The Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist

Choose your bridal party early to give them plenty of time to make plans and budget for wedding expenses.

9-12 Months Before Wedding

• Set wedding date
• Determine budget
• Start on guest list
• Select bridal party
• Create Pinterest boards for inspiration
• Book vendors: venue, photographer, caterer, officiant, music

 

What’s your style? Give yourself lots of time to find the perfect dress!

6-9 Months Before Wedding

• Start shopping for wedding dress
• Mail Save the Dates
• Register for gifts
• Order your wedding cake
• Book hair & makeup appointments
• Reserve a block of hotel rooms for out of town guests
• Start planning honeymoon

 

If you’re looking for details like foil imprint, embossed ink or letterpress, allow several months for invitation production.  

4-6 Months Before Wedding

• Plan rehearsal dinner
• Shop for bridal party attire (don’t forget kids & tuxes for the guys!)
• Purchase wedding bands
• Arrange wedding transportation
• Finalize details with all vendors­—depending on your venue, see what they
  provide vs. what you will need to get from Dot’s Rentals. Let one of our friendly associates help you choose table linens, chairs & sashes, serving pieces, and decor and go ahead and reserve what you’ll need for your big day!

Think outside of the box. Tiny succulents make great wedding favors!

2-4 Months Before Wedding

• Purchase accessories to wear with gown (shoes, jewelry, etc.)
• Get wedding invitations printed
• Get marriage license (check your specific state for timelines,  in Texas there is a waiting period of 72 hours after license is issued & license is valid for 90 days; in Arkansas there is no waiting period & license is valid for 60 days)

 

4-8 Weeks Before Wedding

• Mail out invitations
• Plan the order of the ceremony (optional: Print wedding programs. Don’t forget to include your wedding hashtag so guests can share their photos.)
• Make a reception timeline
• Order guest favors and/or bridal party gifts

Planning a shot list helps your wedding photographer make sure he/she captures the wedding moments that are the most important to you: for example, that romantic first dance.

2-4 Weeks Before Wedding

• Call anyone who hasn’t RSVP’d
• Work on seating chart
• Pick up dress
• Finalize guest list
• Write vows or approve with officiant
• Finalize shot list with photographer
• Confirm times & details with all vendors. Make sure Dot’s Rentals knows whether you are picking up or need rentals delivered to your venue.

Week of Wedding

• Get a manicure/pedicure
• Pack for your honeymoon
• Get married!