Step 1
Set your wedding format
Tell the app about your celebration — civil ceremony, restaurant reception, countryside wedding, or intimate event.
Wedding planning checklist
Your Step-by-Step Wedding Planning Checklist
118 tasks across eight stages, from your first decisions to post-wedding follow-up. The first 28 tasks are published right on this page, each with a short description.
- Tasks organized by planning stage
- Step-by-step instructions for each task
- 60 thematic checklists included
Wedding checklist
Anna & Michael · 118 tasks
In progress
Initial Stage68%
6–12 Months Before the Wedding24%
+ 6 more stages in the app
118
tasks in the ready-made plan, from setting the date to post-wedding follow-up
8
planning stages, from first decisions to the wedding day and after
60
thematic checklists for individual decisions
Why it helps
What Is a Wedding Planning Checklist?
A wedding planning checklist is a structured guide with 118 tasks across eight stages: initial stage, 6–12 months out, 3–6 months out, 1–2 months out, final week, day before the wedding, wedding day, and after — so nothing gets forgotten.
Instead of a generic to-do list, Wedding Planner — No Stress adapts tasks to your wedding format and size, tracks progress by stage, and includes detailed instructions for first-time planners.
How it works
How to Use the Wedding Planning Checklist
Step 2
Work through each stage
Follow tasks across eight stages — from initial decisions through the day before the wedding, wedding day, and after.
Step 3
Track your progress
Mark tasks complete, add your own, and watch your preparation move forward without stress.
Task list
Step-by-step wedding planning
Below are the first two stages in full: 28 tasks with a short note on each. How to actually get one done is spelled out in the app.
Stage 1
Where to start wedding planning
Initial Stage · 13 tasks
- 1
Define your wedding vision and priorities
Take time to discuss what kind of wedding you truly want. Identify what matters most to both of you.
- 2
Discuss your ideal wedding size and guest list
Start outlining who you want to invite. This will help guide your venue and budget decisions.
- 3
Set an initial budget and talk about financial contributions
Determine how much you're comfortable spending. Discuss who will contribute and how expenses will be split.
- 4
Choose a few potential wedding dates
Pick a few preferred dates before reaching out to venues. Be flexible in case your first choice isn’t available.
- 5
Decide on the overall format (civil, religious, symbolic, destination)
Choose the type of ceremony that suits your relationship and legal needs. Think about both meaning and logistics.
- 6
Research venues and ceremony options
Explore potential ceremony and reception venues. Look into availability, pricing, and capacity.
- 7
Explore wedding styles and inspiration
Gather ideas to define your wedding’s look and feel. Focus on what reflects your personalities as a couple.
- 8
Consider hiring a wedding planner or coordinator
Decide if you want professional help with planning or managing the wedding day. It can greatly reduce stress.
- 9
Create a shared task list and timeline
Stay organized with a shared wedding checklist and timeline. It helps keep everyone on the same page.
- 10
Discuss cultural, religious, or family traditions to include
Talk about customs or rituals that are meaningful to you or your families. Decide what to incorporate.
- 11
Think about whether you want pre- or post-wedding events
Consider having a welcome dinner, brunch, rehearsal, or afterparty. It adds depth to the celebration.
- 12
Talk about legal requirements (if applicable)
Check what paperwork is needed to make your marriage legally valid. Requirements vary by location.
- 13
Start gathering inspiration (Pinterest, blogs, moodboards)
Collect visual ideas that reflect your style. It will help guide decisions and communicate with vendors.
Stage 2
6–12 Months Before the Wedding
15 tasks
- 1
Book your ceremony and reception venues
Secure your wedding venue(s) early to lock in your desired date. Check what's included in the rental.
- 2
Finalize the guest list
Create a confirmed list of guests you want to invite. This will help with logistics and budgeting.
- 3
Send 'Save the Dates'
Let guests know your wedding date in advance, especially if they’ll be traveling. Keep it simple and informative.
- 4
Book key vendors: photographer, videographer, planner, caterer, DJ/band
Secure your top-priority vendors early. High-demand professionals book up fast.
- 5
Choose your wedding party (bridesmaids, groomsmen, etc.)
Select the people who will stand with you on your big day. Let them know early.
