DW 12-Month Planning Checklist
12 months out (or at the time of engagement)
___Set the DW budget
___Select the destination
___Confirm the date
___Draft the initial guest list (to narrow down later)
10 to 12 months out
___Investigate (and begin complying with) local marriage license
requirements
___Select the ceremony venue
___Confirm any vendors who are independent of the resort/cruise line
___Select invitation printer
___Select wedding Web site vendor and set up the site
___Set up the wedding/honeymoon registry
___Draft and print the save-the-date notices
___Send couple on a site visit (if requested)
___Confirm passport details for the couple
___Confirm honeymoon plans for the couple
8 to 10 months out
___Finalize the guest list
___Mail/send the save-the-date notices (with travel info, if available)
___Narrow down attire choices for bride/groom/wedding party
___Confirm couple’s music selections with suppliers/vendors
___Choose and confirm the officiant
___Schedule engagement photos
6 to 8 months out
___Begin reviewing and confirming flights
___Begin reviewing and confirming hotel stays
___Review plans for showers and other pre-wedding events
___Confirm photographer and videographer with the venue
___Order invitations
4 to 6 months out
___Finalize wedding attire choices
___Plan the rehearsal dinner details
___Continue confirming flights and hotel stays, esp. for the
wedding party
___Select and purchase welcome/gift bag items
___Confirm ground transportation/transfers as appropriate
___Confirm rentals for any extra wedding needs (linens,
special floral arrangements, etc.)
3 months out
___Address and send invitations (with RSVPs due no later than
one month out)
___Order programs and other wedding collateral (if needed)
___Confirm food/beverage plans (including cake)
___Select any needed bridal accessories
2 months out
___Finalize wedding vows
___Choose and purchase attendant/wedding party gifts
___Confirm final ceremony details (readings, etc.)
___Confirm music selections with the venue
___Confirm requested shot list with the photographer and
videographer
1 month out
___Follow up with guests who have not yet RSVP’d
___Prepare to ship items as needed to the venue (remember
to allow plenty of time for customs review)
___Send announcement details to local newspapers
2 weeks out
___Confirm responsibilities for the wedding party and others
involved in the ceremony
___Pick up wedding dress
___Confirm transfers and any on-site beauty/hair appointments
Prior to departure
___Pack for the trip (including the honeymoon)
___Prepare gratuities with envelopes for vendors
Upon arrival
___Re-confirm in person all of the wedding arrangements
___Deliver welcome packages and gifts
___Enjoy the welcome party (if applicable)
The day before the ceremony
___Complete a ceremony rehearsal
___Enjoy the rehearsal diner
___Give gifts to wedding party and family members