Wedding Checklist PDF

Planning a wedding can be one of the most stressful things you will do in life but it doesn’t have to be that way. Our free wedding planning checklist will ensure that you don’t forget anything and that everything runs smoothly. Use the free Google Docs or Google Sheets version to easily share and collaborate with those helping you organize your wedding.

Printable Wedding Checklist Template

Free printable wedding checklist to get you organized before your wedding. If you also need to take care of the decor, then see our wedding decor checklist.

The wedding arrangements checklist is available in 5 different formats: Google Docs, Google Sheets, MS Word, fillable PDF, and MS Excel. For more wedding printables see how to plan a wedding.

With a section for notes

Without a section for notes (i,e, checklist only)

Other Wedding Printables

(Begins 12 months prior to the wedding)

This wedding timeline checklist plans every detail of your wedding starting one year before the wedding. It is available in Google Docs, Google Sheets, MS Word, MS Excel, or Fillable PDF.

(Ceremony and Reception)

The wedding reception timeline plans each activity before and during your wedding ceremony and reception. The wedding day timeline template is available in Google Docs, Google Sheets, MS Word, Excel, or as a pretty poster that you can customize online for free.

A wedding program template lists your wedding program and adds details about the bride, groom, and wedding party. It is available as a Google Docs, MS Word document, and on our online app. All options are free.

Our free wedding planner includes a simple wedding checklist. It is editable so you can add your to-do list or your unique tasks.

Wedding Planner Tick List

The checkboxes in our wedding to-do lists are all tickable because we know how satisfying it is to tick the box once you complete a task. With each click, you’ll see your progress unfold, giving you that instant gratification as you move closer to your dream wedding. It’s more than just planning—it’s the joy of seeing everything come together, one tick at a time.

Complete 12 Month Wedding Checklist

These are the items included in our detailed wedding planning list, month by month, which you can download in Google Docs, Google Sheets, MS Word, PDF, or Excel above.

The printable version has a tick list because we all know how satisfying it is to tick completed tasks on your to do list.

• Set a date
• Get inspiration and ideas (see Pinterest and inspiration board)
• Decide on a wedding style
• Set priorities
• Set budget
• Choose the wedding party
• Find a venue for the ceremony and reception
• Find a wedding planner
• Find a photographer
• Find a caterer
• Find a florist
• Find a musician
• Find a wedding dress
• Order save the dates
• Consider purchasing wedding insurance.
• If desired, set up a wedding website.

10 – 11 months before

• Start looking for dresses and accessories for the bride and bridal party
• Reserve a venue for the ceremony and reception
• Book a photographer
• Book a DJ/band
• Book a florist
• Book a wedding planner
• Book a caterer
• Decide on décor
• Start making a guest list
• Research legal requirements for marriage in your state or country

9 – 10 months before

• Plan a honeymoon
• Start looking for invitations and stationery (wedding invitations, menu cards, thank you notes)
• Start looking for favors
• Choose dresses and accessories for the bride and bridal party
• Consider engagement photos or a pre-wedding photoshoot

7 – 8 months before

• Find two hotels for guests coming from out of town
• Create gift registries
• Start deciding on hairstyle and makeup style
• Book an officiant
• Reserve tables, chairs, linens,
• Reserve décor
• Choose cake
• Decide on menu
• Begin thinking about wedding vows or readings for the ceremony (see our free wedding vows generator)

6 – 7 months before

• Meet with officiant
• Book cake
• Schedule tastings
• Decide on outfits for groomsmen
• Book a florist
• Book a musician
• Finalize a guest list
• Research and book transportation for guests if many are coming from out of town

4 – 5 months before

• Choose flowers for the reception, party, attendants, etc.
• Order wedding cake
• Schedule dress fittings
• Book honeymoon flights and hotels
• Book a room for the wedding night
• Finalize a rehearsal dinner guest list
• Purchase or rent toasting flutes and serving pieces
• Purchase or make a guest book
• Order a flower basket
• Buy a ring bearer pillow
• Look into wedding insurance if you haven’t already
• Discuss and plan pre-wedding parties or events (like bachelor/bachelorette parties, bridal showers)

3 – 4 months before

• Prepare playlists for DJ/band
• Book rehearsal dinner venue
• Finalize reception menu
• Order menu cards
• Order wedding favors
• Order rehearsal dinner invitations
• Finalize any rental orders or adjustments

3 months before

• Finalize honeymoon plans
• Ensure your passports are valid if your honeymoon is abroad
• Plan ceremony
• Plan reception seating
• Experiments with hair to decide on a hairstyle
• Create RSVP list
• Book spa and beauty treatments for you and your bridal party for the week before
• Book a manicure, pedicure, and massage for the day before

2 months before

• Send wedding invitations
• Update RSVP list
• Begin writing wedding vows (see our free wedding vows generator)
• Meet with the officiant to plan the ceremony
• Apply for a marriage license
• Finalize fittings for wedding dress and wedding party
• Finalize seating
• Finalize playlists with DJ/band
• Create a wedding day schedule and send it to the wedding party, vendors, and officiant
• Get “Something Old, New, Borrowed, Blue”
• Order transportation for wedding day
• Pick up wedding rings
• Buy shoes and undergarments
• Discuss and finalize ceremony details: readings, music, etc
• Consider preparing a welcome bag for out-of-town guests

1 month before

• Give a copy of your honeymoon itinerary to someone at home
• Call vendors to confirm the date, time, and location
• Confirm honeymoon reservations
• Pick up your marriage license
• Update registries
• Delegate someone to return all rentals
• Consider a teeth-whitening procedure if desired.

