A checklist for your wedding is super helpful, but that all-encompassing, master wedding to-do checklist can be daunting! It’s much easier to swallow in smaller pieces to keep you on task as you plan your big day, so we put together a little wedding planning timeline.
Given that most engagements are in the neighborhood of 10 to 12 months in length, the list compiled here will begin at that mark. Feel free to speed up some of the steps if time is more limited.
10-12 Months To Go
- Work out your budget and prioritize it
- Start browsing bridal blogs and magazines to inspire your style and color palette
- Compile your preliminary guest list
- Choose your wedding party
- Find a venue for your ceremony and reception, and reserve your date.
- Send out a save the date announcement
- Find a Dress
- Look for a caterer, cake designer, florist and photographer
- Start thinking about your honeymoon
6-9 Months To Go
- Book your vendors and make sure to put everything in writing!
- Decide on arrangements with your florist
- Do a tasting and choose your wedding cake with your cake designer
- Hire the DJ/Entertainment for your ceremony, cocktail hour and reception
- Decide on the style and wording of your wedding invitations
- Create your gift registry
- Arrange hotel room blocks for out-of-town guests and book your own suite for the wedding night
- Shop for bridesmaid/flower girl dresses
3–5 Months To Go
- Book the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner location(s)
- Put together your rehearsal dinner guest list
- Reserve all necessary party rentals and linens
- Order wedding favors for your guests
- Shop for and reserve men’s formalwear
- Concentrate on finalizing the guest list including mailing addresses
- Confirm your invitation text and consider additional stationery (programs, menu cards, place cards, thank-you cards, etc.)
- Decide on the ceremony readings and vows
- Confirm the menu, beverage and catering details
- Plan out your ground transportation needs – will you use a limousine service, party bus?
- Build the timeline of the reception
- Do a makeup & hair trial and book your stylists
- Purchase your wedding rings
- Finalize honeymoon plans and obtain all necessary documents
6–8 Weeks To Go
- Mail out those invitations!
- Touch base with your vendors to confirm date, deposits and details
- Arrange and book the limousine service (Hint! Blackstone Limousine is Seattle’s premium service!)
- Start researching marriage license requirements and name-change paperwork
- Begin your dress fittings
3–5 Weeks To Go
- Send out rehearsal dinner invitations
- Finalize your wedding vows and readings with your Officiant
- Confirm your requests with your Photographer/Videographer.
- Finalize the song list for ceremony, cocktail hour and reception with your DJ and/or Band/Musicians
- Confirm wedding night and honeymoon accommodations
- Obtain marriage license and complete name-change documents
- Pick up your wedding rings
- Have your final dress fitting and bring your shoes and accessories
1–2 Weeks To Go
- Give your caterer/venue the final guest count
- Arrange seating and create the seating chart
- Pick up your gown
- Confirm arrival times of all vendors
- Start packing for your honeymoon
The Day Before…
- Make sure all wedding-day items are packed/laid out and ready to go!
- Figure out tips and final payments for vendors
- Assign someone to pack up your gifts/belongings after the reception
- Enjoy a mani-pedi
Wedding Day!
- Allow plenty of time for bride beautification
- Enjoy a luxurious ride in a beautiful limousine!
- Stop to appreciate your new spouse and the day that you spent so much time planning!
With over 25 years of experience, you can trust Blackstone Limousine to provide the reliable and luxurious service you expect for your special day.
