From proposal to the first days as newlyweds, Zola's checklist will make step-by-step wedding planning a breeze.
By Georgie Darling
Last updated May 30, 2024
Inside this article:
There have been so many days leading up to this day — the day you met, the day you said I love you, your first trip together — and now you have even more milestones to experience together ahead of the big day.
Plan your wedding with our detailed checklist. From venue to vows, stay organized and stress-free on your journey to (and down!) the aisle.
You can download and print the wedding checklist below as a Google Doc or PDF. It’s incredibly comprehensive down to the tiniest detail, and it starts 12 months out! But breathe easy. You can tailor it to your needs, delete items that don’t apply, and shorten (or lengthen) the timeline to make it uniquely yours.
Below the wedding timeline checklist, see in-depth descriptions to help you plan your perfect day.
Congratulations—you're engaged! It's time to dip your toes into the world of wedding planning. Here's where to start.
So. are you ready to dive deeper into wedding planning?
The wedding to-do list above has everything you need to build the perfect day — stress-free! Now. Here's that timeline for wedding planning in a little more detail.
You’re about to embark on one of the most exciting occasions of your life.
We’ve got plenty of helpful, tried-and-tested tools that’ll help you to streamline the wedding process.
While tradition says to get married in your hometown, you may have different hometowns or prefer to get married close to where you currently live. If you're willing to travel, picking a place between you and your guests may be a good option for a destination wedding.
At this point in the wedding planning timeline, jot down every name that comes to mind, even if you may have to pare down your list later. Our guest list tool allows you to import an existing list, add names directly, or send your guests a link so they can add themselves. Once you have your guest list, you can use free addressing on save the dates and Invitations, and our online RSVP tool. You can even message your guests with any important updates.
Want some candid advice that's not from your family? Join an online forum or FB group full of couples going through the same planning process. Get inspiration, share your photos, ask for feedback, and more.
Many vendors will ask to see either digital references or a binder of images to understand your vision for your wedding. Pinterest and Instagram are great (and convenient!) places to find imagery and ideas.
If you want to announce your wedding formally, now’s the time to do it!
The best way to keep things organized is to have all communication in one place from the get-go. In our eyes, this is pretty much the first thing you should do once you’re ready to start planning to do after you’ve said “yes”. Keep all of your correspondence with vendors and guests in one convenient place with an email address that both you and your spouse-to-be have access to.
Okay, so it's not the most romantic part of wedding planning. But for any kind of wedding celebration, it's crucial to have the budget talk as early as possible so you know what you can and can't afford.
Talk to your partner about what type of wedding you want, who is contributing to your wedding, and what your non-negotiables are. Tick this conversation off your checklist early so you can move on to the fun stuff. If you’re looking for ways to cut wedding costs, deciding what is most important to you both can help you prioritize funds.
Totally optional, but this is an ideal time to plan a joyful engagement celebration with friends and family. Guests like to give gifts, so we recommend starting your registry and adding a few things before the party invites go out.
Don’t worry: you don’t need to craft a site from scratch! A website is the easiest way to communicate all your wedding details to guests, from your schedule to travel, accommodations, dress code, and more. You can customize Zola's free, beautiful website templates with all of this info in minutes, plus add fun photos, share your registry, and let guests RSVP online. Spoiler alert: you’ll probably have to send this link around a few times to some guests.
Consider the time of year you’ll be getting married, as well as the number of guests, the theme (if you’re choosing one), and any other factors. This month is just about getting an idea of what’s out there–we’ve also got a great variety of wedding venues to get you started.
Double-check that both wedding venue locations can hold the number of guests you'd like to invite. Before booking, determine if the venue requires you to use only their approved vendors. If not, find out if there are any requirements for outside vendors.
Will you have a maid of honor and best man? What about a wedding party? Flower girl? Ring bearer? Ushers? Discuss what you want with your partner, then invite your nearest and dearest to join you and yours.
We're talking entertainment, caterers, florists, photographers, and others. It's time to understand who will help create your wedding day vision. Not sure where to start? Make a new sheet on your wedding Google Drive with a different column for each type of wedding vendor. If you’re feeling super organized, add a key with colors to signify when they’ve responded/when you’re waiting for a reply/when they’ve confirmed, etc.
Zola’s vendor marketplace makes this easy, letting you browse popular vendors by location, budget, and style, favorite the ones you like, reach out for quotes directly through the website, keep all your communication in one place, and track communication.
Double-check that both wedding venue locations can hold the number of guests you'd like to invite. Before booking, determine if the venue requires you to use only their approved vendors. If not, find out if there are any requirements for outside vendors.
You’ll need to decide this before you can proceed with everything from outfits to decor to food and stationery.
The officiant is an important part of your wedding day. They’re the one who will “officially” marry you! Your officiant can be a mutual friend of you and your spouse-to-be, a family member, a religious figure, or a professional officiant. Whoever feels right to you and your fiance. Just ensure they're certified in the state you're getting married in.
