DIY Wedding Planning Checklist
12-18 Months Before the Wedding
●	Set Your Budget: Determine how much you can spend and allocate funds to each aspect of your wedding.
●	Create a Guest List: Start drafting a guest list with your partner and families.
●	Choose Your Wedding Date: Pick a date that works for you, your partner, and key family members.
●	Book Your Venue: Reserve your ceremony and reception venues.
●	Select Your Wedding Party: Choose your bridesmaids, groomsmen, and other attendants.
●	Start DIY Projects: Begin working on any large DIY projects, such as invitations, decorations, or favors.
9-12 Months Before the Wedding
●	Research Vendors: Look into photographers, caterers, florists, and other vendors.
●	Buy or DIY Your Dress: Start shopping for your dress or begin DIYing if you plan to make it yourself.
●	Book Key Vendors: Secure your photographer, caterer, and entertainment.
●	Send Save-the-Dates: If you’re making them yourself, start early to allow time for assembly and mailing.
●	Design Invitations: Begin designing your wedding invitations if you’re doing them yourself.
6-9 Months Before the Wedding
●	Order or DIY Decor: Start working on your ceremony and reception decorations.
●	Plan the Ceremony: Work with your officiant to outline the ceremony.
●	Book Accommodations: Reserve a block of rooms for out-of-town guests.
●	Register for Gifts: Create a wedding registry if you haven't already.
●	Hire Additional Vendors: If needed, hire a videographer, transportation, or other specialty vendors.
3-6 Months Before the Wedding
●	Finalize Invitations: Complete and mail out your wedding invitations.
●	Plan the Menu: Work with your caterer or plan your DIY catering menu.
●	Order or DIY Wedding Favors: Make or purchase wedding favors for your guests.
●	Buy Wedding Rings: Purchase your wedding bands.
●	Plan Wedding Day Timeline: Create a detailed timeline for your wedding day.
●	Start Hair and Makeup Trials: Schedule trials or begin experimenting if doing your own hair and makeup.
2-3 Months Before the Wedding
●	Final Dress Fitting: Have your final dress fitting if you purchased your dress.
●	Confirm Vendor Details: Reach out to all vendors to confirm arrangements and timelines.
●	DIY Place Cards and Signage: Begin creating or ordering place cards, table numbers, and signage.
●	Plan the Honeymoon: Finalize travel plans and ensure all documents are in order.
●	Create a Music Playlist: If you’re handling your own music, start curating your playlist.
1-2 Months Before the Wedding
●	Apply for Marriage License: Ensure you meet the legal requirements and apply for your marriage license.
●	Confirm RSVPs: Follow up with any guests who haven’t responded to your invitation.
●	Finalize Seating Chart: Use your confirmed guest list to create a seating arrangement.
●	Prepare Wedding Vows: Write and practice your vows if you're doing them yourself.
●	DIY or Order the Cake: If you’re making your own wedding cake, start testing recipes and planning.
2-4 Weeks Before the Wedding
●	Prepare Final Payments: Organize final payments for vendors and ensure all contracts are in place.
●	Create a Wedding Day Emergency Kit: Include items like a sewing kit, stain remover, and first-aid supplies.
●	Pack for the Honeymoon: Start packing for your honeymoon, if you’re leaving right after the wedding.
●	Final Headcount to Vendors: Provide your final guest count to your caterer and other relevant vendors.
●	Break in Your Shoes: Wear your wedding shoes around the house to ensure they’re comfortable.
1 Week Before the Wedding
●	Confirm Details with Vendors: Reconfirm all details with your vendors one last time.
●	DIY Touch-Ups: Make any last-minute DIY adjustments or touch-ups to your projects.
●	Assign Day-of Tasks: Delegate tasks to friends or family members to ensure everything runs smoothly.
●	Pack a Day-of Bag: Include essentials like your wedding license, rings, makeup, and snacks.
●	Relax and Enjoy: Take some time for yourself to relax and enjoy the moment before your big day.
The Day Before the Wedding
●	Attend the Rehearsal: Practice the ceremony and finalize any last-minute details.
●	Set Up the Venue: If possible, set up any DIY decorations or elements at your venue.
●	Get Plenty of Rest: Ensure you get a good night’s sleep so you’re well-rested for your wedding day.
Wedding Day
●	Eat Breakfast: Start the day with a good breakfast to keep your energy up.
●	Get Ready: Enjoy the process of getting ready with your wedding party.
●	Take a Moment: Before the festivities begin, take a quiet moment to reflect and relax.
●	Say "I Do": Enjoy your ceremony and celebrate your love with friends and family.
●	Celebrate: Dance, eat, and enjoy the day you’ve worked so hard to plan!