Wedding checklist
Everything to do, in the order to do it
From the first talk about the budget to the thank-you messages. Print it and tick it off, or let MarryPrep keep it for you.
Some tasks only apply if you book that service. Skip what you do not need.
9 months or more before
- Agree on your total budgetDecide how much you can spend and who contributes, so every later choice has a limit.
- Write your first guest listA rough list of names sets the venue size, the menu cost and the budget.
- Split the budget by categoryGive venue, food, photo, attire and the rest a share, and keep a 10% buffer for surprises.
- Check the legal requirements for a wedding abroadFind out which documents, translations and waiting periods the country needs, and whether the ceremony is legally binding there.
- Shortlist and visit venuesSee your top three in person, ask for the real total price for your date and guest count.
- Choose your style and coloursCollect a few photos you both love; vendors can then quote and design to one picture.
- Interview and hire a wedding plannerMeet two or three planners, compare what is included and sign a clear agreement.
- Book the venue and pay the depositRead the contract: cancellation terms, hours, what is included and what must be hired separately.
- Confirm the venue rulesMusic end time, outside vendors, decor limits, parking and the plan for bad weather.
- Compare portfolios and book a photographerLook at full wedding galleries, not only highlights, and agree delivery time and rights.
6 to 9 months before
- Find out what the marriage registration needsAsk the registry office which documents, fees and notice period apply and how far ahead you must book.
- Taste menus and book cateringTaste at least two, ask about dietary options and the cost per guest.
- Book a videographerAgree on the length of the film, the style and when you will see the first cut.
- Choose the dress and book fittingsAllow time for alterations: plan at least three fittings.
- Book the registration date and timePopular dates fill up months ahead, so reserve the official registration early.
- Book a hostMeet them, share the programme and agree what must not happen.
- Book the musicCeremony, dinner and party can be different people; ask for sound and lighting too.
- Send save-the-datesEarly notice matters most for guests who travel.
- Collect guests' contact detailsEmails and addresses for invitations, and who needs a hotel.
- List every deposit and final paymentPut each amount and date in one place so none is missed.
3 to 6 months before
- Arrange accommodation for guestsHold a block of rooms and share the booking details.
- Plan the honeymoonDates, booking and passports; leave a calm day after the wedding.
- Plan the ceremonyWho leads it, the vows, readings, music and who walks where.
- Hire a day-of coordinatorOne calm person who knows the plan and runs the day so you do not have to.
- Arrange fireworks and the permitsCheck local rules, the safety distance and who is licensed to fire them.
- Meet florists and order flowersBouquet, ceremony and tables, chosen to the season and your palette.
- Plan the decor and rentalsLighting, tables, linen and signs: agree what is delivered, set up and collected.
- Design and print the invitations and stationeryInvitations, programmes, menus and place cards in one design.
- Choose the suit and book fittingsOrder early enough for alterations and shoes.
- Book hair and makeup with a trialDo a trial months ahead and agree on arrival time on the day.
- Send guests a travel guideFlights, transfers, hotel blocks and a few tips, well before guests book.
- Book a first-dance choreographerPick the song and start the lessons a couple of months ahead.
- Plan the drinks and bar serviceChoose drinks, estimate quantities and agree who serves and until when.
- Choose and order the wedding cakeTasting, flavours, design, delivery time and a stand.
- Book a photo boothCheck the space it needs, the props and how guests get their photos.
- Choose and order the ringsCheck sizes, engraving time and who keeps them safe.
- Send the invitationsInclude date, place, dress code, how to RSVP and the reply deadline.
1 to 3 months before
- Agree the sound and lightingAsk the venue what it already has, then book a sound engineer and lights for the ceremony and the party.
- Rent furniture and tentsCount the guests, check what the venue provides and book the rest with delivery and pick-up times.
- Gather and check your documentsPassports, certificates and any translations: check names and expiry dates match.
- Arrange entertainment for childrenA corner, an animator or a sitter so parents can enjoy the day.
- Order guest favoursSmall, useful and ready a week before the day.
- Arrange transportFor the couple and for guests between ceremony, venue and hotel.
- Plan the candy bar and dessertsChoose the sweets and the table design, and agree who sets it up and clears it.
- Draft the schedule for the dayFrom the morning preparations to the last dance, with real times.
- Chase missing RSVPsA friendly message to everyone who has not replied.
- Collect dietary needs and allergiesPass the list to the caterer in writing.
The last month
- Choose your key songsEntrance, first dance and a short must-play and do-not-play list.
- Draft the seating planStart with families and friends, then fill in. Expect changes until the last week.
- Finalise the menu and numbersSend the final guest count and dietary list to the caterer.
- Prepare a shot list and family photo listName the groups and the must-have moments so nothing is missed.
- Confirm the final headcountTell the venue and the caterer the number you will really pay for.
- Final fittingsCheck everything fits with the shoes and accessories you will wear.
- Finalise seating and place cardsPrint place cards and a table plan sign.
The wedding week
- Confirm times and arrival with every vendorA short message to each one with the address, the contact person and the time.
- Share the final scheduleSend it to vendors, the wedding party and the people who help.
- Prepare the final payments and tipsEnvelopes with names, handed over by a trusted person.
- Pack an emergency kitPlasters, pins, tissues, snacks, a charger and a spare of anything small that matters.
- Hold a ceremony rehearsalWalk through it once with everyone who has a role, at the real place if you can.
- Day-before checklistRings, documents, clothes, shoes, a good meal and an early night.
After the wedding
- Return rentals and gather the belongingsAssign this to someone else so you are not doing it.
- Collect photos and videos from guestsAsk for the best ones in a shared folder.
- Send thank-you messagesShort and personal; guests who gave gifts first.
- Review your vendorsA review helps the next couple and the people who worked for you.
- Collect the marriage certificate and update your documentsName changes, address and insurance if they apply.
These are common starting points, not rules. Your venue, your caterer and your city will change the numbers.
More free tools
- Budget calculatorSplit your total between venue, food, photos and the rest, and see the cost per guest.
- Food and drink calculatorTypical amounts of food, cake, soft drinks, wine and sparkling wine for your guests.
- Seating chart templateHow many tables you need, and a printable chart with a line for every guest.
Turn the numbers into a plan
MarryPrep writes the checklist, splits the budget, keeps the guest list and draws the seating for you. Free to start.
Create your plan