If you’re having a themed wedding, this is a great opportunity to play around with different fonts, designs, and images. Not sure where to start? You’ll find plenty of inspo here at Zola.
Consider creating and/or purchasing thank-you cards for early engagement gifts.
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Think about where and when you’d like these to happen, who you’d like to invite and what you’ll need for the occasion. Here’s the 101 when it comes to planning bach parties.
If you plan on going away right after the wedding, it's ideal to have all honeymoon flights and hotels booked by now. Be sure to ask the hotel if they offer any complimentary honeymoon package—you never know!
You’ve got plenty of time to find the perfect outfit, so try not to put too much pressure on yourself to find the perfect dress straight away. Whether you're looking for your dream wedding dress, gown, or suit, pull several inspiration photos (Pinterest is great for this) and bring them with you to your appointments. This key wedding checklist item will help focus your session.
Engagement shoot? Shower? Wedding day? Getting your hair and makeup done by a professional gives you one less thing to worry about, but it’s also an extra cost to budget for. If you want to save, pamper yourself on the big day, but use your own skills (or a friend’s) for the other wedding events. Also decide if you want these services for anyone else on your wedding day, such as your attendants or mom.
Ask the photographer if you can provide a shot list so you capture every moment. Most photographers will be happy to review this part of your wedding checklist with you. Tell the photographer your biggest priorities (e.g, a gorgeous shot with your grandma) so nothing important is missed. And, if you’ve got a particular shot in mind, find examples on Pinterest or Instagram. It’s better to be too detailed rather than not enough!
Discuss how you'd like the ceremony to go and any passages, readings, or performances you'd like to be said. This is also a good time to begin thinking about whether or not you and your partner would like to write your own vows.
Although it’s not necessary, having counseling beforehand can help strengthen your relationship. A counselor can alert you to potential pitfalls and challenges as well as give you points to work on if needed.
These don’t have to be professional. Remember you can just head down to somewhere that’s special to both of you and snap a few pictures to mark the occasion. If you do end up doing a shoot, try a few locations and outfits for some variation. We know you'll both look great.
Expert Advice: Engagement photos are a great way to get to know (and test out) your wedding photographer!
Couples typically start their registry and add gifts to it 8-10 months before their wedding. This time frame makes it easy for guests to get engagement party and wedding or shower gifts, too. At Zola, we have classic and unique wedding presents, gift cards, and zero-cash fee funds (all in one place!). You can use this money for anything — down payment, saving for kids, a pet, honeymoon, or charity of your choice. We recommend adding a mix of everything to give guests more options.
What should you pack into it? Everything you might need on the day! Don’t worry: we’ve already made the list for you.
It’s worth asking around to see who might need a room before you do this, so you can estimate the right number of rooms to book.
Trust us: you'll want to go to these on an empty stomach. Before you reach out, talk through price-per-head budgets with your partner as well as head count. If you (or your guests) have allergies or dietary requirements, it’s worth mentioning this to caterers early on to ensure they’re up to the task. Ask about "silent vegetarian" / "silent vegan" options to accommodate guests with different preferences. Not sure where to start? Browse Zola and ask around your family and friends for recommendations.
Again, Pinterest is a great place to collect all the floral images that make your heart sing. Once you book a florist, create a shared board to pin and chat about your faves.
This may seem ahead of schedule, but the good ones always go early, so we recommend finalizing your entertainment now. Once you choose your music, you'll likely be tasked with coming up with a list of must-hear songs, another list of absolutely-do-not-play songs, and a list of nice-to-hear-but-not-necessary songs. You can also use this time to choose and book any additional entertainment for the reception.
Send printed invites or digital ones—the choice is yours! Want to save time? You can complete your entire wedding invitation suite at Zola, plus get matching programs, menus, even thank you cards for guests. Sart early for a destination wedding.
Remind them to schedule their fittings, too (they sneak up on you)! Want to save time? Our wedding boutique has all you need for every moment of your big day, all in one place. Browse bridesmaids' dresses, groomsmen's accessories, party favors, and more from today's best wedding brands.
You can be as direct or creative as you like—just try to make it easy to memorize so that your guests use it correctly throughout the weekend. While not necessary, a wedding hashtag is a great way to quickly find all of the photos your family and friends take.
More and more couples are saving time (and $$!) by sending their save their dates online. Whether you go printed or digital, don't forget to clearly write your wedding website's address or add a QR code, so guests can easily navigate to your wedding website and find all the details (without having to ask you!)keep track of your wedding details.
Make sure there are no surprises by working on this extra early.
That could include things like signage, ceremony backdrops, wreaths, table numbers, or other decorative items. Pinterest is great for inspiration if you’re looking for DIY ideas on a budget. If you’re renting these things, now’s the time to start confirming those, too.