- 6
Begin shopping for wedding attire
Start exploring dresses, suits, or outfits that match your style and venue. Allow time for alterations.
- 7
Research accommodation options for out-of-town guests
Help guests by recommending places to stay near your venue. Reserve blocks if needed.
- 8
Plan your honeymoon (or mini-moon)
Start researching where you’d like to travel after the wedding. Book early for better options.
- 9
Set up a wedding website with essential info
Create a simple site to keep guests informed. Include dates, locations, accommodation, and FAQs.
- 10
Research and book hair/makeup artists
Find professionals who match your style and are available on your wedding day. Schedule a trial if possible.
- 11
Book officiant or confirm your ceremony leader
Choose someone to perform your ceremony. Make sure they’re legally authorized if required.
- 12
Decide on catering format (sit-down dinner, buffet, etc.)
Choose the type of food service that suits your guest count and atmosphere. Consider budget and flow.
- 13
Consider ceremony structure and write early drafts of vows or speeches
Plan the flow of the ceremony and begin writing your vows or speeches. Make it personal and heartfelt.
- 14
Start thinking about décor, floral design, and rentals
Begin visualizing how your venue will look. Create moodboards and collect vendor quotes.
- 15
Begin researching or creating your gift registry
Select gifts you'd like to receive and make it easy for guests to access. Add variety and price points.
Six more stages — in the app
From 3–6 months out through post-wedding follow-up — 90 more tasks with step-by-step guidance for each. The site publishes the first two stages only; the remaining six open in the app — free for 7 days, then on subscription.
Open the full plan in the appWhat you get
What changes once the plan is written
Three reasons to run wedding prep from a list instead of notes on your phone.
Nothing to keep in your head
118 tasks are already sorted into eight stages. Open the plan and you see what to do now and what can safely wait.
No guessing how to do a task
Every item has a short description and step-by-step guidance. For specific decisions there are 60 thematic checklists — examples are listed below on this page.
Always know where you stand
Stage progress sits on the home screen. The list adapts to your wedding format and size: drop what does not apply, add what does.
Thematic checklists
60 lists for specific decisions
When a plan task like "book the venue" or "choose a photographer" comes up, you can open a focused list with the questions and steps. A few from the app — real titles; the items open there.
Venue & logistics
How to choose the perfect wedding venue
Venue & logistics
Key questions to ask your venue manager
Venue & logistics
Weather contingency plan
Vendor management
Photographer and videographer selection
Vendor management
Questions to ask your wedding MC
Wedding day
Wedding day timeline
Early planning
Wedding budget and vendor selection
Pre-wedding events
Bridal shower ideas and planning
52 more — in the app
Tools for the first-stage tasks
Wedding budget
Break costs down by category and see how much is already spent
Guest list
Gather everyone into one list and track who has confirmed
Wedding venues
What to look at when choosing a venue and what to ask before booking
Wedding style
Answer a few questions and come away with a direction for the décor
Wedding Planning Checklist FAQ
Can I adapt the checklist to my wedding?
Yes. Mark tasks complete, remove what you do not need, and add your own items — the plan adapts to your format.
Are there tips for each task?
Yes. Each task includes a short description and recommendations — especially helpful if this is your first wedding.
What are thematic checklists?
Sixty extra lists for specific decisions — choosing a venue, picking a photographer, a bridal shower, or a rain plan. A few examples appear above on this page; the items open in the app.
How can I see my planning progress?
The home screen shows progress for your current stage — for example, six months before the wedding: how many tasks are done and how many are left.
Does it work for a small or intimate wedding?
Yes. The plan adjusts to your format and scale — only relevant tasks stay on your list.
Can my partner work on the checklist with me?
Yes. With shared access, you both see and edit the same checklist.
Where should I start wedding planning?
The first stage is published right on this page — 13 tasks: set the date, set a budget, choose the format and style, and draft your guest list.
Are there tasks after the wedding?
Yes. The plan includes a post-wedding stage — thank-you notes, paperwork, and other final to-dos.
Your wedding plan is ready
Open the checklist in Wedding Planner — No Stress. All 118 tasks are already sorted by stage; you just work down the list at your own pace.