Bride Wedding Checklist

Published under Wedding Checklist and Timelines

A bride has a lot on her mind when it comes to planning her wedding. It is a good idea for a bride to have a wedding checklist to help guide her through the stages of planning a wedding and to help ensure even the most minor of detail is not overlooked.

The Bride's Wedding Checklist:

6-12 months prior to the wedding:

  • Choose wedding date and time
  • Begin creating a wedding budget
  • Choose wedding style and theme
  • Reserve the ceremony and reception location
  • Select a caterer and florist
  • Hire a wedding consultant (optional)
  • Begin compiling names and addresses of guests
  • Shop for a bridal gown

4 months prior to the wedding:

  • Make final arrangements for the ceremony
  • Order all bridal attire
  • Order invitations and stationary
  • Complete the guest list
  • Begin planning the honeymoon
  • Order wedding rings
  • Check requirements for a marriage license

2 months prior to the wedding:

  • Address invitations (mail 4-6 weeks before the wedding)
  • Order wedding cake
  • Finalize details with wedding vendors
  • Finalize the honeymoon plans
  • Schedule an appointment with the hairdresser
  • Make arrangements for the rehearsal
  • Plan rehearsal dinner
  • Make arrangements for out-of-town guests

1 month prior to the wedding:

  • Have a final fitting for bridal gown and attendant's gowns
  • Purchase gifts for attendants and fiancé
  • Check for all accessories, ring pillow, toasting goblets, candles, garter, cake cutter, etc
  • Keep a record of all gifts received
  • Designate a responsible person to handle the guest book

Two weeks prior to the wedding:

  • Confirm accommodations for out-of-town guests
  • Prepare wedding announcement for the newspaper
  • Make sure all business and legal documents are in order and forms filled out for bank accounts, Social Security card, driver's license, and insurance

One week prior to the wedding:

  • Go over final details with all wedding vendors
  • Make sure you have the marriage license, rings, and wedding attire
  • Plan seating arrangements
  • Give the caterer the final count
  • Give the musicians the lists of music for the ceremony and reception
  • Meet with your photographer to finalize details
  • Make sure everyone knows their role in the wedding
  • Attend rehearsal dinner

The day of the wedding:

  • Allow plenty of time for hair and make-up
  • Eat something
  • Seat arriving guests
  • Have the musicians begin playing 30 minutes before the ceremony
  • Relax and enjoy your special day!