The Complete Wedding Checklist for 2025: Month-by-Month Guide

A wedding checklist is your roadmap to a stress-free celebration. Whether you’re planning a 12-month engagement or a 6-month sprint, this month-by-month guide covers every task you need to complete before the big day.

12+ Months Before the Wedding

The early stages are all about big decisions and setting the foundation:

• Set your overall wedding budget
• Choose your wedding date (or narrow to 2-3 options)
• Decide on your wedding style and vision
• Create your guest list draft
• Research and book your venue
• Start researching photographers and videographers
• Choose your wedding party (bridesmaids, groomsmen, etc.)
• Start a wedding planning app or binder

Tip: Venues and top photographers book 12-18 months in advance. Don’t delay on these!

9-12 Months Before

Time to lock in your major vendors:

• Book your photographer and videographer
• Book your caterer or confirm venue catering
• Book your DJ or band
• Book your officiant
• Start dress shopping (allow 6-8 months for ordering and alterations)
• Research and book a florist
• Set up your wedding website
• Plan your engagement party (optional)
• Start thinking about honeymoon destinations

6-9 Months Before

The middle phase is about filling in the details:

• Send save-the-dates
• Finalize your guest list
• Register for gifts
• Book hotel room blocks for out-of-town guests
• Plan your rehearsal dinner
• Choose and order bridesmaid dresses
• Book transportation (limo, shuttle, etc.)
• Begin planning your honeymoon
• Schedule hair and makeup trials
• Order your wedding cake or desserts
• Plan your ceremony details (readings, music, vows)

3-6 Months Before

Things start to get real:

• Send wedding invitations (aim for 8-10 weeks before)
• Order wedding rings
• Plan your seating chart (start the draft)
• Finalize your ceremony details and timeline
• Book honeymoon travel and accommodations
• Schedule final dress fitting
• Plan bachelor/bachelorette parties
• Create your wedding day timeline
• Choose your music playlist / first dance song
• Order wedding favors
• Purchase gifts for wedding party
• Apply for your marriage license

1-3 Months Before

Final confirmations and last details:

• Confirm all vendor details and timelines
• Finalize seating chart
• Create your photo shot list
• Write your vows (if doing personal vows)
• Plan your day-of emergency kit
• Break in your wedding shoes
• Final dress fitting
• Confirm rehearsal dinner details
• Send rehearsal dinner invitations
• Prepare wedding party gifts
• Create a packing list for the wedding day and honeymoon
• Arrange for someone to handle gifts and cards on the day

1-2 Weeks Before

The home stretch:

• Confirm final guest count with caterer
• Give final timeline to wedding party and vendors
• Pick up your wedding dress
• Prepare vendor payments and tips
• Delegate day-of responsibilities
• Practice your first dance
• Get your marriage license
• Prepare your vows (final version)
• Pack for the honeymoon

Wedding Week

• Attend rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
• Hand off emergency kit, timeline, and vendor contacts to your day-of coordinator
• Get a good night’s sleep
• Eat breakfast on the wedding day
• Enjoy every moment!

After the Wedding

Don’t forget these post-wedding tasks:

• Send thank-you notes (within 3 months)
• Change your name (if applicable)
• Preserve your wedding dress
• Order your wedding album
• Review vendors online
• Return any rented items

Track It All in One Place

Managing all these tasks across spreadsheets and sticky notes is a recipe for stress. Use Merrily Plan’s task tracker to:

• See all tasks organized by timeline
• Mark tasks complete as you go
• Share progress with your partner
• Never miss a deadline

Start your free wedding checklist today — no sign-up required.