How to Plan a Wedding: Your Ultimate Checklist for 2025
So it’s the time!
Your significant other finally popped the BIG question and now you’re freaking out. “How am I supposed to know how to plan a wedding?”!!
Lucky for you, I have the ultimate checklist and tips for you to plan your dream wedding. I’m Rylee, a Michigan + destination wedding photographer who has been to countless number of weddings and I’m here to help you! No need to stress on what to do, just follow these steps and you should feel well prepared and organized for your special day😊
01. Take a Breather (or two).
You’re probably thinking, “I don’t have time to breathe, I need to get it all done NOW”, but trust me, your physical + emotional well-being is more important.
Yes your wedding day is super special (obviously), but remember that planning your wedding is part of the exciting process.
Remember these 3 things whilst planning:
You are not alone, reach out to friends and family to help carry the load along with you.
Your wedding will be beautiful no matter what, it’s all about the pure promise between you + your honey
It’s your day. Not your cousins, your best friend from college or even your parents’. Truly think about who you want by your side on your most cherished day!
02. Set a date.
Start off with your favorite season. Generally weddings take place in the months: June, July, August and September depending on your climate. Do you love the autumn colors or the super warm temps?
Think about your current life schedule. What’s your work schedule like, are there special occasions that you need to work around? These things can help narrow down when you can better handle the wedding planning and honey-mooning. Typically, a wedding day will be either on Fridays or Saturdays, so guests can easily attend them.
Fun Fact: Many venues are cheaper in the winter or offer discounts on weekdays and Sundays!
03. How Many Guests?
Begin forming a guestimate of your invitation number.
Did you grow up wanting a huge party infused wedding or are do you imagine a romantic and intimate setting with your closest loved ones? Figuring out a general number will give you an idea of venue size and pricing.
04. Budget.
I know the not fun topic, But! Setting a budget will help you decide how many people can be included in your guest list. Be realistic and really think about who you want by your side on your wedding day.
Remember: You are not a bad person for not inviting every single person, it doesn’t mean you don’t like them, it just means it’s not within the budget.
05. Pinterest Time!
One of my favorite things to see when working with my couple’s is their Pinterest inspo boards! Creating one will help visualize the colors and styles you gravitate towards.
Boho? Greens? Old-money? Minimalist? Whatever it is, Pinterest holds so many wedding inspos to shape the vision for your wedding day.
Fun Fact: You can find inspiration for: wedding dresses, rings, photography, table details, venues and so much more!
06. Forming your Wedding Party.
Who can you imagine having a blast with- besides your fiance throughout your wedding day?? If you instantly thought of someone, you should add them to your wedding party!
Your wedding party should consist of love and joy. You share the day with all your guests, but your wedding party is a whole other level of support that will help make planning and the wedding experience especially memorable. Think on who has been there for you, not “What if their feelings are hurt?” It’s the people who you want to surround yourself with while you celebrate with you and your partner.
07. Create a Wedding Website.
It seems like a waste of time, but a website will help keep you organized! Where are all my Type A’s at🙌🏼
Benefits of a website:
Share your love story
Include fun facts for your guests ( i.e. who is in your wedding party and what they mean to you)
Track RSVP’s
Share your registry for all in 1 spot
It’s super easy to create a wedding website, I recommend The Knot (For Free!). You can have your website set up within 5 minutes. It also includes vendor recommendations and more helpful wedding advice.
08. Start Honeymoon Planning.
Depending on how exotic or close by, planning your honeymoon at least 6-10 months in advance is a good rule of thumb. That includes: settling on a destination, booking accommodations, booking plane tickets etc…
You do not have to go straight to your honeymoon after your wedding, sometimes couples will wait 2-3 months after being happily married before honeymooning. It is up to you!
09. Find your Venue.
Now that you have created a stellar Pinterest board, time to venue search on google! Knowing the general location you hope to get married in AND the style you lean towards will make finding your meant-to-be venue that fits your wedding vision so much easier.
Think about:
Will all your guests fit comfortably?
Are the things that are important to you included (getting ready area, if you can bring in your own vendors, chairs/tables)
Is it in your budget.
Most importantly find a venue that aligns with your vision🤎
10. Wedding Dress Shopping + Suit/Tux.
AHH, yes the fun stuff! Shopping for your wedding dress is one of the first things + most fun things to do when planning.
This also includes finding and renting the groom and groomsmen wedding attire. You can simply go into a tux store where they will personally measure each person and you can either rent or you can buy online or at the store.
If you decide to do online, I recommend at least getting your measurements professionally done or use an online guide, so your suit/tux fit for your big day!
I recommend: Dunhill Tuxedos, the Bridal Knight, J. Crew, Or Nordstrum.
11. Book your Vendors.
This is usually when people freak out! But I got you!
