Wedding Timeline Checklist from an Oklahoma Wedding Photographer

The following checklist is designed by an Oklahoma + Destination Wedding Photographer with an ideal template of twelve months. If you’re planning your wedding on a shorter schedule, just start at the beginning of the list and catch up as quickly as possible!

9-12 Months Prior to the Wedding Day

• Arrange a gathering for you and your parents.
• Determine the budget and how expenses will be shared.
• Choose a target wedding date and time.
• Discuss the size, style, location, and scope of the wedding you want.
• Visit and reserve the wedding and reception sites.
• Book your wedding photographer + videographer
• Create a binder and Pinterest board to organize ideas, worksheets, receipts, brochures, etc.
• Start compiling your guest list to estimate head count. Consider the budget when thinking about “must-invites” versus “nice-to-invites.”
• Begin shopping for the wedding gown.

6-9 Months Prior

• Choose the members of your wedding party.
• Enroll in the wedding and shower gift registries.
• Meet with your officiant.
• Book an engagement photo session, especially if you plan to include a professional engagement picture with save-the-date cards.
• Hire a caterer.
• Hire a florist.
• Make arrangements for music to be played at the ceremony and reception, which might include booking a band or solo musician, hiring a DJ, and choosing songs.
• Reserve a block of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests. Be sure to ask about group rates.
• Send save-the-date cards to your guests. Include lodging information and maps.
• Shop for wedding rings.
• Select and order the wedding gown, leaving ample time for delivery and alterations.
• Shop for bridesmaids’ dresses.
• Schedule wedding cake design appointments and tastings.
• Start planning your honeymoon.

4-6 Months Prior

• Finalize the guest list.
• Order invitations and other wedding stationery like place cards and thank you notes.
• Plan wedding-day beauty preparations. Ask your stylists if they can work at the wedding site.
• Finalize your honeymoon plans. If traveling outside the country, arrange for visas, passports, and inoculations.
• Hire your wedding transportation.
• Plan the rehearsal dinner.

2-4 Months Prior

• Obtain a marriage license. Remember to bring all the necessary documents with you.
• Order tuxedoes for the groom and groomsmen.
• Meet with the caterer to review food and drink menus.
• Order the wedding cake.
• Order your wedding rings.
• Confirm the ceremony and reception music.
• Book a hotel room for the wedding night.
• If you plan to write your own vows, start writing them now.

4-8 Weeks Prior

• Mail the wedding invitations 8 weeks prior to your wedding date.
• Confirm all transportation plans.
• Do a hair and makeup trial. Include your wedding veil, if applicable.

2-4 Weeks Prior

• Work on seating arrangements for the reception.
• Finalize arrangements for out-of-town attendants, vendors, and guests.
• Confirm details with all vendors!
• Have the final fitting for your bridal gown and bridesmaids’ dresses.
• Write your rehearsal dinner toast.
• Communicate the rehearsal dinner details to those who will attend.
• Compile a list of the wedding vendors and wedding party, with contact information.
• Purchase gifts for the wedding attendants.
• Determine where the bride, groom, and attendants will dress for the ceremony.

1 Week Prior

• Place fees due on the wedding day and tips into envelopes for easy distribution.
• Give the caterer a final head count.
• Appoint a trustworthy person to bring important items – such as the cake knife, toasting glasses, and guest book – to the reception.
• Appoint someone to act as an “organizer” to handle any last-minute problems.
• Review final details with the wedding party.
• Get beauty treatments such as a manicure, facial, massage, spray tan, and brow shaping!

The Day Before the Wedding

– Gather the following

• Something old, to symbolize continuity with family and heritage.
• Something new, to symbolize optimism and hope for the new life ahead.
• Something borrowed, from a happily married person, to symbolize marriage longevity.
• Something blue, to symbolize love and fidelity.
• Gather all of his/her details into a box for your photographer the night before!
• Confirm honeymoon arrangements.
• Pack for the honeymoon.
• Enjoy a relaxing day with family and friends.
• Attend the rehearsal dinner; give gifts to attendants.
• Give the rings and officiant’s fee to the best man.
• Try to get some rest!

Wedding Day

• Relax and remain calm!
• Remember to eat something.
• Allow at least two hours to get ready/dressed
• ENJOY THE ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME EVENT!