Your Complete Wedding Checklist
A month-by-month wedding planning timeline with every task you need. Track your progress with Merrily Plan's free Task Tracker -- no account required.
Why You Need a Wedding Checklist
The average wedding involves 100+ tasks across 10+ months. A structured checklist keeps you organized and stress-free.
Never Miss a Task
From booking vendors to writing thank-you notes, every task is accounted for and trackable.
Stay on Schedule
Month-by-month breakdown ensures you tackle tasks at the right time without last-minute panic.
Collaborate Easily
Share your checklist with your partner, family, or planner so everyone knows what needs doing.
Month-by-Month Wedding Timeline
Follow this proven timeline to stay on track from engagement to "I do."
12+ Months Before
- Set your wedding budget
- Determine your priorities as a couple
- Choose a wedding date (or 2-3 options)
- Start your guest list draft
- Research and book your venue
- Book your wedding planner (if using one)
- Start researching vendors
9-11 Months Before
- Book photographer and videographer
- Book caterer or finalize venue catering
- Choose your wedding party
- Start dress/attire shopping
- Book officiant
- Research florists and decorators
- Plan engagement party
6-8 Months Before
- Book florist, DJ/band, and other vendors
- Order invitations and stationery
- Plan ceremony details
- Book honeymoon travel
- Start wedding registry
- Plan rehearsal dinner
- Schedule dress fittings
3-5 Months Before
- Send wedding invitations
- Finalize menu and tasting
- Order wedding cake
- Book transportation
- Purchase wedding rings
- Plan seating arrangements
- Apply for marriage license
1-2 Months Before
- Confirm all vendor details
- Final dress fitting
- Create day-of timeline
- Prepare wedding favors
- Break in wedding shoes
- Finalize seating chart
- Write vows
Final Week
- Confirm final guest count with vendors
- Pack for honeymoon
- Prepare emergency kit
- Rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
- Delegate day-of responsibilities
- Relax and enjoy the moment
Why Track Your Checklist with Merrily Plan
Task Tracker
Built-in task management with due dates and progress tracking
Smart Calendar
Visual calendar with all deadlines and appointments in one view
Budget Tracker
Track every expense against your budget in real time
Share & Collaborate
Share tasks with your partner or wedding planner
Wedding Checklist FAQs
When should I start planning my wedding?
Ideally 12-18 months before your wedding date. This gives you enough time for venue booking, vendor selection, and all the details. However, weddings can be successfully planned in as little as 3-6 months.
What is the first thing to do when planning a wedding?
Set your budget and determine your priorities as a couple. Everything else -- venue, guest list, vendors -- flows from your budget. Merrily Plan helps you do this with dedicated Budget and Priorities tabs.
How much does the average wedding cost?
The average U.S. wedding costs around $35,000-$40,000 (2025), but this varies enormously by region. Urban weddings typically cost 40-60% more than rural ones. Use our Budget Tracker to stay on top of spending.
Can I plan a wedding in 3 months?
Yes! Focus on securing a venue, officiant, and photographer first. Skip custom details that need long lead times (custom invitations, custom dress). Merrily Plan prioritized task list helps you focus on what matters most with short timelines.
Do I need a wedding planner?
Not necessarily. A digital tool like Merrily Plan gives you 32+ planning tabs covering everything a professional planner would handle. For complex or large weddings, a professional planner combined with Merrily Plan is an excellent combination.
Start Checking Off Your Wedding To-Dos
Open Merrily Plan and start tracking your wedding checklist for free. No account needed, works offline, available on all platforms.