Introduction

Getting married in 2026? Congratulations! Planning your wedding can be magical… but it can also feel like juggling 100 different to-do lists at once. From booking vendors to choosing the perfect dress, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive Wedding Planning Checklist for 2026 Brides, so you can enjoy the process while staying stress-free.

Tip: Want to make this process even easier? Our Wedding Planner Spreadsheet helps you track every detail, budget, and deadline in one place.

12+ Months Before Your Wedding

• Set your budget and decide on priorities: Before anything else, sit down with your partner and figure out how much you can comfortably spend. Decide what matters most, is it the venue, the food, the photography, or the dress? Knowing your priorities will help you make decisions without second-guessing every purchase.
  

• Choose your wedding date and venue: Your venue sets the tone for your entire celebration, so choose a date and location that reflect your style and fit your budget. Remember, popular venues book up quickly, especially for peak 2026 wedding season, so secure yours as early as possible.
  

• Draft your guest list: Start with your must-have guests, close family and friends, then expand if your budget allows. Having a rough list early will guide decisions about your venue size, catering, and stationery orders.
  

• Hire a wedding planner (optional): If you want a stress-free planning process, a wedding planner can be your best investment. They’ll handle timelines, vendor negotiations, and day-of coordination, leaving you to focus on enjoying your engagement.

• Start browsing dress styles and save inspiration: Create a Pinterest board or folder on your phone and start saving dress ideas that make your heart skip a beat. Even if you’re months away from buying, you’ll thank yourself later for having a clear vision before hitting the bridal boutiques.
  
  

Pro Tip: Start a shared Pinterest board for dress, décor, and theme ideas.

9–11 Months Before

• Book key vendors: photographer, videographer, caterer, florist. The best vendors get booked fast, so lock in your favorites early. Look for professionals whose style matches your vision, and don’t be afraid to ask for portfolios or sample work. Securing these big players now will give you peace of mind.
  

• Shop for your wedding dress and schedule fittings: This is one of the most exciting parts! Give yourself plenty of time to shop so you can explore different styles without rushing. Once you find the one, book your fittings in advance, alterations can take weeks, especially during wedding season.
  

• Send save-the-date cards: These aren’t just a courtesy, they’re a heads-up that lets guests mark their calendars and start planning travel if needed. Keep them fun and reflective of your theme, so they spark excitement for the big day.
  

• Plan your engagement photoshoot: An engagement session is the perfect way to get comfortable in front of the camera before your wedding. Use the photos for your save-the-dates, wedding website, or even Pinterest-worthy announcements. Bonus: you’ll bond with your photographer ahead of time.
  
  

6–8 Months Before

• Order bridesmaid dresses: Once you’ve chosen the color and style, place your bridesmaid dress orders early to allow time for shipping and alterations. Coordinate with your bridesmaids to ensure everyone’s measurements are accurate and the dresses fit the overall wedding vibe.
  

• Finalize your menu: Work with your caterer to create a menu that reflects your taste and accommodates dietary needs. This is a great chance to include personal touches, like your favorite dishes or a family recipe, that make the meal memorable for guests.
  

• Book entertainment or band/DJ: Music sets the mood for the entire celebration. Whether you want a live band for an elegant feel or a DJ for an all-night dance party, book early so you get your top choice, and share your must-play list.
  

• Arrange transportation for guests and wedding party: Think about how your guests will get from the ceremony to the reception and how your wedding party will travel together. Shuttle buses, vintage cars, or even horse-drawn carriages can add both convenience and charm to the day.
  

• Begin honeymoon planning: Research destinations, book accommodations, and check for travel requirements like passports or visas. Planning ahead ensures you’ll have the perfect getaway to look forward to after all the wedding excitement.
  
  

Upgrade Tip: Use our Wedding Planner Spreadsheet’s Vendor Tracker tab to keep all contracts, deposits, and deadlines in one place.

4–5 Months Before

• Finalize guest list and send invitations: Confirm your final guest count and mail out your invitations so guests have plenty of time to RSVP. Make sure the design ties into your wedding theme, and include all the important details like dress code, directions, and RSVP instructions.
  

• Schedule hair and makeup trials: Book a trial run with your hair and makeup artists to test different looks and see what photographs best. Bring your veil or hair accessories to get the full effect, and take photos so you can easily recreate the style on the big day.
  

• Book rehearsal dinner venue: Choose a location that’s convenient for your wedding party and close family. It can be formal or casual, but make sure it feels like a warm kickoff to the wedding weekend. Reserve early to avoid last-minute stress.
  

• Plan ceremony details with your officiant: Meet with your officiant to finalize the order of events, readings, vows, and any special traditions you want to include. This ensures the ceremony feels personal and meaningful to you as a couple.
  
  

2–3 Months Before

• Finalize seating chart: Arrange your seating chart to create a comfortable flow and encourage great conversation. Keep relationships and personalities in mind to make sure everyone enjoys the reception.
  

• Confirm all vendor details: Touch base with each vendor to review contracts, timelines, and special requests. Confirm delivery times, setup requirements, and any last-minute changes so nothing slips through the cracks.
  

• Purchase wedding rings: Select rings that match your style and budget, and allow time for resizing or engraving. These are pieces you’ll wear every day, so choose something you’ll cherish for years to come.
  

• Get marriage license: Research the requirements in your area and apply for your marriage license within the correct time frame. Bring all necessary documents, and don’t forget to check how long it’s valid so it’s ready for your big day.
  
  

1 Month Before

• Have final dress fitting: Try on your dress with all accessories, shoes, and undergarments to ensure the perfect fit. Bring a trusted friend or family member to help you spot any last tweaks before the big day.
  

• Write vows: Set aside quiet time to write vows that reflect your love story and promises for the future. Keep them personal, heartfelt, and true to you—your guests will feel the emotion.
  

• Create day-of timeline for vendors and wedding party: Draft a detailed schedule that outlines key moments from hair and makeup to the last dance. Share it with vendors and your bridal party so everyone’s on the same page.
  

• Break in your wedding shoes: Wear your shoes around the house or to short outings to make them more comfortable. This simple step will help you dance the night away without painful blisters.

1 Week Before

• Confirm all bookings: Make a final round of calls or emails to confirm all vendor arrangements, accommodations, and transportation. This last check ensures there are no surprises on your wedding day.
  

• Pack for honeymoon: Organize your outfits, travel documents, and essentials for your post-wedding getaway. Pack early so you can focus on enjoying your big day without last-minute stress.
  

• Schedule a spa day or relaxation time: Treat yourself to a massage, facial, or simply a peaceful afternoon with a good book. A calm, refreshed mindset will help you shine with joy when you walk down the aisle.

Wedding Day

• Eat breakfast: Start your day with a nourishing meal to keep your energy up. A healthy breakfast will help you feel calm, focused, and ready for all the excitement ahead.
  

• Follow your timeline:Trust the schedule you’ve worked so hard on. Let your vendors and bridal party handle the details so you can relax and simply move from one beautiful moment to the next.

• Enjoy every moment, you’ve earned it. Take deep breaths, soak in the love, and be fully present. This is the day you’ve been dreaming of—smile, dance, and create memories that will last forever
  
  

Why This Checklist Works Best with the Wedding Planner Spreadsheet

Instead of flipping through notebooks or losing track of sticky notes, imagine having all your:

• Budget breakdown
  

• Vendor contacts
  

• Guest list & RSVPs
  

• Seating plan
  

• Timeline
  
  

…all in one organized, editable spreadsheet.