We know, a lot goes into planning a wedding!
To help you every step of the way, here’s a handy checklist.
11–12+ Months Before
Decide on a wedding budget
A few things to make sure you plan for: the venue, your dress and alterations, flowers, photography, music, and invitations.
Discuss guest count with your fiancé
Are you hoping to have a small and intimate celebration or a grand affair? Start the guest list early because estimating the size of the wedding will help guide your budget and venue decisions.
Think about your event’s theme and colors
Start a Pinterest board and save ideas for your ceremony, reception, bridesmaid dresses, wedding cake, flowers, and more.
Consider your wedding dress options
Browse styles online and take our Dress Finder quiz so you can figure out what you like and start saving your favorites.
Hire a wedding coordinator or planner
They keep everything organized so you can simply enjoy the day. A trusted coordinator can be especially helpful for destination weddings.
Scout ceremony & reception sites
Seek out a few venues you really like and schedule visits to see them in person.
Schedule your wedding gown appointment
Make your appointment online or call 1-844-400-3222. Before you head to the store, save your favorite gowns on our website or app.
Confirm your wedding date & book your ceremony & reception venues
Read the contracts carefully and note whether you need to obtain permits or insurance.
Schedule engagement photos
Ready, set, smile! Book a photographer for engagement photos. This session will help you and your fiancé feel comfortable in front of the camera.
Order & send save the dates
Select a design that matches your theme, or pick one that spotlights your engagement photos.
Enjoy your engagement celebration
Coordinate with family and friends if you want to throw an engagement party. Remember, all invitees should be on your wedding guest list.
9–10 Months Before
Pop the question: Will you be my bridesmaid?
Ask your friends to stand by your side on the big day.
Choose your wedding dress
Our stylists are ready to help you find your dream wedding dress, within budget. Bring a friend or two if you’d like a second opinion!
Schedule your first dress fitting
Get the perfect fit with the help of our alterations experts. They can also personalize your dress with details like sleeves, a corset back, or a bustle.
Order your wedding cake
Give your baker specific details and inspiration photos to ensure your cake is picture-perfect.
Choose a color scheme
Put together a wedding palette to tie together everything from invitations to bridesmaid dresses.
Browse bridesmaid dresses
Mark your favorite styles on our website or app, then share with your friends.
Start a gift registry
Make a date with your fiancé to set up your gift registry. It’s a good idea to do this early on so guests can use it for the engagement party, shower, and wedding.
Book your ceremony officiant
If you don’t have a specific officiant in mind, ask your venue to recommend one who suits your style and spirit.
7–8 Months Before
Schedule your bridesmaid appointment
Make your wedding party appointment online or call 1-844-400-3222, and have a girls’ day out! We also have appointments for mothers of the bride and groom.
Book your photographer & videographer
Hire pros you trust to capture beautiful memories of your special day.
Decide on a caterer
If your venue doesn’t include catering, research options and give their sample menus a try.
Research music options for your ceremony & reception
From a string quartet to a rock band to your favorite playlist, music helps define the wedding’s vibe. Decide if you want live music or a DJ—or both.
5–6 Months Before
Choose wedding-day looks for the guys
Purchase or rent the groom’s tuxedo or suit, and select styles for groomsmen.
Choose your bridesmaid dresses
With so many colors and styles, there are endless ways to coordinate your bridesmaids.
Arrange wedding-day transportation
Plan how your wedding party and guests will get to and from their hotel, the ceremony, and the reception.
Browse wedding invitations
Don’t forget to include an RSVP date on your response card! It’s best to give guests 1–2 weeks to respond after they receive the invitation.
Decide where you’ll stay on your wedding night
Reserve a romantic honeymoon suite for your first night as a married couple.
Purchase wedding bands
Consider engraving your rings with your initials and the wedding date or words that mean something special to the two of you.
Discuss bridal shower & bachelorette party plans with your maid of honor
Even though you’re not in charge of planning these events, prepare a list of invitees for the hostess. Consider an informal celebration to thank your bridesmaids for being a part of your special day.
Plan and book your honeymoon
Get excited for your getaway! Book early so you'll have the best options—and the best prices.
3–4 Months Before
Book your glam squad
Schedule hair and makeup trials so you don’t have any surprises on the big day. Don’t forget to bring your veil or other hair accessories to the appointment.
Check in with bridesmaids about their dresses
Make sure your bridesmaids have ordered their dresses and accessories so they’ll arrive in time.
