Planning a wedding is an exciting journey, but it can also feel overwhelming with so many details to manage. That’s why I’ve created this ultimate wedding planning checklist—to help you stay organized, stress-free, and focused on what matters: celebrating your love. Whether you're dreaming of an elegant, timeless affair, an adventurous mountain celebration, or an intimate party with family and friends, this guide will walk you through every step, from the initial budget talks to the final send-off. Let’s make your big day as unique and memorable as your love story.

Every engagement is different, just like every wedding. This is a list I’ve put together so that you can choose what to do and in what order. Don’t feel obliged to do anything on this checklist or even in the month it is outlined. After all, it is your big day and you should be intentional in creating these moments.

12 months out

Determine your budget: While not the most eye-catching part of your wedding (unless you think a good spreadsheet is sexy), this is the most important item on your checklist. Getting it done makes way for all the fun stuff like tasting food, touring venues, and crafting memories. First step: talk to each other about what is most important to you. Is it great photos? Is it an unforgettable venue with unique architecture? Is it a party under the stars with all your friends and family? Have the tough conversation and come together as a couple to make it magical.
Make a guest list.
Hire a wedding planner: If you’re already feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a wedding planner. Their job is to put on an event that YOU have been dreaming of, and they have the connections to make it happen. Sometimes, just having that helpful hand can make the experience 1000x more enjoyable. Don’t want to splurge for a planner? Consider a day of coordinator. They can help with setup and tear down, taking one small load off your plate.
Create a wedding Pinterest Board: Get some inspiration! Choose formality and theme. Determine your desired season: spring, summer, fall, or winter. This will be so helpful in narrowing down all the choices.
Research and book your venue: Venues book up fast, especially the popular locations, during peak season and on the weekends. You’ll always find more flexibility in booking a weekday or off-season date. Here are some tips for choosing your wedding venue.
Book your caterer: Depending on your venue, they may have an onsite kitchen, and you can taste it as part of your tour. Otherwise, you’ll want to inquire about preferred vendors or local caterers. No matter what, be sure to eat a tasting menu.
Book your wedding photographer.

11 months out

Hire priority vendors like planners, DJs/bands, florists, and videographers. Just like popular venues, great vendors book very early in the planning process. The average booking lead time is typically 14 to 18 months out.
Select your bridal party.
Make a wedding website. This is such a valuable resource for guests. You can share everything from timeline details to hotel accommodation. Guest particularly love when you share pictures and stories about your love. Check out my tips to ensure your website has all the details you and your guests need.

10 months out

Research honeymoon options. Honestly, my favorite part. Daydream about all the amazing memories you will make with your now husband! Do this one thing: Make sure your passport is valid for out-of-country experiences. It can take 4-6 months to get your passport, so plan ahead.
Start wedding dress shopping. It can take 6 to 8 months to craft your wedding dress, making trying on dresses a priority early in the process. Here are my top bridal stores in Boise.
Take engagement photos: An engagement session allows the wedding process to leap forward in the feels department. It’s a moment to connect with your partner and slow down in the busy decision-making process. It also allows you to work with your photographer before the wedding day to get some of those butterflies out of the way.
Block hotel room blocks.
Browse wedding invitations.

9 months out

Buy your wedding dress. Here are my top bridal shops in the Treasure Valley.
Send Save the Dates.
Meet with wedding florists. Here are my top wedding florists in Boise. Not sure how to incorporate real flowers into your budget? I have some tips for you.
Start your wedding day timeline. Here are some examples of 6-hour, 8-hour, and 10-hour weddings. Need more help? I got you. Here are my tips to keep your day stress-free, when to start your wedding ceremony, and why you should take sunset photos.

8 months out

Register for gifts.
Order bridesmaids’ dresses and choose groomsmen’s suits. Popular places to buy and rent suits and dresses are Boise Tuxedo Shop, David’s Bridal, Men’s Warehouse, and Dillards.
Decide on dessert. Want cake? Meet with a cake designer and choose your wedding cake. Pro tip: ask if they have a tasting option. There is no better date than going out and trying all the flavors. Cake not your thing? Great! There are so many other desert options nowadays. Many local small businesses do donuts, choux pastry, cake pops, cupcakes, cookies, etc. Let your imagination go wild!
Book your honeymoon. The best time to book international flights is 6 to 9 months before departure date, and domestic flights are 3 to 6 months.

7 months out

Book rehearsal dinner venue.
Schedule hair and makeup trial.

6 months out

Halfway point!

Start a pre-wedding beauty routine. Here are some tips to enhance your natural beauty and radiance on your wedding day.
Schedule dress fitting
Order wedding favors. The best favors, the ones that guests want to take home, are the ones that remind them of you. Consider what you want to share with them: a piece of the town or city you are getting married in, a location that means a lot to you, or a treat the two of you connected over. The options are endless.

