The Planit Events Inc. Ultimate Wedding Checklist

Now that we’re back into the full swing of wedding season, I thought it would be a great time to share Planit Events Inc.’s ultimate wedding checklist! Please keep in mind that I have condensed the list a bit to summarize some of the smaller tasks, but if you’re looking for the full checklist send me a message and I’d be happy to share more details!

Before we get into it, I just want to speak about the importance of breaking down the tasks into phases. I know it feels like there are a million things that you need to get done for your wedding but they don’t all need to be done now. Some things it’s necessary that you book or prepare for in advance, but some of the other checklist items can wait until a bit further down the road. The following checklist is broken down into time phases to help break up the number of tasks you need to complete within a specific timeframe and to help you feel less bombarded by the number of things you need to get done.

I have to emphasize that starting some of these tasks is important but don’t sweat it if you aren’t planning 2 years in advance. Ok, let’s get right into it!

Phase 1: 12 (or more) Months

• Choose a date
  • Before you can get started on planning it’s important that you’ve chosen a date (or a few depending on the availability of the venue)
• Budget
  • How much do you want to spend?
  • For helpful tips on budgeting check out my blog post
• Guest List
  • Depending on your budget, try to decide how large of a wedding you want. This doesn’t need to be the final version of the guest list.
• Vendors
  • It’s essential to book your vendors in advance as they get busier and booked during high-volume wedding seasons.
  • Need help choosing the perfect venue? Check out my blog where I share some useful tips to help with your decision.

Phase 2: 9-12 Months

• Guest List
  • No this isn’t a mistake, the guest list is here again. It’s time to put your thinking cap on and finalize your guest list.
• Wedding Party
  • Choose your wedding party and notify them.
• Dress Shopping (if applicable)
  • It’s time to start trying on some dresses! Please note some wedding dress stores are by appointment only. Double-check online or by giving them a call.
• Invitations
  • Start looking into designs. Do you want to do hardcopy invites or e-vites?
• Registry
  • If you are going to be asking for gifts, setting up a registry is beneficial to your guests and to ensure that you receive the gifts you want (instead of 4 identical toasters).
• Party Favors
  • What are you going to give to your guests as a keepsake of your special day?

Phase 3: 6-8 Months

• Ceremony
  • Start to plan how you would like your ceremony to play out; don’t forget to include your JP.
• Wedding Dress
  • It’s time to choose the final dress and make sure that it’s ordered.
• Vendors
  • Double-check to make sure that all of your vendors are booked- deposits will be made.
• Send Save the Dates (if applicable)
  • Order your invitations/finalize e-vites and ensure you have everyone’s email addresses.
• Choose Bridal Party Outfits
  • Again, if visiting a wedding dress shop, schedule an appointment where necessary.

Phase 4: 4-5 Months

• Send Your Invitations
• Men’s Formal Wear
  • It’s time to finalize the men’s formal wear. Are you going to be renting or purchasing suits?
• Transportation
  • Arrange the transportation for the wedding party and if applicable the wedding guests.
• Bar
  • Will you have a bar at your wedding? Does the venue provide a bartender? If not, it’s time to hire someone.
• Decor
  • Going to be making any of your wedding decor? It’s time to start now and consider asking your lovely bridal party for a hand if it’s lots of crafting.

Phase 5: 2-3 Months

• Accessories
  • Do you want special jewelry or accessories for your special day?
• Schedule a Dress Fitting
• Music
  • Decide what music you want for walking down the aisle, mother/son dance, father/daughter dance, wedding party entrance, etc.

Phase 6: 2 Months Out

• Vendors
  • Confirm delivery times and/or set-up/takedown times
• Hair and Makeup
  • Scheduled trials (bring inspiration if you have any)
• Finalize the Menu

Phase 7: 1 Month Out

• Get Your Marriage License
• Follow Up on Missing RSVPs
• Finalize All Details

Phase 8: 1-2 Weeks

• Send Final Head Count
• Confirm Payments (to Vendors)
• Confirm Schedule with Wedding Party
• Prepare Toasts (if applicable)
• Hair Appointment
  • Trim and Colour

Phase 9: 2-3 Days

• Steam Formal Wear
• Mani/Pedi
• Bring Decor to Venue

Phase 10: 1 Day Before

• Rehearse
• Give Marriage License to JP

It’s the big day! Enjoy your wedding day!

After the Wedding

• Send Thank You Notes
• Submit Reviews to Vendors
• Have Your Dress Cleaned

For a printable copy of the checklist: The Ultimate Wedding Checklist Download

If you have any questions about the checklist or would like the help of a professional event/wedding planner in the Edmonton and surrounding area, send us a message! We have numerous years in the industry and a list of trusted vendors which we would be happy to share with you to ensure your wedding day is just as magical as you’ve always envisioned it.