This may vary a little depending on the state you live in, but here’s our rough guide.
Make sure you save all these somewhere easily-accessible, like your wedding Google Drive or a separate folder in your emails. (Pro tip - you can set payment reminders using Zola’s budget tool!)
Feeling a little overwhelmed? Make time for self-care or a spa day to destress.
It’s worth asking them what will be in season around your wedding day, how many weddings (if any) they’ll be working on the same day, how far in advance they tend to work, and if they offer a run-through.
If you're having a shower, you can always direct guests to your wedding registry. Don't forget to add a few unexpected gifts, like a wine subscription, fitness classes, or movie tickets.
A guided walk-through can help with planning where things happen. It's essential to decide where you’ll greet guests, set up your cake, and have a cocktail hour ahead of time.
Now is the time to schedule and plan everything from bach parties to a post-wedding brunch. Choose venues and dates, and select point people to help coordinate and implement these events.
Research the laws of the specific state where you're having your wedding before applying. Then go get it!
Try it on one last time to ensure you've found the one. Then, before you leave, inquire about the fitting schedule and pricing for alteration (unless it's a perfect fit!).
It's better to over-prepare for this sort of scenario. You and your fiance will be too busy having fun on the day of! This is where a wedding planner, coordinator, or venue coordinator can really come in handy.
It's always a good idea to test the paper, printing, and colors before sending your invitations. Looking for a beautiful design? Zola has hundreds of options for every wedding theme and style, from classic to bohemian and everything in between. You can also get a free sample pack anytime to touch and feel our paper and see a collection of our favorite designs in person.
Ideally, your rehearsal dinner should be within a 45-minute drive for most of your guests.
This is totally optional and can vary depending on your beliefs, upbringing, and traditions. These are some of the wedding ceremony elements Zola couples have incorporated into their wedding days previously.
You’ve probably already pinned a style to your Pinterest board. However, you need to talk to a cake artist about implementing a design and what flavor your cake will be. If you choose to do something other than cake, such as pie or ice cream, scout those vendors out now.
What kind of thank you gift will you send home with your guests? If you’re getting things specially made or personalized, you need to start reaching out at the 5-month mark.
Just like the save the dates, the general rule of thumb is one invitation per household. But order 10-15% more envelopes in case of addressing mistakes. You can export a file with all of your guests' addresses to hand off to your calligrapher or paper service. Don't forget to budget for stamps, which are an expense you may not think about!
Sure, you can simply slow dance hand-in-hand, but if you want to choreograph something entertaining, hire a pro and book a few lessons.
Couples frequently give these at the rehearsal dinner. Sometimes, the gift is something the wedding party can wear or use on the day of the wedding. Wine bottles, cheese boards, picture frames, or jewelry are all popular choices, or scroll through Etsy for something bespoke or personalized. Add a new tab on your wedding checklist Google Drive with your ideas.
Make sure there's a wedding cake delivery plan in place. Find out if your baker expects a tip upon delivery, too. We bet it'll be delicious. Is there room for another quick round of tasters? Be our guest!
Ask your stylist for any tips to prepare. Most recommend washing your hair the day before the wedding and avoiding any big hair decisions in the months leading up to it.
When you're booking, make sure they'll be available at your wedding location and have examples to share of previous clients. Look for a makeup artist who will create an incredible start to your big day. Your makeup artist will be there bright and early on your big day, so make sure you pick someone who will make you feel special and comfortable. Also, find out whether they stick around for touch-ups. Glass of Champagne, anyone?
A wedding weekend can include a welcome gathering of some kind, the ceremony and reception, and a farewell breakfast. It can be a lot to remember, so we recommend using Zola's events, guest messaging, and online RSVP to manage it all. Don't forget you'll also need to organize any menus or decor for these events, too. Research and book a location or suite for getting ready on your wedding day, too, during this time.
While you’re at it, get wedding day transportation for your wedding party and guests sorted this month, too.
Consult local calligraphy artists or Etsy for personalized signage for your event. From directional signs to having your names in neon lights, signs are a fun addition to the big day.
Live music always adds a personal touch. If you’ll go with DJ music only, you can delete this wedding checklist item.
You can order paper invitations for this event or send a digital invite by messaging all of the guests from your Zola guest list. Your guests can even RSVP to your rehearsal dinner on your wedding website.
Will you have sparklers, bubbles, or biodegradable confetti? Think about and order your supplies.
Hopefully you’ve thought about what you want to give. If you haven’t purchased them already, time is running out to do so, especially if you want to do a personalized gift.
Most photographers like having creative freedom, although chat with them about any unique or must-have images on your list.
This doesn’t just have to be an actual book. If you love the lake, have everyone sign a vintage oar. Feel free to make this something creative that you’ll showcase in your new home together.
