Your Wedding Countdown Checklist:
Planning a wedding in Northeast Ohio is kind of like planning a party and checking the weather every five minutes. Between booking vendors, wrangling guest lists, and figuring out if you need a backup plan for rain (spoiler: you do!), it’s easy to feel overwhelmed fast. That’s where a wedding countdown checklist comes in. Think of it as your planning sidekick—keeping you on track, lowering stress, and helping you actually enjoy the moments we love photographing most: the laughter, the happy chaos, and the “wow, we’re really doing this” kind of joy!
12+ Months Before
☐ Celebrate the engagement (officially!)
☐ Discuss vision, priorities, and non-negotiables
☐ Set a realistic budget (with a buffer)
☐ Draft a preliminary guest count
☐ Choose a wedding date or date range
☐ Book ceremony and reception venues
☐ Research and hire a wedding planner (if desired)
☐ Start a shared wedding folder (digital + physical)
9–11 Months Before
☐ Book key vendors: photographer, videographer, caterer, DJ/band
(some vendors book 18+ months out, especially photo/video!)
☐ Choose wedding party
☐ Shop for wedding attire inspiration
☐ Create a wedding website
☐ Decide on overall theme/style
☐ Begin honeymoon planning
☐ Schedule engagement photos
6–8 Months Before
☐ Send Save-the-Dates
☐ Finalize guest list
☐ Book florist and cake designer
☐ Choose officiant
☐ Begin dress shopping and order attire
☐ Select bridesmaids’/attendants’ outfits
☐ Plan ceremony structure
☐ Research transportation needs
4–5 Months Before
☐ Book hair and makeup artists
☐ Choose invitations and stationery
☐ Register for gifts
☐ Plan menu tasting
☐ Reserve hotel room blocks
☐ Plan welcome events or rehearsal dinner
☐ Confirm décor rentals
3 Months Before
☐ Send formal invitations
☐ Finalize ceremony readings and music
☐ Order wedding rings
☐ Plan seating layout draft
☐ Schedule fittings
☐ Confirm honeymoon bookings
☐ Create day-of timeline draft
2 Months Before
☐ Track RSVPs and follow up
☐ Finalize menu and bar selections
☐ Choose favors and signage
☐ Confirm transportation schedule
☐ Apply for marriage license (check timing rules)
☐ Write vows (start early!)
1 Month Before
☐ Final dress/suit fittings
☐ Finalize seating chart
☐ Confirm final guest count with vendors
☐ Create vendor tip envelopes
☐ Assemble welcome bags
☐ Prepare emergency kit
☐ Confirm final timeline with all vendors
2 Weeks Before
☐ Share finalized timeline with wedding party and vendors
(make sure your venue, coordinator, photographer, and DJ have the same timeline)
☐ Pack honeymoon luggage essentials
☐ Pick up attire and accessories
☐ Confirm payments and contracts
☐ Print vows and speeches
☐ Beauty prep (haircut, skincare)
Week Of
☐ Confirm weather backup plans
☐ Steam/press outfits
(don’t waste precious time waiting until the big day)
☐ Rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
☐ Pack wedding day bag
☐ Consolidate your flatlay box of items for photographer
☐ Hand off decor and items to coordinator
☐ Get plenty of rest and hydrate!
Wedding Day
☐ Eat something!
☐ Enjoy getting ready
☐ Take a deep breath
☐ Get married!!!
After the Wedding
☐ Return rentals
☐ Send thank-you notes
☐ Get dress cleaned
☐ Preserve dress and flowers
☐ Leave your vendors a review
☐ Change name (if applicable)
☐ Relive the memories ✨
