relax a bit if you're feeling stressed out

THE NIGHT BEFORE

  • GET A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP

  • EAT A GOOD MEAL - so you don't feel sluggish

  • DRINK PLENTY OF WATER

  • PUT ANY PRE-PACKED BAGS IN THE CAR - so you don't have to worry about them the next morning or risk forgetting them

THE MORNING OF

  • EAT BREAKFAST - trust me, just coffee will NOT help you. Make sure you eat something hearty

  • DRINK EVEN MORE WATER - people forget to eat and drink throughout the day, so make sure to start with some water

  • TAKE YOUR DRESS/SUIT OUT OF THE BAG - you can see if someone needs to steam it

  • HAVE ALL DETAILS IN ONE PLACE FOR PHOTOGRAPHER TO CAPTURE

An intimate wedding & elopement photographer who captures genuine, authentic moments and photos that evoke emotion and comfort.

I’m always ready to hop on a plane and adventure with you!

Wedding photographer based in Toronto & GTA.

WeddingGiulia MoltisantiComment