5 months out

Book all transportation.
Buy or rent groom’s tuxedo.
Being premarital counseling.
Order rentals. Here are some of my favorite rental suppliers in Boise.

4 months out

Have a final tasting with the caterer.
Choose your dessert option.
Buy wedding bands.
Order invitations.
Finalize bridal party attire. Ensure all items are ordered and fittings are scheduled. This includes suits, pants, shoes, ties, and any other accessories.

3 months out

This is the shit’s getting real part.

Create a seating chart.
Finalize your menu selections (don’t forget your vendors!)
Select your wedding music (ceremony, reception, dances, etc).
Book a photo booth or other guest entertainment. Need ideas? Check out my 3 favorite cocktail hour entertainment ideas.
Send invitations (8-12 weeks before event). Here are some tips to ensure smooth sailing at the post office.
Start DIY items.
Finalize florals.

2 months out

Get your marriage license. Research name-change paperwork, if applicable.
Meet with your officiant. Finalize your ceremony plan. Determine wedding party positions for the ceremony and the order of the party in the processional.
Send invitations! (if you haven’t already).
Start dance lessons!
Have a second dress fitting.
Schedule groom’s tuxedo fitting. Ensure that tailoring time is taken into consideration.
Create table menus.
Create wedding programs.
Create a weather backup plan with your planner/photographer. Check out my 7 tips for embracing a rainy day.
Purchase wedding party and parent’s gifts.
Purchase accessories: things like a guest book, cake toppers, and something old/blue
Arrange a day after brunch.

1 month out

Finalize the seating chart.
Have a final venue walk-through.
Organize your RSVPs. Connect with guests who haven’t responded to their invitations.
Confirm and send the wedding day timeline to all vendors and your bridal party. Consider having a punch list for friends/family helping out. This alleviates you from having to think up things to do on the spot.
Confirm rehearsal dinner numbers.
Confirm that the bridal party has dresses and suits ready.
Create a Go Bag. Get together the little things you may need the morning of your wedding i.e. needle/thread/scissors, straw for drinking and not messing up your lipstick, a personal fan if it is hot, blotting papers, ibuprofen, etc.
Break in your wedding shoes.

2 weeks out

Final dress fitting. Bring your maid of honour to learn how to bustle your dress. Take a video of it so you remember day of!
Provide caterer with final guest count.
Provide playlist to DJ/Band.
Get haircut and colour, if needed.
Write and practice your vows.
Leaving for your honeymoon right after your wedding? Begin packing now. Get travel items purchased and ready.
Schedule a final call with your photographer: Talk about your wedding timeline, must-get shots, and a family shot list. Nailing key moments on the wedding day is the whole point for your photographer, so clear communication will help them be ready for those moments.
Finish DIY projects.

1 week out

Pick up groom’s tuxedo.
Confirm any last minute changes with your vendors. Including sending out any changes to the timeline.
Pay all vendors. Prepare any day-of payment or tip envelopes for vendors.
Arrange for snacks/lunch for the bridal party while everyone is getting ready. No one wants to be hangry at the altar.
Provide vendors with your contact phone numbers in case of an emergency.
Confirm wedding day duties with the wedding party and any additional helpers.
Check the weather forecast to prepare for any surprises.
Steam any table lines or decor you need to. I recommend hanging them on hangers to reduce any additional creasing and to make for a smooth wedding day setup.

The Day Before

Steam your wedding dress, your veil, the bridesmaids’ dresses, the groomsmen’s suits, your groom’s tuxedo, and any other friend/family member’s clothes. Doing this the night before ensures a stress-free wedding day.
Spa time with your crew! Everyone gets mani/pedis!
Put together your wedding day detail box for your photographer. Not sure what to put in there? Check out this curated list.
Wedding rehearsal. Make sure everyone knows the songs and the cues and has practiced. This is the perfect time to remind everyone to smile, walk slowly down the aisle, and be attentive and joyful at the altar during the ceremony (no one wants dull or sleepy faces in photos).
Rehearsal dinner! Celebrate with your loved ones. Thank them for coming. Head to bed early and get some much-needed rest before your big day.

Your Wedding Day

Get the day started with a healthy and filling breakfast.
Be sure to drink water and stay hydrated!
Introduce the venue coordinator to your maid of honor and best man: let them be your contact for questions or problems.
Get married! Connect with your friends and family. Be present in the moment. Thank everyone for coming. Party the night away. Have so much fun!

After the Big Day

Write and send Thank-You cards.
Complete your registry and exchange any unwanted or duplicate gifts.
Have your wedding dress cleaned and preserved.
Keep in touch with your Photographer/Videographer to work on albums, DVDs, etc.
Enjoy wedded bliss!

Your wedding deserves to be as unforgettable as the love you share. If you're looking for a photographer who can capture the essence of your connection and the joy of your big day, let's make it happen. Contact me today and together, we’ll create something truly magical.

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