Free Wedding Planner Checklist for Your Dream Wedding

wedding planning

Free Wedding Planning Checklist

Your wedding day should be nothing short of magical, and planning it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Stable View Venue, we believe that with the right tools and organisation, you can enjoy the planning process and create the wedding of your dreams. To help you get started, we’ve put together a Free Wedding Planner Checklist to guide you through each step of the journey.

12+ Months Before Your Wedding

  • Set Your Wedding Budget
    Decide on your overall budget and break it down by category (venue, catering, decor, etc.).

  • Choose Your Wedding Date
    Pick a date that works for you and your loved ones. Consider seasons, holidays, and your preferred climate.

  • Book Your Venue
    Secure your dream wedding venue early! At Stable View Venue, we recommend booking at least 6-12 months in advance.

  • Create Your Guest List
    Start compiling your guest list, keeping in mind the number of people the venue can comfortably accommodate.

  • Decide on Your Wedding Style and Theme
    Whether you’re dreaming of a rustic wedding or a more modern celebration, begin thinking about the overall style of your day.

9–12 Months Before Your Wedding

  • Hire Your Wedding Planner (if applicable)
    Wedding planners help keep you on track and provide invaluable support during the planning process.

  • Book Wedding Vendors
    Reserve key vendors like photographers, florists, musicians/DJ, and caterers. Don’t forget to confirm Stable View Venue’s team if you want help organizing any details.

  • Choose Your Wedding Party
    Select your bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, and ring bearers. It’s also a great time to ask them to be part of your special day!

  • Wedding Attire
    Start shopping for your wedding dress, bridesmaid dresses, and the groom’s suit. Plan fittings early to ensure everything fits just right.

6–9 Months Before Your Wedding

  • Finalise Your Guest List
    Confirm who will be attending the wedding and send out save-the-date cards to give guests plenty of notice.

  • Plan Your Ceremony and Reception
    Think about the logistics of the ceremony (location, music, vows) and reception (seating arrangement, food, and entertainment).

  • Select Your Wedding Rings
    Don’t forget to choose the wedding bands that will symbolize your love for years to come.

  • Finalise Your Catering and Cake
    Decide on your reception menu and cake design, and make sure to communicate any dietary restrictions to your caterer.

  • Create Your Wedding Website
    Share all the details your guests need, including venue info, RSVP instructions, and accommodation suggestions.

3–6 Months Before Your Wedding

  • Send Out Invitations
    Your wedding invitations should go out 6-8 weeks before the big day. Include all the important details about the ceremony, reception, and RSVP instructions.

  • Confirm Your Vendors
    Double-check all contracts with your vendors, ensuring you’re clear on timelines, payment schedules, and expectations.

  • Start Pre-Wedding Beauty Preparations
    Schedule hair, makeup, and skincare appointments. Make sure to also do a trial run for your wedding day hairstyle.

  • Arrange Transportation
    Book your wedding transportation, whether it’s a limousine, classic car, or something unique!

1–3 Months Before Your Wedding

  • Finalize the Wedding Day Timeline
    Work with your wedding coordinator to create a timeline for your wedding day—making sure all vendors know the schedule.

  • Pick Your Music
    Choose the music for your ceremony, reception, and first dance. Whether it’s live music or a playlist, the right songs set the mood for your celebration.

  • Prepare Your Wedding Day Attire
    Get your final dress fittings and make sure the bridesmaids and groomsmen have their outfits ready to go.

  • Take Care of the Details
    Confirm your seating arrangements, table assignments, and place settings. Don’t forget to assign tasks to wedding party members and guests who are helping!

2 – 4 Weeks Before Your Wedding

  • Confirm Your Guest Count
    Follow up with any guests who have not RSVP’d to get the final headcount.

  • Pay Your Vendors
    Make final payments to your vendors and confirm delivery times and services.

  • Create a Wedding Day Emergency Kit
    Pack a kit with essentials like sewing kits, extra makeup, tissues, and a small first-aid kit.

  • Get a Marriage License
    Make sure you’re legally ready to say “I do” by securing your marriage license.

The final week

  • Practice Your Vows
    If you’re writing your own vows, take time to rehearse and make sure you feel confident.

  • Enjoy a Pre-Wedding Pampering Session
    Treat yourself to a spa day, a manicure, and anything else that helps you relax before your wedding day.

  • Enjoy the Moment!
    The final step is to enjoy the process, cherish the special moments, and soak in the excitement as you approach your dream wedding day.