Countdown to the Aisle: Your Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist Printable

Celebrate! You’re Getting Married!

Congratulations on your engagement! The journey to your dream wedding starts now, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. With my step-by-step wedding planning checklist printable, you’ll have everything you need to stay organized and enjoy every moment leading up to the aisle. Let’s dive into the exciting and sometimes overwhelming process of planning your big day.

Groom lifting bride in field with stunning mountain view at ceremony site at Mountain View Stables by Lisa Smith Photography


Soon After Engagement


  1. Celebrate! Take a moment to enjoy this special time with your fiancé.

  2. Determine a Budget: Establish a budget that fits your vision and financial situation.

  3. Guest List: Start drafting your guest list to get an idea of the size of your celebration
    4. .
  4. Venue Research: Explore potential venues and discuss possible dates.

  5. Wedding Website: Design a wedding website to keep your guests informed and excited.

12+ Months Before

  1. Finalize Venue and Date: Lock in your venue and confirm your wedding date.
  2. Dress Shopping: Begin the exciting journey of finding your perfect wedding dress.
  3. Photographer: Research and book a photographer to capture your special moments.
  4. Hotel Blocks: Reserve hotel rooms for out-of-town guests.
  5. Bridal Party: Choose your bridal party who will stand by your side on the big day.

Download your wedding planning checklist printable PDF and keep your wedding planning on track!

9-12 Months Before

  1. Pinterest Board: Start a Pinterest board for ceremony and reception decor inspiration.
  2. Florist: Meet with florists and book the one who will bring your vision to life.
  3. Caterer: Secure a caterer to delight your guests with delicious food.
Groom snuggling with bride in portrait at Birchwood Vineyard by Lisa Smith Photography

6-9 Months Before

  1. Guest List: Finalize your guest list.

  2. Gift Registry: Set up your gift registry to guide your guests on gift choices.

  3. Officiant: Research and book your officiant.

  4. DJ/Band: Find and book a DJ or band to keep the party going.

  5. Music Selection: Discuss your music preferences for the ceremony and reception.

6 Months Before

  1. Wedding Gown: Order your wedding gown and schedule fittings.
  2. Date Night: Take a break from planning and enjoy a date night with your fiancé.
Bride and grooms first dance at birchwood vineyard by Lisa Smith Photography

5 Months Before

  1. Accessories: Order hair accessories and jewelry.
  2. Honeymoon Planning: If you’re planning a destination or international honeymoon, start booking flights and accommodations.

4 Months Before

  1. Catch Up: Review your planning list and catch up on any missed tasks.
  2. Save the Dates: Design and order your save the date cards.
  3. Hair and Makeup Trial: Schedule a trial to perfect your look.

3 Months Before

  1. Rental Items: Schedule rentals for any needed items like chairs, tables, tents, and linens.
  2. Groom’s Attire: Finalize the groom’s attire and make any necessary alterations.
  3. Bridal Accessories: Purchase any remaining bridal accessories.
  4. Honeymoon Booking: If planning a domestic honeymoon, start booking your accommodations.
  5. Save the Date Mailing: Mail out your save the date cards.
  6. Cake Vendor: Book your cake vendor.
black and white silhouette of bride having her lipstick applied by makeup artist by Lisa Smith Photography

2 Months Before

  1. Wedding Night: Book accommodations for your wedding night.
  2. Invitations: Mail out your wedding invitations.
  3. Food and Drink: Finalize food and drink details with your caterer.

1 Month Before

  1. Wedding Bands: Purchase your wedding bands.
  2. Floral Confirmations: Confirm bouquets, centerpieces, and boutonnieres with your florist.
  3. DIY Projects: Finish up any DIY projects.
  4. Date Night: Enjoy another date night with your fiancé.
Bride looking dreamily in the camera while groom snuggles into her at Josiah's Meeting House Wedding by Lisa Smith Photography

2 Weeks Before

  1. Marriage License: Obtain your marriage license.
  2. Schedule: Finalize your wedding day schedule and share it with your family and bridal party.
  3. Head Count: Provide the final head count to your venue and/or caterer.
  4. Seating Chart: Finalize your seating chart.
  5. Vendor Confirmations: Confirm the wedding day itinerary with all vendors.

Book a consultation with Lisa today to capture life’s sweet and candid moments. Lisa Smith Photography is New Hampshire’s premier wedding photographer, known for capturing timeless, unique, and candid connections that evoke emotions years after the wedding day!

Ready to get started on your dream wedding? Let’s make your journey to the aisle unforgettable!

Click here to download your wedding planning checklist printable PDF and keep your wedding planning on track!

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couple dancing on the beach

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