Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming — but a clear Wedding To Do List and a few smart tips will keep you calm and on schedule. Below you'll find an easy-to-follow checklist (editable spreadsheet), practical planning advice, and photo inspiration to spark ideas for your ceremony, reception, styling, and timeline.
Why a Wedding To Do List Matters
A well-structured Wedding To Do List helps you prioritize tasks, track budget items, coordinate vendors, and keep the whole planning team (partner, family, wedding planner) on the same page. It turns chaos into a step-by-step process so the days before your wedding are focused and calm.
How to Use This Wedding To Do List (Quick Guide)
- Start early: Big tasks like booking a venue and photographer should be done 9–12 months out.
- Break tasks into windows: 12+ months, 6–9 months, 3–6 months, 1–2 months, final 2 weeks.
- Assign owners: Mark who’s responsible for each item — partner, family member, or vendor.
- Use the embedded spreadsheet: edit the sheet online, tick boxes, and share with your planner.
Essential Wedding To Do List — by timeline
12+ Months Before
- Set your budget and guest list range.
- Choose a wedding date or a range of dates.
- Book ceremony & reception venue.
- Hire key vendors: photographer, videographer, wedding planner (if any).
6–9 Months Before
- Select dress / tux / bridal party outfits.
- Reserve caterer, florist, and entertainment.
- Create a rough floor plan and seating ideas.
3–6 Months Before
- Send save-the-dates or invitations.
- Arrange transport and accommodation for guests if needed.
- Start pre-wedding beauty & health routines.
1–2 Months Before
- Confirm final guest count and menu choices.
- Print place cards, programs, and signage.
- Hold final dress fitting and vendor confirmations.
2 Weeks → Wedding Day
- Create a day-of timeline and share with vendors and key people.
- Pack an emergency kit (sewing kit, stain remover, painkillers).
- Delegate day-of tasks (who handles payments, gifts, clean-up).
Practical Tips That Work
1. Keep a digital and a printed copy
Use the spreadsheet for live edits and a printed checklist to pin near your planning desk — nothing beats a quick visual cue.
2. Use categories and color codes
Color-code items by owner (you, partner, planner), and by status (not started / in progress / done). This saves time when scanning the list.
3. Schedule weekly 30-minute planning sessions
Short, focused weekly check-ins prevent last-minute panic. Put them in your calendar like any other appointment.
4. Build margin into your budget and timeline
Always add a 10% budget buffer and leave 1–2 extra days for vendor confirmations or shipments.
5. Delegate a “day-of” point person
Assign someone (trusted friend or family) to manage vendors and small problems on the wedding day so you can stay present.
Editable Wedding To Do List (Spreadsheet)
Below is the editable spreadsheet checklist you can use to track everything. Click the sheet link to open it directly in Google Sheets; or use the embedded view to scroll through the checklist here.
Open the sheet directly: Editable Wedding To Do List (Google Sheets)
Wedding Inspiration Photos
Below are photo ideas to match checklist sections — click to enlarge. Replace these images with your own inspiration photos if you like.
Final Checklist — Quick Printable Summary
Use this short printable summary for last-minute checks:
- Venue confirmed & deposit paid
- Vendors contracted & contact list saved
- Final guest list & seating plan ready
- Emergency kit packed & assigned day-of contact
- Timeline for ceremony and reception distributed
If you'd like, download or copy the Google Sheet and customize it: Open the Wedding To Do List (Google Sheets).