Wedding checklist with timescales

Skip the potential boredom of creating your own to-do list by copying the below complete wedding checklist and focus on the fun of planning your big day.

Wedding checklist: 11 to 12 months until your wedding

• Notify your local council of your intention to get married (to make sure it will be legal)
• Create a wedding guest list (number of guests is crucial for venue booking)
• Define your wedding venue wants then search and book
• Secure your wedding date
• Decide on a catering option and book external caterers if needed

10 months until your wedding

• Book wedding reception entertainment
• Research and book photographers
• Choose your groomsmen (ushers) and bridesmaids
• Start the wedding dress and wedding suit search
• Book your makeup artist and hairdressers

9 months until your wedding

• Block-book wedding guest accommodation at a nearby hotel (if there is none at your venue)
• Create a wedding guest list tracker and request addresses
• Create 'save the dates' and send them out
• Book bridal transport (and guest transport if needed)

7 - 8 months until your wedding

• Select a cake maker and book in a tasting
• Select bridesmaid dresses
• Find a suit hire company for your groomsmen (ushers)
• Confirm the 'night before your wedding' accommodation plan with your bridal party and close family
• Agree on menu items with your venue or external caterers

6 months until your wedding

• Create the wedding invitations and send these out
• Book a wedding florist to make your bouquets, buttonholes and ceremony decorations.

5 months until your wedding

• Collate wedding guest responses and answer any guest queries
• Select bridal accessories; veil, shoes and jewellery

3- 4 months until your wedding

• Create a wedding seating plan
• Send menu and seating plan to venue and external caterers
• Create place cards and any other stationery items for the day
• Source or create wedding favours
• Start wedding dress fittings

2 months until your wedding

• Select ceremony specific details; music, readings and readers, witnesses and vowels
• Make reception playlist and email DJ or band if needed
• Buy gifts for the wedding party (groomsmen, bridesmaids and future parents in law)
• Recommended time for Stag and Hen do

Wedding checklist: 1 month to go until your wedding

• Check-in with all suppliers and make payments as required. Confirm details for the day including; delivery of items and set up
• Final dress fitting and check all bridal accessories are complete
• Underwear shopping for the wedding night

1 week until your wedding

• Pick up your wedding dress
• Check the bridal party have a clear running order of the day

2 days until your wedding

• Manicure/pedicure if required
• Shave/haircut for the groom
• Last hair wash for the bride
• Pack overnight items

1 day until your wedding

• Pick up fresh flowers if needed for confetti
• Meet bridal party for the 'night before' plans
• Relax and go to sleep early
• Prepare a good breakfast for the morning

Wedding checklist for your big day

• Relax and enjoy being pampered
• Make sure to eat well (you may miss a lot of the food at your wedding)
• Pass your phone to someone trusted to answer any texts from friends/family
• Meet with the register and walk down the aisle