The Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist for Couples

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The Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist for Couples

Topics

01
Introduction
02
12–9 Months Before the Wedding
03
9–6 Months Before the Wedding
04
6–3 Months Before the Wedding
05
3–1 Months Before the Wedding
06
2–4 Weeks Before the Wedding
07
1 Week Before the Wedding
08
Wedding Day Checklist
09
Post-Wedding Checklist
10
Bonus Tips

Planning a wedding is no small feat—it’s a beautiful whirlwind of rituals, family emotions, colorful celebrations, and lots of moving parts. Whether you’re the bride, groom, or a family member leading the charge, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of tasks. From pre-wedding ceremonies to post-wedding receptions, every event needs attention to detail.

This ultimate wedding planning checklist is designed to guide couples step by step—ensuring you don’t miss anything, no matter how grand or intimate your wedding is.

12–9 Months Before the Wedding

Define the Vision

  • Discuss your ideal wedding style: traditional, modern, fusion, destination, temple wedding, etc.
  • Agree on cultural or religious ceremonies to include (Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, Christian, interfaith).
  • Align on priorities—what matters most: photography, venue, guest experience, rituals, etc.

Set the Budget

  • Create a rough estimate of overall budget.
  • Allocate portions for venue, outfits, décor, food, gifts, photography, etc.
  • Identify who is contributing financially from both families.

Finalize the Date

  • Consult a priest/astrologer (if you’re considering an auspicious date).
  • Check for long weekends or holiday clashes.

Book the Venue(s)

  • Tour multiple venues for various functions (engagement, sangeet, wedding, reception).
  • Reserve venues early, especially during peak wedding season.

Draft the Guest List

  • Create a master list (split by both sides).
  • Categorize into must-invite, nice-to-invite, and optional.
  • Start collecting contact details.

9–6 Months Before the Wedding

Book Key Vendors

  • Photographer & videographer
  • Caterers (if not included with venue)
  • Wedding planner or coordinator
  • Decorators/florists
  • Band/DJ and entertainment
  • Priest/officiant

Begin Shopping for Outfits

  • Bridal lehenga, groom’s sherwani, outfits for pre-wedding functions.
  • Caterers (if not included with venue)
  • Don’t forget jewelry, shoes, and accessories.
  • Plan for tailoring, trials, and fittings.

Start Invitation Design

  • Decide between printed and digital invites (or both).
  • Choose a design theme that aligns with your wedding aesthetic.
  • Include RSVP links or QR codes if using digital guest management tools.

Reserve Accommodation

  • Block hotel rooms or guest houses for out-of-town guests.
  • Arrange transportation or shuttle services between venues and hotels.

9–6 Months Before the Wedding

Plan the Ceremonies & Functions

  • Finalize rituals, timings, and sequences.
  • Decide on mehendi, haldi, sangeet themes and locations.
  • Book any special performers, dancers, or emcees.

Send Save the Dates

  • Especially helpful for guests traveling from afar.
  • Use WhatsApp, email, or even a simple wedding website.

Begin Pre-Marital Documentation

  • Court marriage registration (if applicable).
  • Interfaith/civil paperwork.
  • Passport name changes, visa applications for honeymoon, etc.

Menu Planning

  • Taste test different caterers.
  • Customize the menu to include regional favorites, special dietary needs.
  • Don’t forget welcome drinks, late-night snacks, and desserts.

3–1 Months Before the Wedding

Send Wedding Invitations

  • Include RSVP deadlines, dress codes, event timings, and locations.
  • Use guest management apps or spreadsheets to track responses.

Finalize All Outfits

  • Ensure everything is stitched, tried, and ready.
  • Backup outfits and emergency kits (safety pins, fashion tape, stain remover).

Bridal & Groom Beauty Prep

  • Schedule facials, hair trials, skin treatments.
  • Consult makeup artists and confirm booking.
  • Groom: haircuts, skincare, beard grooming, etc.

Plan Guest Gifts & Favours

  • Personalized thank-you gifts.
  • Welcome hampers for guests in hotels
  • Return gifts that reflect your culture or personality.

Rehearse Dance Performances

  • Finalize choreography for Sangeet.
  • Schedule group practice sessions.

2–4 Weeks Before the Wedding

Confirm All Bookings

  • Vendors, logistics, performers, and venue.
  • Share final guest count with caterers and planners.

Prepare Wedding Day Schedules

  • Share event timelines with vendors, families, bridal party.
  • Print copies or use a shared Google Doc.

Arrange for Ritual Items

  • Buy or rent pooja samagri, coconut, kalash, flowers, turmeric, etc.
  • Assign someone responsible to carry these to venues.

Trial Run for Hair & Makeup

  • Brides should schedule a full trial with jewelry and outfit.
  • Take photos for reference on the wedding day.

1 Week Before the Wedding

Pack for the Wedding

  • Create separate bags for each event.
  • Keep all jewelry, undergarments, footwear ready.
  • Emergency pouch with medicines, bandaids, and essentials.

Welcome & Hospitality Plans

  • Prepare welcome speeches or notes.
  • Assign family or friends as guest liaisons.
  • Double-check transport arrangements.

Assign Responsibilities

  • Create a “bridal/groom squad” checklist.
  • Hand over duties like gifting, ceremony coordination, vendor payments.

Wedding Day Checklist

  • Eat a light, nourishing meal.
  • Stay hydrated.
  • Take a moment to breathe and soak it all in.
  • Follow your timeline, but let go of perfection.
  • Smile. Laugh. Cry happy tears.

Post-Wedding Checklist

Thank You Notes

  • Send thank-you messages or notes to guests and vendors.

Gift Tracking

  • Record who gave what and plan reciprocation accordingly.

Legal Formalities

  • Submit marriage registration documents.
  • Update bank, passport, insurance, or other official documents.

Honeymoon Prep

  • Final check on flights, bookings, packing, and vaccinations.

Bonus Tips

  • Use a Guest Management App: It simplifies invitations, RSVPs, and guest coordination. Perfectly Wed is one of the best apps for guest management at this time.
  • Keep a Wedding Folder: Store contracts, invoices, schedules, and vendor contacts.
  • Be Kind to Yourself: Not everything will go exactly as planned—and that’s okay.
  • Enjoy the Journey: The wedding is one day, but the journey to it is just as beautiful.

Planning a wedding is like planning multiple events rolled into one. But with a clear checklist and smart delegation, you can make it joyful instead of stressful.

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