Wedding Countdown Checklist
Everything a couple needs to do, from 12 months out to the big day — in one printable list.
12+ months out
- Set your budget and estimate the guest count — every decision after this depends on both
- Pick the date and book the venue; popular ones go 12–18 months ahead
- Book the photographer, caterer, and officiant
- Start the guest list: names, emails, and addresses
- Research honeymoon prices and lock in the travel window
- Create your wedding website and start sharing updates
Get the full checklist in your inbox
Join the waitlist and we'll email you the complete checklist — plus early access to ourday when it launches.
9–12 months out
- Send save-the-dates with the date, location, and website
- Book the band or DJ — good ones book out months ahead
- Ask your wedding party, then set the attire timeline
- Start dress or suit shopping; alterations take weeks
- Book the videographer if you want one
- Open the registry and set up cash funds or experiences
6–9 months out
- Order invitations and plan how RSVPs come back
- Book the florist and order the cake
- Arrange ceremony music and readings
- Plan the menu — dietary needs included
- Arrange transport for guests and the wedding party
- Book hair and makeup trials
4–6 months out
- Send the invitations — RSVPs trickle in over 6–8 weeks
- Order the rings and insure them
- Book the rehearsal dinner and the day-after brunch
- Draft the day-of timeline, photography slots included
- Confirm vendor contracts and payment schedules
- Plan the honeymoon in detail: flights, stays, documents
2–4 months out
- Chase late RSVPs and confirm final numbers
- Order rentals: tableware, linens, chairs, and extras
- Write your vows and pick the readings
- Start the seating plan and label the tables
- Book final dress and suit fittings
1–2 months out
- Give final numbers to the venue and caterer
- Draft the ceremony program
- Prepare playlists and must-play songs
- Pack the day-of bag: documents, rings, speeches, touch-up kit
- Confirm every vendor one final time
- Brief the wedding party on their roles
2–4 weeks out
- Finalize the seating chart and print place cards
- Get the marriage license — check the rules where you live
- Confirm honeymoon bookings and check in online
- Hand the venue your day-of timeline and vendor contacts
- Take a breath — the big tasks are done
1 week out
- Run the rehearsal end to end
- Deliver place cards, programs, and favors
- Check the weather and agree a plan B for outdoor moments
- Final attire check and break in the shoes
- Rest, hydrate, and charge every device
Wedding day
- Eat breakfast — you'll be glad you did
- Hand the rings and vows to someone reliable
- Delegate: one contact for vendors, one for guests
- Slow down and take it in — it goes fast
- Have someone hold your phone — stay in the day, not in the feed