The Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist 

Are you planning your wedding? If so, you’ll want to make sure you have everything covered! This wedding checklist will help you organise everything and make sure your day goes smoothly. From choosing the right wedding venue to deciding on your menu, we’ve got you covered! 

Your Free Wedding Planning Checklist 

When it comes to wedding planning, there are a lot of things to consider! This can be an overwhelming process, but we’re here to help. Use this wedding checklist to make sure you’ve got everything covered. From finding the perfect wedding venue to finalising your guest list, we’ve got you covered! 

Phase 1: Decisions  

Wedding budget  

When it comes to wedding budgeting, there are a lot of things to keep in mind. From the cost of the venue rental to the price of catering, you’ll need to factor in everything.  

Wedding date  

What date are you looking at? Most wedding venues are booked well in advance, so you’ll want to start thinking about this early on. 

Wedding guest list  

Who will you invite to your wedding? This is one of the first things you need to decide so that you can start booking vendors with some idea of numbers. Perhaps you want some people at the evening event to reduce costs? What about children, are they on the guest list?  

Wedding party  

Your wedding party is a group of people who will be by your side throughout the entire wedding planning process. These are the people who you want to have by your side on your big day! Who are you going to choose? Let them know! 

Wedding venue  

What venue speaks to you as a couple? Now is the time to look around and also check deadlines and availability. Consider location, capacity and overall amenities  

Wedding menu  

Your wedding menu is more than just what will be served to your guests. It’s also a reflection of you as a couple and your wedding style. Tie it into your theme and also find out if you will need a catering company or if your venue will provide dishes. When will taste menus be offered? What is your budget per head? Don’t forget wine and champagne too and your evening reception catering.  

Wedding reception 

Your wedding reception is the time to celebrate your marriage with all of your friends and family. This is usually the biggest event of the day, so you’ll want to make sure it’s perfect!  

Phase Two: Planning  

Wedding invitations  

Once you’ve got a good understanding of your wedding budget, it’s time to start finalizing your guest list. This is an important step, as you’ll want to make sure everyone you invited can actually attend. You’ll need to send out RSVP’s in the style of your month of wedding and it’s theme. There are a lot of different styles to choose from. You’ll want to find something that matches the overall theme and aesthetic of your wedding and you may want a designer, or even to DIY these! Get them out as soon as you can.  

Wedding planner  

A wedding planner is a great way to take the stress out of wedding planning. They can help you with everything from finding the perfect wedding venue to finalising your guest list. Your venue may offer their own planner to help.  

Wedding cake  

The wedding cake is one of the most important parts of the wedding! This is a chance to get creative and have some fun with your design. There are a lot of different flavours and fillings to choose. Book yours now.  

Wedding flowers  

Choosing the right wedding florist is an important decision. You’ll want to find someone who can create the vision you have for your wedding. There are a lot of different flowers to choose from, so you’ll want to make sure you’re working with someone who knows what they’re doing! This is a great task to do early on. They can also tell you about seasonal flowers.  

Wedding day insurance  

Wedding day insurance is something that you should definitely consider. This will protect you in case anything goes wrong on your big day!  

Thank you cards  

Pick up some thank you cards ready to send after your honeymoon for any kind donations to your Collection Pot.  

Wedding rings  

There are a lot of different styles to choose from, and it should last a lifetime! Take your time in finding the perfect ring for you! Start early so that you have plenty of time to get it resized or order in anything special, or to take care of engravings. You’ll also want to get your rings insured.  

Wedding party gifts  

You’ll want to make sure you’re wedding party is taken care of on your big day! Wedding party gifts are a great way to show your appreciation for their help throughout the wedding planning process.  

Accommodation for wedding guests  

If you have out-of-town guests coming to your wedding, you’ll need to get some options sorted for them for hotels or guest houses. Add the details to your invites.  

Wedding decorations  

Wedding decorations are a chance to get creative and really make your wedding day your own. From the ceremony space to the reception hall, there are a lot of different ways to decorate your wedding. Now is a great time to start slowly sourcing the items you want.  

Wedding photographer  

Your wedding photographer will be responsible for capturing all of the special moments on your big day. You’ll want to find someone who you’re comfortable with and who has a style that you love, so book someone now.  

Wedding videographer  

A wedding videographer is a great way to capture your wedding day in a unique way. This is a chance to have a video of your wedding that you can watch for years to come! Get some recommendations and book them now.  

Wedding transportation  

Wedding transportation is an important part of the wedding day. You’ll need to make sure you have a way to get all of your guests from the ceremony to the reception. This is a great opportunity to get creative and really make your wedding day your own.- you could hire a vintage bus, taxis or even an ice cream van or fire truck! 

Wedding favours  

Wedding favours are a great way to thank your guests for attending your big day. There are a lot of different options to choose from, so you’ll want to find something that fits the theme of your wedding.  

Wedding officiant  

An officiant is a person who will officiate your wedding ceremony. This is a great opportunity to find someone who you connect with and who can personalize your ceremony. You may like to find a celebrant to tell stories and help guests sing and play an active part in your ceremony! 

Wedding attire

Your wedding dress or suit is one of the most important parts of your wedding day. You’ll want to find something that makes you feel confident and you’ll want to factor in accessories as well, fittings and alterations. Don’t forget to also ensure you’ve left budget and time to ensure the whole wedding party look great too!  

Musicians and or entertainment  

If you’re looking to have musicians or other entertainment at your wedding, now is the time to start booking them! You’ll want to find someone who can really help set the tone for your wedding day.  

Wedding make up and hair  

Your wedding day is a chance to really pamper yourself and look your best. You’ll want to find a great makeup artist and hair stylist who can make you look and feel like the best version of yourself.  

Phase 3: The big day  

Wedding rehearsal  

The wedding rehearsal is a great opportunity to run through the ceremony and make sure everyone knows what they’re doing. This is also a good time to take care of any last-minute details.  

Wedding day  

Your wedding day is finally here! This is the day you’ve been planning for, so make sure to enjoy the day! Pack your wedding party with a wedding day emergency kit. This includes things like a sewing kit, plasters, snacks and water.  

Post-wedding  

After your wedding day is over, you’ll want to take some time to relax and recover. You may also want to start planning for your honeymoon! Make sure to thank all of your guests for coming and celebrate with your new partner! Send thank you cards to all the guests.  

Now you’ve got all the steps to a great wedding – relax! Set up your Collection Pot. This is a great way for guests to contribute to your wedding costs without having to worry about gifts. With this checklist, you’re guaranteed to have a wedding day that you’ll remember forever!  

Elaine Keep

Elaine Keep is an accomplished content writer with over 15 years of experience in the field of marketing and content creation for many leading brands, where she shares her passion for research and helping others through her articles. You can also find her in 'mum mode', walking in the countryside or enjoying the dreamy combo of a new non-fiction book with a tea and chocolate bar to hand.

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