🌿 The Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist

A month-by-month guide to planning your dream wedding — from the moment you say “yes” to the morning you say “I do.”

Hey beautiful, I’m Marie, a wedding photographer here in the Pacific Northwest.
After photographing so many incredible weddings, I’ve noticed one thing every couple says: “I can’t believe how fast it went!”
That’s why I created this checklist — to help you plan your day with intention, stay organized, and have room to truly soak it all in.

Whether you’re getting married in Seattle, Hawai'i, Mt. Rainier, or the coast — this is your go-to planning guide.

12 Months Before

💍 Celebrate your engagement!
• Set your budget and guest list
• Choose your ideal season and date
• Book your venue
• Research and reach out to photographers (most book 12–18 months out!)
• Start your inspiration board

10–11 Months Before

📸 Book your photographer
• Hire planner or coordinator
• Choose wedding party
• Shop for your dress
• Research videographers, florists, and caterers
• For elopements: research travel and permits

8–9 Months Before

🌸 Book your florist, caterer, and videographer
• Reserve your band or DJ
• Secure officiant
• Build your wedding website
• Plan your engagement session (perfect for invites!)
• Arrange guest accommodations

6–7 Months Before

💌 Send Save the Dates
• Order bridesmaid + groomsmen attire
• Book hair & makeup artist
• Reserve rentals
• Finalize menu tasting
• Plan honeymoon

4–5 Months Before

🎂 Order your cake
• Confirm playlists and ceremony songs
• Book rehearsal dinner venue
• Start planning your wedding timeline (and golden hour photos!)

3 Months Before

💍 Send invitations
• Schedule dress fittings
• Confirm vendors
• Write vows and purchase wedding bands
• Print engagement photos for your display

2 Months Before

💄 Finalize ceremony details
• Schedule hair/makeup trials
• Meet with photographer to review timeline
• Purchase accessories and vow books
• Build your wedding day emergency kit

1 Month Before

📝 Apply for marriage license
• Confirm guest count and vendor arrival times
• Make your wedding timeline
• Break in your wedding shoes
• Prepare vendor payments

1 Week Before

💐 Steam your dress + veil
• Pack your bags
• Get manicure/pedicure
• Review weather forecast
• Gather all photo details (rings, invites, perfume)
• Relax and enjoy time together

Day Before

✨ Lay out all details for your photographer
• Rehearse your ceremony
• Hydrate and rest
• Enjoy the quiet moments

Wedding Day

🤎 Eat breakfast
• Have your details ready
• Keep your timeline close
• Be present, breathe, and soak it all in — it’s the start of your forever.

📸 Pro Tip from Marie:
The best photos happen when you’re fully in the moment. Don’t stress about perfection — your love story is the most beautiful part!

Ready to start planning stress-free?
Download the free printable version of this checklist below and keep it handy as you plan your dream day.