Go to your first bridal gown fitting
Invite your maid of honor or your mom to join you! Don’t forget to bring the undergarments and shoes you plan to wear at the wedding.
Select wedding decorations
Pick out all the trimmings you need to make the ceremony and reception venues feel festive, including a ring pillow, guest book, and unity candles.
Order wedding flowers
From bouquets to centerpieces, flowers add natural beauty to your wedding setting.
Finalize the details of your ceremony & reception
Choose honored guests to say readings, and give them copies of the text so they’ll have plenty of time to practice. Decide on songs and who will be singing or playing them.
Order & mail out invitations
Sending invitations 8–12 weeks before the ceremony gives guests enough time to RSVP before you need to confirm the final head count with your caterer.
Decide on your wedding vows
Discuss whether you’ll say traditional wedding vows or write your own.
Find gifts for your wedding party
Thank your parents, bridesmaids, groomsmen, and flower girls with personalized gifts.
Finalize the menu with your caterer
Discuss any special meal requests, and choose a signature cocktail to serve.
Decide on wedding favors
Leave your guests with something to remember the day. We have little somethings to match every wedding theme, from rustic to elegant.
Plan your rehearsal dinner
Send invitations to your rehearsal dinner guests. Some couples invite only the wedding party, but it’s also a nice gesture to include out-of-town guests.
Check in with your mom & future mother-in-law about their dresses
For help picking out a style that coordinates with the party and flatters her in every way, make an appointment with a stylist.
Order flower girl dresses
Since little girls grow fast, it’s best to shop for these styles a little closer to the date.
1–2 Months Before
Go to your final gown fitting
Bring your shoes, lingerie, and other wedding-day accessories for one last look!
Arrange for your marriage license & request certified copies
Regulations vary by state, so check local guidelines. If you’re planning to change your name, you’ll need certified copies of your marriage license.
Create your wedding ceremony programs
Customize your wedding ceremony programs with the names of the people in your wedding party, your ceremony readings, and a note of thanks to guests for attending.
Order stationery for the reception
Coordinate your table numbers, escort cards or place cards, menus, napkins and more.
Be a thoughtful host
Think about providing welcome bags and tips for out-of-towners. Consider hiring a babysitter or planning kid-friendly activities so grown-up guests can relax and enjoy the party.
2–4 Weeks Before
Confirm the ceremony details with your officiant
Running through the order of the readings and other details will give you peace of mind.
Confirm the guest count & meal options
Call anyone on your guest list who hasn’t RSVP’d to find out if they’re coming.
Give your seating chart & final head count to your caterer, venue, or host
Figure out where everyone is sitting, and share the arrangement and meal counts. Don't forget to include food for the vendors like the photographer and DJ.
Write or print place cards & table cards
Consider displaying place cards in a fun way that corresponds to your theme. String them on lengths of twine, stand them in decorative holders—oh, the possibilities!
Write toasts for your rehearsal dinner & reception
If you or your fiancé will be giving a speech, jot down your thoughts so you’re prepared when it’s time to stand in front of the mic.
1 Week Before
Prepare payments & tips for your officiant & vendors
Designate a responsible friend or relative to make sure everyone gets paid—that way you won’t have to worry at the reception. A handwritten thank-you note is always a nice touch.
Put together a wedding-day schedule
Send guests an email with a schedule of the day’s events, directions, and any transportation info.
Ask your bridal party to help with wedding-day tasks
Friends can distribute wedding programs, welcome guests, encourage guest book signatures, fasten your bustle after the ceremony, deliver payments or info to vendors, and transport gifts.
Confirm transportation, deliveries, & the wedding-day schedule with vendors
Double-check one last time that your baker, florist, photographer, and other vendors know where to go and what time to be there.
1 Day Before
Rehearse the ceremony & enjoy the rehearsal dinner
Run through the order of events to ensure everything goes smoothly on the actual day. At the rehearsal dinner, give your parents and party their gifts.
Day Of
Enjoy your wedding day!
Soak up every moment of the incredible celebration you planned.
Post Wedding
Officially change your name & update important documents
If you’ve decided to make the switch, a name change service can streamline the process.
Preserve your wedding dress
Turn your gown into a keepsake after the wedding by having it preserved. Cleaning is included in the process, and you can also include your veil and other accessories.
Deposit checks & cash gifts
Some banks are strict about the names on the account, so now is a good time to set up a joint account.
Send thank-you notes
A personal thank-you note is always appreciated! Aim to put them in the mail within two months of your wedding.
Create a wedding album
Photo books make great gifts for parents and grandparents.
