Best Wedding Planning Checklist

Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, but having the right checklist can make all the difference.

In this post, I’m excited to share my ultimate Best Wedding Planning Checklist, designed to help you stay organized and stress-free throughout the process.

This checklist covers everything from choosing the perfect venue to sending out invitations and everything in between.

Whether you’re just starting to plan or already deep into the details, I’ve got tips and timelines to help you make your dream wedding a reality.

The Page contains links to affiliate websites, and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you on the affiliate website using such links

Best Wedding Planning Checklist

The Best Wedding Checklist

Mr. & Mrs. ____________

Wedding Date:

Wedding Time:

The Bridal Party

You can list the names of people who will be working as Maids of Honor, Best men and Flower Girls, Ring Bearers, etc names, here;

Maid of Honor:

Best Man:

Bridesmaid

Groomsman:

Flower Girl:

Ring Bearer:

Ushers:

Program Person:

Book Venues & Vendors

Clergy:
Wedding Planner/Coordinator:
Ceremony Venue/Church:
Rehearsal Venue/Church:
Rehearsal Dinner Location:
Reception Venue:
Photographer:
Videographer:
Cake:
Caterer:
Florist:
Entertainment:
DJ/Band:
- Photobooth:
Transportation (limo, party bus):
Wedding Night Hotel:
Honeymoon:

Bridal Party Appeal

Bride

Wedding Gown
Veil or Headpiece (tiara, flower, etc…)
Shoes
Jewelry (earrings, necklace, bracelets, etc…)
Hair
Nails (manicure, pedicure)
Make-Up (professional or DIY)
Gown Undergarments (lingerie, corset, spanks, etc…)
Garter & Toss Garter
Gown Alterations
Gown Preservation
Rehearsal Dinner Outfit
Send Off Outfit

Bridesmaids

Bridesmaid Dresses
Shoes
Jewelry (earrings, necklace, bracelets, etc…)
Hair
Nails
Make-Up (professional or DIY)

Grooms and Groomsmen

Groom’s Tux
Groomsmen’s Tux
Shoes
Tie or Bow Tie
Vest or Suspenders
Pocket Square
Groom Going Away Outfit

Also Check: How To Clean Wedding Jacket

Flower Girl

Dress
Shoes
Hair
Hair Accessory (tiara, flower, bow, ribbon, etc…)
Flower Basket
Flower Petals

Ring Bearer

Outfit
Shoes
Ring Pillow
Ushers, Program Person, Parents of the Bride and Groom, Wedding Coordinator & Wedding Clergy

You can suggest a specific color scheme for them to wear so they match the bridal party

Rings

Engagement Ring
Bride’s Wedding Band
Groom’s Wedding Band
Engraving
Soldering Engagement & Wedding Ring

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Rehearsal & Rehearsal Dinner

Rehearsal Date & Time:
Rehearsal Location
Rehearsal Dinner Location
- Table & Chairs
- Table Cloths
- Plates
- Utensils
- Napkins
- Table Decorations
- Food & Beverages – Caterer, Restaurant or DIY
- Dinner Plan – sides, main coarse
- Desserts
- Beverages
- Champagne for Toast
- Sound System for Music
- White Dress for Bride
- Bring Bridal Party Gifts

Related Post: Is 2 Hours Enough Time For a Wedding

Ceremony

Ceremony Venue/Church Location:
Ceremony Venue/Church Location Deposit
Ceremony Venue/Church Location Fee
Ceremony Time:
Clergy
Unity (sand, candles, paint, plant, braid, etc…)
Unity Table & Table Cloth
Alter
Alter Decorations
Chairs/Pews
Chair/Pew Decorations
Aisle Decorations
Aisle Runner
Wedding Programs
Program Table & Decorations
Guest Book & Pen/Marker
Program Person/Greeter
Ushers
Microphone: Clergy, Bride & Groom vows
Ceremony Song Playlist (see music below)
Sound System or Live Music

