Your wedding planning checklist

12 months or more to go

• Talk about the wedding you both want: size, feel and what matters most.
• Set a rough total budget and who is contributing.
• Choose a date range (and a backup) and a region or state.
• Write a first guest list, even a rough one.
• Start a venue shortlist and ask each venue about your dates.
• Begin a shared note or folder for quotes, contracts and receipts.

Next up: Pick the venue and the celebrant.

9 to 12 months

• Book your venue and confirm the date in writing.
• Choose and book your celebrant.
• For every vendor you speak to, ask for the price, what the deposit covers, and what happens if either side cancels, in writing.
• Shortlist photographers and caterers (or confirm what your venue includes).
• Lodge your Notice of Intended Marriage with your celebrant when they ask for it. Your celebrant will tell you the timing.

Next up: Book photography, food and drink, and music.

6 to 9 months

• Book your photographer (and videographer, if you want one).
• Book catering, or confirm what your venue provides.
• Book music: a band, a DJ or a playlist plan.
• Choose your wedding party and ask them.
• Order or start looking for outfits, allowing time for fittings.
• Send save the dates, especially if guests need to travel.

Next up: Flowers, styling, transport, invitations.

3 to 6 months

• Book flowers and styling.
• Book transport if you need it.
• Design and order your invitations.
• Send invitations with an RSVP date and a way to reply.
• Plan accommodation for guests who are travelling.
• Book hair and makeup, with a trial.
• Confirm every vendor in writing: date, time, place, price and what is still owing.

Next up: Final numbers, the day’s order, and payments.

1 to 3 months

• Follow up guests who have not replied.
• Collect dietary needs and send final numbers to the caterer and venue.
• Plan the order of the day: arrival, ceremony, photos, speeches, dinner, dancing.
• Write your vows and any speeches.
• Do outfit fittings and pick up rings.
• Check the balance due for each vendor and the date it is owing.

Next up: The last month.

The final month

• Send each vendor the final day-of order and contact numbers.
• Confirm arrival times with the venue, celebrant, photographer and caterer.
• Prepare payments and any tips in labelled envelopes or a written list.
• Pack an emergency kit and your documents for the day.
• Give one person you can rely on the day-of order and the vendors’ numbers.

Next up: The day itself.

After the wedding

• Make sure your celebrant lodges the paperwork, and ask when to expect your certificate.
• Send thank-you notes.
• Pay any final balances and keep your receipts.
• Tell your vendors how it went.