# Wedding Planning Checklist

> Best practices and timeline for planning a professional wedding.

A comprehensive checklist for wedding planners, organized by timeline from 12+ months out to the wedding day itself.

## 12+ Months Before

### Foundation
- [ ] Meet with couple to understand vision
- [ ] Set budget and payment schedule
- [ ] Choose wedding date
- [ ] Book venue (ceremony and reception)
- [ ] Book officiant
- [ ] Start guest list

### Major Vendors
- [ ] Book photographer
- [ ] Book videographer
- [ ] Book caterer (if not venue-provided)
- [ ] Book band/DJ
- [ ] Book florist

## 9-11 Months Before

### Planning
- [ ] Choose wedding party
- [ ] Start dress shopping
- [ ] Book hotel room block
- [ ] Plan honeymoon
- [ ] Book transportation

### Vendors
- [ ] Book officiant
- [ ] Book hair and makeup
- [ ] Book cake/dessert vendor
- [ ] Book stationer for save-the-dates

## 6-8 Months Before

### Details
- [ ] Send save-the-dates
- [ ] Register for gifts
- [ ] Plan rehearsal dinner
- [ ] Book honeymoon
- [ ] Arrange wedding insurance

### Vendors
- [ ] Book rentals (tables, chairs, linens)
- [ ] Book lighting/decor
- [ ] Book ceremony musicians
- [ ] Book photo booth (if desired)

## 4-5 Months Before

### Finalizations
- [ ] Order wedding dress
- [ ] Plan ceremony details
- [ ] Write vows
- [ ] Plan bachelor/ette parties
- [ ] Book spa appointments

### Vendors
- [ ] Finalize menu with caterer
- [ ] Confirm all vendor contracts
- [ ] Plan ceremony music
- [ ] Order wedding cake

## 2-3 Months Before

### Invitations
- [ ] Send invitations
- [ ] Track RSVPs
- [ ] Plan seating chart
- [ ] Confirm menu selections
- [ ] Order favors

### Logistics
- [ ] Confirm venue details
- [ ] Create timeline
- [ ] Plan day-of schedule
- [ ] Confirm transportation
- [ ] Get marriage license

## 1 Month Before

### Final Prep
- [ ] Final dress fitting
- [ ] Confirm all vendors
- [ ] Finalize seating chart
- [ ] Create day-of timeline
- [ ] Prepare emergency kit

### Payments
- [ ] Final vendor payments
- [ ] Tips for vendors
- [ ] Confirm honeymoon reservations

## 1 Week Before

### Final Details
- [ ] Confirm final headcount
- [ ] Deliver final payments
- [ ] Prepare vendor tips
- [ ] Rehearsal and dinner
- [ ] Pack for honeymoon

### Day-Of Prep
- [ ] Confirm all vendor arrival times
- [ ] Prepare day-of emergency kit
- [ ] Brief wedding party
- [ ] Final walkthrough at venue

## Wedding Day

### Morning
- [ ] Hair and makeup
- [ ] Get dressed
- [ ] First look photos (if planned)
- [ ] Wedding party photos

### Ceremony
- [ ] Guest arrival
- [ ] Processional
- [ ] Ceremony
- [ ] Recessional
- [ ] Family photos

### Reception
- [ ] Grand entrance
- [ ] First dance
- [ ] Toasts
- [ ] Dinner
- [ ] Cake cutting
- [ ] Dances
- [ ] Bouquet/garter toss
- [ ] Last dance
- [ ] Send-off

## Post-Wedding

### Follow-Up
- [ ] Send thank-you notes
- [ ] Return rentals
- [ ] Preserve dress
- [ ] Review photos/video
- [ ] Share feedback with vendors

### Business
- [ ] Update portfolio
- [ ] Request testimonials
- [ ] Follow up for referrals
- [ ] Archive event in Serenza

## Using This Checklist in Serenza

### Task Management
- Convert checklist items to tasks
- Assign to team members
- Set due dates and reminders
- Track completion

### Timeline Integration
- Add to event timeline
- Share with couple via portal
- Real-time updates
- Day-of execution

### Vendor Coordination
- Link tasks to vendors
- Share relevant checklist sections
- Track vendor confirmations
- Coordinate day-of

## Related Features

- [Complete Features](features.md)
- [Day-of Coordination](features-event-day.md)
- [Task Management](features.md#task-management)