Reception

Reception Venue Location:
Reception Venue Location Deposit
Reception Venue Location Fee
Reception Times:
- Cocktail Hour/Appetizers Time:
- Dinner Time:
- Send Off Time:
Parking
Seating Chart
Table Numbers
Tables & Chairs
Table Cloths
Chair Decorations
Centerpieces
Table Runner
Gift Table & Decorations
Wedding Card Box
Cake Table
Food Tables
Food & Beverages:
- Caterer or DIY
- Bartender or Self Serve (beer cans, keg, dispensers)
Food List:
- Appetizers
- Sides
- Main Dish
- Dinner Rolls
- Vegetarian Alternative – Salad
- Dessert or Candy Table
- Plates
- Utensils
- Napkins
Beverages:
- Beverages: Water, Tea, Lemonade, Soda, Punch
- Alcohol: Beer, Wine, Champagne, Mixed Drinks, Open Bar, Cash Bar
- Beverage Dispenser
- Coolers or Tubs
- Ice
- Cups/Glassware
- Bartender
- Bar
- Bride & Groom Toasting Glasses
- Toasting Beverage: Champagne, Wine, Sparkling Grape Juice
- Toast given by:
Cake
- Wedding Cake
- Groom’s Cake
- Cake Topper
- Cake Decorations
- Cake Knife
- Cake Plates
- Forks
- Cake Servers & Cutters:
- Cake Baker:
Entertainment:
- Dance Floor
- Lights – dim the lights, strobe lights, disco lights, etc…
- DJ, Live Band or DIY DJ
- Photo Booth
- Video Booth
- Slideshow
- Bonfire
- Date Jar or Advice Jar
- Games – Jumbo Jenga, Corn Hole, Shoe Game, Photo Scavenger Hunt, etc…
Special Moments Song Playlist (see music below)
Send Off Item – sparklers, bird seed, rose petals, bubbles, glow sticks
Clean Up Team or Pay to Clean Up

Flowers

Florist:
Bride’s Bouquet
Bridesmaids Bouquet
Boutonnieres – Groom, Groomsmen, Clergy, Fathers
Corsage or Brooch for Mother’s and/or Grandmothers
Ceremony
- Aisle Decoration
- Alter Decoration
- Flower Girl Petals
Reception
- Centerpieces
- Throw Bouquet

Decide if you want Real or Artificial Flowers

Photos & Videos

Engagement Photos
Wedding Photographer:
Wedding Videographer:
Photographer Photo List
Photobook, Photo Album, and/or Pictures set up
Slideshow of Bride & Groom

Related Article: Best 8 Planning Your Future Wedding Ideas

Music

Type of Music: DJ or Live Band or DIY DJ

- Speaker System
- Microphone
- I-pod/Computer
- Music/Organized Playlists
- Back-up Playlist
- Person to Announce/Monitor System
Bridal Party Name List to Announce
Ceremony/Special Moment Song List:
- Prelude Songs
- Bridal Party Entrance Song
- Bride Entrance Song
- Unity Song
- Exit Song
- Wedding Party Entrance Song
- First Dance Song
- Father-Daughter Dance Song
- Mother-Son Dance Song
- Cake Cutting Song
- Bouquet Toss Song
- Garter Toss Song
- Send Off Song

Gifts & Favours

Asking Bridesmaid Gift
Asking Groomsmen Gift
- Bridal Party Gifts
- Bridesmaids
- Groomsmen
- Flower Girl
- Ring Bearer
- Ushers
Groom’s Gift from Bride
Bride’s Gift from Groom
Parent’s of the Bride Gift
Parent’s of the Groom Gift
Guest Favors

Stationary

Create Guest List
Save the Dates
Wedding Invitations
- RSVP Cards
- RSVP Envelope & Postage
- Hotel Accommodations/Registry Information/Map & Directions Card
Envelopes
Postage
Address Labels
Return Address Labels or Calligraphy Stamp
Newspaper Announcement
Wedding Programs
Seating Chart
Seating Numbers
Thank You Cards
Party Invitations:
- Engagement Party Invitation
- Bachelor Party Invitation
- Bachelorette Party Invitation
- Bridal Shower Invitation
- Rehearsal Dinner Invitation

Miscellaneous

Marriage License (valid for 60 days)
Create Wedding Registry
Wedding Website
Engagement Party
Bridal Shower
Bachelorette Party Date:
Bachelor Party Date:
Hotel Accommodations for Guest
Transportation – for guest to hotel or limo for bridal party
Night of Hotel for Bride & Groom
Book Honeymoon
- Location
- Transportation

Related Article: 11+ Wedding ideas decoration for tables

Afterwards

Turn in Marriage License (valid for 60 days)
Return Groom’s Tux
Clean/Preserve Gown
Preserve Bouquet
Send Thank You Cards
Change Name:
- Social Security Card
- Driver’s License
- Insurance – car & health
- Bills
- Social Media

Note: This is just a guide to help with your wedding. Every wedding is different, and each couple will have their own choices. Check off what you have done, cross out what you don’t want, and write down the names of the businesses you choose and your bridal party. Congratulations and best wishes as you start this new journey as husband and wife.