It's a piece you'll both wear every day, so take your time selecting the best wedding rings that fit your style and you'll love looking at.
We recommend mailing your invites no later than six weeks before your wedding date. Need addressing help? Add your guests to our guest list manager, and we'll format all your addresses for you (and help collect missing info, too). Then, you can easily export your list for your stationer. Want to save even more time? Create invitations at Zola, and we'll address all your envelopes for free.
While this isn't a requirement, guests love to be surprised with snacks, activity recommendations, and a note from the couple when they check in to their hotel. You know your nearest and dearest better than anyone, so feel free to let your personality shine when it comes to these.
Shoes, jewelry, undergarments. now's the time to complete the look.
Remember: You have multiple fittings. So if it's not perfect today, it will be soon!
If you're collecting physical cards, we recommend tracking RSVPs in a spreadsheet. Simply make a column with all of your guests' names and then note their responses. Want to save time? Let guests RSVP online via your wedding website at Zola, and our free guest list manager will automatically record their responses (plus meal choices, plus ones, and more).
Make sure they know where to show up and when. Then tick this box in your wedding checklist!
When it comes to this list, there's no such thing as too much information. In your wedding day timeline, include each vendor's ETA along with their contact information and assign family or wedding party members to help with certain tasks. Then print it out when finished and send it to all of your vendors.
While you're at it, consider showing guests your meal options on gorgeous menu cards that match your invitation suite.
You can even start packing, too! Although, you don’t have to.
If you haven’t done this yet, use the two-month out mark to put them together.
If you’re having a family member or friend get ordained, especially for your wedding, it’s especially important to ensure all of the proper steps are taken.
Hopefully, you’re over the moon with your outfit. If not, there’s still time for amends. Don’t panic! And, if you’re not squeezing “I’m getting married this month!” into 50 percent of your conversations, you’re doing it wrong. The countdown is officially on!
If you need to remind guests to respond, we recommend waiting one to two weeks after your RSVP deadline to do so. Then you can reach out to guests with a polite phone call, email, or text. Our guest list manager makes it easy to check on your RSVPs anytime and message guests who haven't informed you of their plans yet. If you’re getting frustrated by non-responders, nicely remind them to do so. We’re all busy, and they may not realize the deadline passed.
Choosing a wedding processional order sets the scene for your ceremony. It includes the songs you want to hear when you walk down the aisle, the vows you and your partner will say, and the order of the day. You can also select the ceremony music at this time.
Think ceremony programs, menu cards, table numbers, escort cards, and place cards. Order a few more than you think you need, just to be on the safe side.
Nothing beats a handwritten thank you. Our recommendation is to complete this wedding checklist step within three months of the big day.
If you want a manicure, pedicure, waxing, or eyelash extensions before the big day, make sure to book them in advance. But don’t book them too close to your wedding day in case of irritation or discomfort.
Expert Advice: Leave some cash aside for vendors' tips and mark each bundle with who it's going to. A family member or someone in your wedding party can help take care of this for you.
You’ve already done the research and now’s the time to actually get it–exciting!
That one you made last month? Time to give it a quick once over.
Make sure everyone has a seat they’ll love and feel comfortable in at your reception.
Again, just to be on the safe side. You may have sorted this back at the beginning of your wedding checklist journey but give the hotel(s) a quick ring just to double check everything’s reserved.
If your wedding has any homemade elements, we recommend aiming for a one-month-before deadline so you can focus on the time-conscious parts as the big day approaches.
Touch base with your wedding officiant and any other people involved in the service. You'll be able to make some changes during your rehearsal, too.
Ensure they've got a point of contact for your wedding day. You'll also want to double check timings, addresses, and all of those little details.
Talk through the run of the day and confirm dates, timings, and places with them. Don't be afraid to triple check!
Things that are important to any cultures or traditions you'll be following during your wedding ceremony. Make plans of where you'll leave these (or who you'll leave them with) until the right moment.
A great way to check that everyone knows where to stand, what to say, and how to get from A to B.
You may have done this already but there's no harm in triple-checking.
Once that’s all done, make sure you have a relaxing evening so you can get a good night’s sleep!
Doesn’t it seem like you got engaged just yesterday? And today, we’re here! Today is all about bringing together everything you’ve prepped over the last year or two.
Maybe you've booked a hair and makeup artist, or perhaps you're doing yours yourself. The first order of the day is likely to be sitting back and relaxing while you prep for the big moment.
Make sure your wedding party is on schedule and has all their items. Or, delegate this task to a family member or trusted friend.
Totally optional but a great way to commemorate this special day.
Our biggest and most heartfelt congratulations to you and yours! Cut up a rug for us. Thank you for letting us be part of your wedding!
Have questions about wedding planning? Reach Team-Z, your personal wedding advisors, 24/7 by email, TikTok, or Instagram!