2 weeks before

• Pack for honeymoon
• Final fitting for the wedding dress
• Makeup trials
• Follow up with guests who have not RSVP’d
• Give the caterer the final count
• Prepare wedding day emergency kit
• Break-in wedding shoes
• Send playlists to DJ/band and create a “Do Not Play” list if there are songs you definitely don’t want to be played
• Provide any specific song requests for special moments (e.g., father-daughter dance, bouquet toss)
• Prepare payments for vendors
• Prepare cash tips for service providers
• Meet with the photographer to discuss requests

1 week before

• Get a haircut and color
• Prepare all wedding clothes
• Get spa and beauty treatments for you and your bridal party
• Confirm day-of timeline with all vendors
• Make any final adjustments with vendors
• Finalize any personal DIY projects or decorations
• Prepare an overnight bag for the wedding night, if not returning home
• Ensure someone is designated to gather and keep safe gifts/cards from guests
• Designate a person for vendor questions on the day, so you’re not constantly approached with questions

The day before

• Get a mani/pedi/massage
• Attend wedding rehearsal
• Wedding day
• Eat a good breakfast
• Give wedding rings to the best man

After the wedding

• Return all rentals
• Get wedding dress cleaned
• Send out thank you cards
• Get photos and video
• Consider preserving the bouquet
• Review vendors online or provide testimonials if you were happy with their services
• If changing your name, start the legal name change process

Wedding Checklist PDF Version (Typeable)

The wedding checklist PDF version is fillable (you can type on it). It also has a section for notes. You can type your notes before you print. Mark off completed tasks on your checklist by clicking on the squares next to each item.

Excel Version (Dates Automatically Update)

This wedding planning checklist Excel version changes the dates according to your wedding date. Once you insert your wedding date, the dates and deadlines change accordingly. You can change any date at any stage.

MS Word Version (Totally Customizable)

The MS Word wedding checklist is easy to edit and customize to your needs. Add extra lines or even columns. Make the list your own!

Google Docs & Google Sheets Version (Share With Others and Access From Anywhere)

The Google Docs or Google Sheets versions are perfect if you want to share and collaborate with those helping you organize your wedding. You can also access it from anywhere whether it’s your PC, tablet, or cell phone.

How to Use The Google Docs & Google Sheets Versions:

1. Log In to Your Google Account: Ensure you are logged into your Google account. This is necessary to access Google Docs and to ensure you can save your own copy of the document in your Google Drive.
2. Click on the Link: Click on the provided link to automatically open a copy of the document in Google Docs.
3. Make Your Own Copy: If not prompted automatically, go to File >Make a copy in the Google Docs menu. This will create a personal copy of the document in your Google Drive.
4. Edit and Save: You can now edit and save your own copy of the document. All changes you make will be saved in your personal Google Drive and will not affect the original document.

Note: You do not need to request access to edit the original document. If you have any questions or encounter issues, please ensure you are logged into your Google account that has access to Google Drive.

This wedding checklist has a special place in my heart because it’s based on the to do list I meticulously prepared for my own wedding many years ago. Back then, I wanted to ensure every detail was perfect, so I crafted a comprehensive plan to keep everything on track. After my wedding, I shared this checklist with friends, and each time it was used, we made improvements based on their experiences. Over the years, it has been refined and updated, incorporating valuable feedback to become the detailed guide it is today. Whether you’re just starting your wedding planning journey or are deep into the details, this checklist has been tried, tested, and improved, making it a reliable companion for your big day.

Tips for Staying Organized and Stress-Free

As someone who has navigated the complexities of wedding planning, I know how overwhelming it can feel. Here are some strategies that helped me stay on track:

• Delegate Tasks: Early in my planning, I realized I couldn’t do it all. I assigned specific tasks to family members and friends who were eager to help. This not only lightened my load but also made them feel included in the process.
• Keep Everything in One Place: As you progress you will find you accumulate loads of documents and to do lists. Having all my checklists, RSVPs, and vendor contacts in one place was a lifesaver. I could update details on the go, and it ensured everyone was on the same page. Google Docs is a good place to store everything as you can give other people access to your files.
• Schedule Regular Check-Ins: Weekly check-ins with my vendors and key helpers kept everything running smoothly. It allowed me to address any issues early and adjust plans as needed. These meetings became my touchstone, giving me confidence that everything was on track.
• Prioritize Self-Care: Amidst the planning chaos, I made it a point to take time for myself. Whether it was a quick spa day or just a morning walk, these moments of self-care recharged me and kept the stress at bay. Remember, a well-rested mind is key to effective planning.

By incorporating these tips, I was able to enjoy the journey leading up to my wedding day rather than feeling overwhelmed by it. Planning your wedding should be a joyous experience, and staying organized is crucial to making that happen.

About the Author
My name is Nicole and I created this website to share the tools that keep me organized and productive and help me reach my goals. I hope that you will find them helpful too.