Set a wedding budget and decide what’s included
Choose a wedding date and backup date options
Decide wedding style (religious or secular, formal or casual)
Create a guest list target and estimate headcount
Establish your priorities (venue, food, photography, entertainment, etc.)
Pick a location and venue type (ceremony, reception, or both)
Book the venue and confirm key details (capacity, hours, noise rules, rain plan)
Choose an officiant and confirm availability
Select wedding party (if any) and assign roles
Hire essential vendors: photographer, videographer, caterer, planner (optional), DJ/band, florist, rentals
Request quotes, compare packages, and confirm contracts and payment schedules
Plan the ceremony details (order of service, readings, music, vows)
Plan the reception timeline (guest arrival, speeches, dinner, toasts, first dance, cake cutting, last call)
Choose a menu and tastings (if applicable)
Arrange bar service (open bar, beer/wine, signature cocktails) and confirm staffing and hours
Select attire for couple and wedding party (schedule fittings and tailoring)
Choose rings and confirm engraving timeline
Decide on invitations, save-the-dates (if needed), and mailing deadlines
Create seating plan strategy and assign tables (if applicable)
Arrange transportation (parking, shuttles, rides for couple and wedding party)
Plan lodging blocks or hotel recommendations for out-of-town guests
Order rentals (tables, chairs, linens, glassware, staging, lighting, chairs for ceremony)
Plan decor and florals (centerpieces, bouquets, ceremony backdrop, aisle arrangements)
Select music for ceremony and reception (playlist and any must-play/avoid lists)
Organize officiant, ceremony music, and sound requirements with the venue/DJ
Plan special moments (grand entrance, father/daughter, mother/son, garter, surprises)
Choose wedding cake or dessert plan and confirm delivery/setup times
Arrange favors (if any) and confirm quantities and packaging
Plan photography and video shot list (must-have photos and family groupings)
Schedule vendor walkthroughs and confirm day-of contacts and call times
Create a master schedule with start/end times for every vendor
Build a day-of contact sheet (names, phone numbers, addresses, vendor responsibilities)
Confirm permits and requirements (venue, alcohol, photography, music licensing, local rules)
Purchase or arrange insurance (event/liability coverage) if recommended
Prepare the legal paperwork timeline (licenses, names, witnesses if required)
Plan rehearsal and confirm location and timing
Order day-of essentials (emergency kit, stain remover, scissors, tape, safety pins, batteries)
Prepare signage (directional signs, welcome sign, seating chart, menu boards, restroom signs)
Arrange payment plan and remaining balances with each vendor
Finalize details 2–4 weeks before (seating, final headcount, meal counts, timelines)
Conduct final walkthrough with venue and review setup/teardown logistics
Confirm final headcount with caterer and bar provider by deadline
Create final contact list for guests (ceremony time, arrival time, dress code, parking)
Pack items for wedding day (rings, vows, copies of license, ceremony items, tips cash/envelopes)
Set up a plan for weather contingencies (tenting, indoor backup, umbrellas, heating/cooling)
Delegate tasks to trusted people (family/friends or planner) for day-of execution
Review final timeline with all vendors and wedding party
Enjoy the day and follow the master schedule