The Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist

Planning a wedding can be one of the most exciting yet overwhelming experiences of your life. There’s so much to consider - venues, vendors, timelines, and personal details making it easy to forget something important. That’s why having a wedding planning checklist is essential.

At Eclipse Events, we understand that every wedding is unique, and we’re here to help guide you through every step of the planning process. Here’s your wedding planning checklist to keep you on track from engagement to "I do!"

12-18 Months Before the Wedding: Get the Basics in Order

1. Set Your Budget
   Start by determining your overall wedding budget. Factor in costs for the venue, catering if any, photography, cinematography, DJ/ entertainment, dresses & suits. This will help you make decisions and prioritize what's most important to you.

2. Create Your Guest List
   Begin drafting a list of who you’d like to invite. The number of guests will have a direct impact on your choice of venue, catering, and overall budget. Be sure to check the venues “minimum and maximum number”.

3. Choose a Wedding Date
   Select a date that works for the both of you, keeping in mind the availability of key vendors and venues. Consider weather, holidays, and any family events. If you have a vendor in mind ever since you got engaged that you know for sure you definitely want to hire, contact them first to see their availability.

4. Book Your Venue
   Popular venues can book up quickly, so it’s essential to secure your location early. Visit a few options, and pick one that suits your style, budget, and the number of guests you plan to invite.

5. Hire a Wedding Planner (Optional)
   If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a wedding planner to help with coordination and logistics. They can take care of details you might miss and ensure the planning process is smoother.

6. Choose Your Wedding Theme/Style
   Whether it’s rustic, classic or modern, your wedding’s theme sets the tone for the entire day. Use this to guide your decor, attire, and other design choices.

9-12 Months Before the Wedding: Book your Vendors

1. Select Your Bridal Party
   Choose your bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, and ring bearers. Having your team in place will make the rest of the planning process easier and more fun.

2. Book Vendors
   Book your photographer, videographer, florist, and entertainment (DJ or live band) as early as possible. These vendors tend to get busy during peak wedding seasons, so locking them in early ensures you don’t miss out on your preferred options.

3. Shop for Your Wedding Dress
   Wedding dresses can take months to arrive and require multiple fittings, so start shopping early. This gives you plenty of time to find the perfect gown and make any necessary alterations.

4. Book Your Catering
   If your venue doesn’t provide catering, research and book a caterer. Consider tastings and finalize your menu based on your guests preferences.

5. Create Your Wedding Website
   A wedding website is a great way to keep guests informed about event details, registry info, and travel accommodations. It’s also helpful for guests to RSVP online.

6-9 Months Before the Wedding: Work On Details

1. Order Bridesmaid Dresses and Groom’s Attire
   Once you've found your dress, order the attire for your bridal party. Be sure to give your bridal party enough time for fittings and alterations.

2. Plan Your Honeymoon
   Start looking into honeymoon destinations and book your trip.

3. Send Save-the-Dates
   Once your wedding date and venue are locked in, send out your save-the-date cards.

4. Choose and Order Wedding Rings
   Select wedding bands that reflect your style and budget. You’ll need time for sizing and engraving if desired.

5. Book Additional Vendors
   As your day draws closer, finalize other details, like booking transportation (limos, shuttles), a hair and makeup artist, and renting any additional decor items or equipment.

3-6 Months Before the Wedding: Finalizing Everything

1. Finalize Your Wedding Day Timeline
   Create a detailed timeline for your wedding day, including ceremony and reception times, vendor arrivals, and key moments like the first dance, cake cutting, and speeches. Share this with your wedding planner or coordinator & DJ, photo & video to ensure everything runs smoothly.

2. Order Wedding Invitations
   Choose and order your wedding invitations.

3. Book Your Rehearsal Dinner Venue

4. Arrange Your Wedding Details
   Finalize your wedding details such as the ceremony readings, vows, and music selections. Confirm any special requests with your officiant.

5. Schedule Final Fittings
   Have your final fitting for your wedding dress and your bridal party’s attire. This is the time to make sure everything fits perfectly.

1-2 Months Before the Wedding:

1. Mail Invitations
   Send out your wedding invitations, along with RSVP cards or links for online RSVPs. Keep track of who’s coming and follow up with guests who haven’t responded.

2. Confirm All Vendor Arrangements
   Confirm details with all your vendors, including arrival times, special requests, and final payments. Make sure everyone is on the same page.

3. Create a Seating Chart
   Finalize your guest list and seating arrangements. Consider your guests’ preferences when deciding who sits where to ensure everyone has a great time.

4. Prepare Your Emergency Kit
   Pack a wedding day emergency kit with items like a sewing kit, stain remover, extra makeup, and tissues. It’s always good to be prepared for any small issues that may come up.

1-2 Weeks Before the Wedding: The Final Countdown

1. Have a Final Meeting with Your Vendors
   Meet with your vendors to review the final details and timeline. Make sure everyone knows their responsibilities and that no small detail is overlooked. Remember, you only get once chance to make it right. No looking back, so don’t be shy to say what you want.

2. Get Your Marriage License
   Don’t forget to apply for your marriage license! Check the requirements in your area and make sure you get it in time for the wedding. Bring it on the day of for your officiant.

3. Prepare for the Big Day
   Pack for your honeymoon, get your nails and hair done, and take some time to relax and enjoy the moment with your partner.

   And remember, our team is always here to help with all your needs ensuring that your big day is as perfect as you’ve always dreamed!