Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist

To plan the perfect celebration, use this comprehensive checklist, with a timeline based on the 16-month length of the average U.S. engagement.

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Sixteen to Nine Months Before

Start a wedding folder or binder. Begin leafing through bridal, lifestyle, fashion, gardening, design, and food magazines for inspiration. Related: See Our Complete Guide to Weddings
Work out your budget. Determine how much you have to spend, based on your families’ contributions and your own.
Pick your wedding party. As soon as you’re engaged, people will start wondering who’s in. Related: Choosing Your Wedding Party
Start the guest list. Make a head count database to use throughout your planning process, with columns for contact info, RSVPs, gifts, and any other relevant information. (Want to keep costs low? It may be brutal, but the best way to do it is to reduce your guest list.) Related: Guest List Help
Hire a planner, if desired. A planner will have relationships with—and insights about—vendors.
Reserve your date and venues. Decide whether to have separate locations for the ceremony and the reception, factoring in travel time between the two places.
Book your officiant.
Research photographers, bands, florists, and caterers. Keep their contact information in your binder.
Throw an engagement party, if you wish. But remember that your invitees should be on your wedding guest list as well. Related: Engagement Party Checklist