Below is WHEN you should book wedding vendors:
12 MONTHS BEFORE:
Wedding Planner- Not necessary, but if you feel too overwhelmed, having a professional planner who does it FOR A LIVING may be what you need. An alternative is a Day-Of-Coordinator who may be connected to the venue you choose. You will want to see if that is included!
Venue- Decide if you are going to have separate ceremony and reception locations and see if they have your availability.
10 MONTHS BEFORE:
Photographer (me 😊)- You didn’t put all the energy and money into your wedding for it to not be captured! Ask yourself, how do you want wedding day to be documented? Do you love the genuine & effortless look or the more classically posed photos? If you’re like “I have no idea”, look up on instagram and search “wedding photographer” and see what intrigues you! Photographers book fast, so make sure you are hiring within 12-10 months prior to your wedding date.
Videographer- Being able to hear and see your wedding day on film is magical. Videographers bring in the movements and sounds like the tearful voices during your vows, the cherished words of your dad’s toast or the laughter captured during your wedding reception.
Florist- Find a pro who can make your wedding style come to life!
Caterer- If you love food as much as me, you know who you hire to dish out dinner and dessert is crucial! If your wedding venue doesn’t included a caterer, ask for their recommendations. They will have a list of caterers they trust and see if those hit the spot.
8 MONTHS BEFORE:
DJ: Music can either make or break a special moment. Some hire live bands or DJs who can read the room and know exactly what to play. Make sure you hire an experienced DJ who listens to what you want and not what just what they want to play.
Officiant: Not just anyone can marry you two, you will need a someone who is legally licensed to officiant in that state. In some, your dog can even count as your witness! Researching what each state allows is important.
7 MONTHS BEFORE:
Cake: Bakers will only take a certain number of orders per week, so you will want to make sure to book in advance. They will create not only delicious but stunning designs that align with your wedding day vision!
Bridesmaid Dresses: Although these don’t take as long as to order wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses can take a few months to come in or be altered. Some examples: Azazie, Birdy Grey, David’s Bridal, and Vowd Weddings.
6 MONTHS BEFORE:
Makeup Artist: Feeling AND looking beautiful is so important on your wedding day. Hiring a professional wedding makeup artist will lower stress and ensure you look amazing while sticking to a time schedule. Make sure you do a makeup trial a few months before your wedding.
Hair Stylist: To complete the look, a hair stylist can create a gorgeous look based on what you’re wanting! Whether that be a slicked back bun or loose flowing curls, they are trained to make sure your hair doesn’t fall out throughout your wedding day!
Rentals: If your wedding venue doesn’t include chairs, tables, plates, silverware, you can rent those from a rental company or furnish your own.
Transportation: If you are thinking of a limo or party bus, find a company that has great reviews- trust me. You want to make sure you ask about their emergency backup policy.
12. Have Engagement Photos Taken.
I may be biased, but having pictures taken before you say “I Do” is meaningful. You will get to reflect back on your wedding day AND engagement days.
Plus, sharing on social media the exciting news and having gorgeous photos for your RSVP cards is so exciting! YOU’RE ENGAGED🥹
Some photographers include a complimentary engagement session/discount within their wedding coverage prices. If not, there are photographers who will happily take your engagement photos!
13. Consider Premarital Counseling.
This is usually offered at a church near you or a counseling center. It might seem silly, but premarital counseling prepares you for navigating married life. You will talk through any expectations you maybe having for married life and learn about address conflicts in healthy ways. This gives you + your hubby-to-be the proper tools to be able to communicate your needs in a healthy way.
14. Bachelor and Bachelorette Party.
Hopefully with all the wedding planning, having a fun night out (or in) with your bestfriends is exactly what you need to unwind! The bachelor and bachelorette party is typically planned by the Best Man and Maid of Honor.
Ideas:
Weekend Trip- If your love language is quality time- same girl, me too, than going to the beach or hiking the mountains is a great get-away with your friends.
Pool Party- Take a much needed splash and tan by the pool.
Game Night- Your parties don’t have to be expensive, just spending time with your boys/girls is all you need to a fun night.
Backyard BBQ- Who doesn’t love steak and friends? Do a potluck and have each friend bring a favorite dish!
Fun Fact: The Bachelor Party originated from the Spartans (5th century B.C) to celebrate a grooms last night as a single man!
15. Obtain a Marriage License.
Every state does marriage licenses differently. Research what your state requires from you in order to be legally married. Depending on the state, marriage licenses can expire after 30 days and another can expire within 3 months. Don’t forget this so you can avoid the legal burdens!
16. “I Do”!
FINALLY🎉
After planning all the minor details and talking to your vendors, its wedding day! Great job! Now you can put “planned the best wedding” on your resume and help your friends who are stressed about wedding planning too.
