Free Planning Tool
The Wedding Planning Checklist Every milestone from "we're engaged" to "thank-you notes sent," organized by timeframe and split between what the couple owns and what the planner drives. Your progress saves automatically in this browser.
01. Set the Foundation Define the overall budget and who is contributing Couple Draft the guest list (rough count drives everything else) Couple Choose 2–3 possible dates and a season Couple Hire a wedding planner or decide on a planning approach Couple Tour and book the ceremony and reception venues Both Build the master budget spreadsheet with category caps Planner Start a shared inspiration board for style, palette, and mood Both Take engagement photos (great for save-the-dates and decor) Couple
02. Lock the Key Vendors Book the photographer and videographer Both Book the band or DJ Both Book the caterer and schedule a tasting Both Reserve hotel room blocks for out-of-town guests Planner Shop for the wedding dress or attire (alterations take months) Couple Send save-the-dates Couple Choose the wedding party and ask them Couple Create the wedding website with travel and logistics info Both
03. Design the Experience Book the florist and finalize the design direction Both Book guest experiences: photo booth, live painter Popular dates go 6–9 months out. A photo booth doubles as entertainment and favors. Both Book hair and makeup artists and schedule trials Couple Order rentals: linens, chairs, lounge furniture, lighting Planner Book transportation for the couple and guests Planner Choose and order invitations Couple Register for gifts Couple Book the officiant and outline the ceremony Couple
04. Fill in the Details Order the cake or desserts after a tasting Couple Choose attire for the wedding party Couple Plan the rehearsal dinner and welcome events Both Confirm vendor insurance certificates with the venue Venues typically require COIs from every vendor, including entertainment. Planner Book the honeymoon (passports, visas, time off) Couple Draft the day-of timeline, first pass Planner Purchase wedding rings Couple Plan ceremony music and reception must-play / do-not-play lists Couple
05. Confirm and Refine Mail invitations (RSVP deadline 4–5 weeks before the day) Couple Finalize the menu and bar package Both Design custom touches: signage, favors, photo booth print template Custom print designs and backdrops need lead time for proofs. Both Schedule dress fittings and attire alterations Couple Write vows or choose readings Couple Confirm load-in times, power, and floor plans with the venue Planner Arrange marriage license requirements and timing Couple Order welcome bags for hotel guests Planner
06. The Final Month Chase RSVPs and finalize the guest count Both Build the seating chart Couple Send the final timeline to every vendor Include arrival windows, contact numbers, meal counts, and load-in notes. Planner Confirm final payments and gratuity envelopes Both Final venue walkthrough with key vendors Planner Pick up attire and break in shoes Couple Assign day-of roles: who holds rings, who cues speeches Planner Approve final proofs: signage, prints, photo booth overlay Both
07. Wedding Week Confirm every vendor arrival time one more time Planner Pack an emergency kit: sewing, stain pen, meds, chargers Planner Delegate personal item setup: guest book, card box, photos Both Rehearse the ceremony with the full wedding party Both Prepare final payments and tips in labeled envelopes Couple Get a manicure, hydrate, and actually sleep Couple
08. The Big Day Eat breakfast and keep water nearby all day Couple Oversee vendor load-in against the timeline Planner Do a final room reveal check before guests enter Planner Take five minutes alone together as newlyweds Couple Visit the photo booth — the couple in the booth sets the tone When the couple goes first, guests follow all night. Couple Designate someone to collect gifts, cards, and keepsakes Planner
09. After the Celebration Return rentals and collect personal items from the venue Planner Send thank-you notes to guests and vendors Couple Review and share vendor reviews (they live on these) Couple Download the full photo gallery and booth captures Couple Preserve the dress and freeze the cake top if keeping traditions Couple Complete name change paperwork if applicable Couple
One Item You Can Check Off Today
Guest entertainment, favors, and a guest book — handled in one booking. Snaptrend's wedding photo booths give every guest a keepsake print and give you a gallery of candid moments your photographer can't be everywhere to catch.
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