THE BIG WEDDING CHECKLIST

Feeling a little overwhelmed by it all? This checklist will help you get everything done with less stress and more joy!

And, if you’re new to Tabitha & Lace, I’ve included several blog posts with each item to help you plan the big day!

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A PDF OF THIS CHECKLIST FROM THE RESOURCE LIBRARY!

9-12 months before

• Start a wedding binder or planner. (10 WEDDING PLANNERS TO KEEP YOUR SANITY)

• DETERMINE YOUR BUDGET. (HOW TO SAVE MONEY ON YOUR WEDDING)

• PICK YOUR WEDDING PARTY. (PROPOSE WITH ONE OF THESE PERSONALIZED BOXES!)

• START THE GUEST LIST.

• HIRE A PLANNER, IF YOU WANT. (7 SECRETS FROM A WEDDING PLANNER)

• RESERVE YOUR DATE AND VENUE(S).

• BOOK YOUR OFFICIANT.

• RESEARCH PHOTOGRAPHERS, BANDS, FLORISTS, AND CATERERS. (GET A “QUESTIONS TO ASK” CHEAT SHEET IN THE RESOURCE LIBRARY)

• THROW AN ENGAGEMENT PARTY, IF YOU WANT. (HOW TO PLAN AN INFORMAL ENGAGEMENT PARTY)

• START YOUR PINTEREST BOARDS! (FOLLOW TABITHA & LACE FOR IDEAS)

8 MONTHS BEFORE

• HIRE PHOTOGRAPHER AND VIDEOGRAPHER. (19 MUST-HAVE PHOTOS TO TAKE WITH YOUR PARENTS)

• MEET CATERERS. (GET A “QUESTIONS TO ASK” CHEAT SHEET IN THE RESOURCE LIBRARY)

• PURCHASE A DRESS. (10 WEDDING DRESSES YOU’LL WANT TO BUY ONLINE // 11 GORGEOUS & OUT OF THE ORDINARY VEILS // 10 DENIM & LEATHER BRIDAL JACKETS )

• RESERVE A BLOCK OF HOTEL ROOMS FOR OUT OF TOWN GUESTS.

• REGISTER.

• CREATE A WEDDING WEBSITE.

• take engagement photos. (check out these engagement photo ideas.)

6-7 months before

• Select and purchase invitations. (INVITATION SHOPPING GUIDES)

• START PLANNING HONEYMOON. (HONEYMOON ACCESSORIES FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE TRIP)

• SHOP FOR BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES. (10 WAYS TO PULL OFF THE MISMATCHED BRIDESMAIDS LOOK)

• MEET WITH THE OFFICIANT.

• SEND SAVE THE DATES.

• BOOK A FLORIST.

• COMPOSE DAY-OF TIMELINE. (GET A DAY-OF TIMELINE TEMPLATE IN THE RESOURCE LIBRARY!)

• decide on groomsmen attire. (12 Bow Ties & Suspenders for your Groomsmen)

4-5 MONTHS BEFORE

• Book the rehearsal VENUE.

• Select and order the cake. (9 stunning and funny cake toppers)

• SEND YOUR GUEST LIST TO THE HOST OF YOUR SHOWER.

• PURCHASE WEDDING SHOES AND START DRESS FITTINGS.

• SCHEDULE HAIR AND MAKEUP ARTISTS. (10 GORGEOUS HAIR COMBS)

• CHOOSE YOUR MUSIC.

• ORDER THANK YOU CARDS (THESE FUTURE MRS. ONES ARE PERFECT FOR BRIDAL SHOWERS!)

3 MONTHS BEFORE

• FINALIZE THE MENU AND FLOWERS.

• ORDER FAVORS, IF YOU WANT.

• FINALIZE THE ORDER OF CEREMONY AND RECEPTION.

• PRINT MENU CARDS AND PROGRAMS. (10 WAYS TO SAVE MONEY ON WEDDING MENUS)

• PURCHASE THE RINGS. (10 ALTERNATIVES TO A TRADITIONAL ENGAGEMENT RING)

• SEND YOUR EVENT SCHEDULE TO VENDORS.

• PURCHASE GUEST BOOK, RECEPTION DECOR, RING BEARER PILLOW, ETC. (15 ALTERNATIVE GUEST BOOK IDEAS // 11 WEDDING CHAIR SIGNS // RING PILLOW ALTERNATIVES // CARD BOXES TO USE AT YOUR RECEPTION)

2 MONTHS BEFORE

• TOUCH BASE WITH ALL VENDORS. (10 PROPS FOR GORGEOUS PHOTOS)

• REVIEW THE PLAYLIST WITH THE BAND OR DEEJAY.

• SEND OUT THE INVITATIONS.

• HAVE A BACHELORETTE PARTY. (15 BACHELORETTE PARTY INVITES // DIY IDEAS FOR A CRAFTY BACHELORETTE)

1 MONTH BEFORE

• GET YOUR MARRIAGE LICENSE.

• MAIL THE REHEARSAL DINNER INVITES. (11 MINIMAL AND GORGEOUS REHEARSAL DINNER INVITES)

• SEND OUT AS MANY FINAL PAYMENTS AS YOU CAN.

• ASSIGN SEATING.

• PURCHASE BRIDESMAID’S & groomsmen’s GIFTS. (25 GIFT IDEAS FOR YOUR BRIDESMAIDS // 9 FLOWER GIRL GIFTS // 8 GROOMSMEN GIFT IDEAS)

• PURCHASE GIFTS FOR YOUR GROOM & PARENTS. (10 GIFTS FOR YOUR GROOM // 5 GIFTS FOR YOUR PARENTS)

• WRITE VOWS, IF YOU PLAN ON MAKING YOUR OWN.

WEEK OF

• RECONFIRM ARRIVAL TIMES FOR ALL VENDORS.

• DELEGATE SMALL WEDDING-DAY TASKS.

• SEND TIMELINE TO BRIDAL PARTY.

• SET ASIDE CHECKS FOR VENDORS.

• SEND FINAL GUEST LIST TO CATERER AND OTHER VENDORS.

• BREAK IN YOUR SHOES.

• ASSEMBLE WELCOME BASKETS, IF YOU WANT.

• PACK FOR YOUR HONEYMOON.

• GET MARRIED!