The Checklist

Set total wedding budget

Figure out monthly savings goal

Research average wedding costs in your area

Break down budget by category

Create wedding planning folder or digital workspace

Create vendor contact list

Create payment schedule

Track deposits and final payment due dates

Save all contracts, receipts, and invoices

Create master wedding timeline

Create wedding-day contact list

Create final packing list

Draft initial guest list

Confirm family guest list with parents or key family members

Collect mailing addresses

Organize guests by household

Track plus-ones

Track children attending

Track meal preferences if needed

Track RSVPs

Follow up with guests who have not responded

Research venues

Request pricing and availability

Schedule venue tours

Review venue capacity and included services

Review venue rules and restrictions

Review weather backup plan if applicable

Sign venue contract

Pay venue deposit

Save venue contract

Schedule final venue walkthrough

Finalize room layout

Finalize ceremony location

Finalize reception location

Confirm table, chair, linen, and setup details

Submit final guest count

Make final venue payment

Research photographers

Request pricing and packages

Schedule consultations

Review portfolio

Sign photography contract

Pay photography deposit

Schedule engagement photos if included

Create wedding-day photo list

Confirm photography timeline

Make final photography payment

Research videographers

Request pricing and packages

Schedule consultations

Review portfolio

Sign videography contract

Pay videography deposit

Confirm wedding-day coverage

Make final videography payment