Free Wedding Checklist

Agree on a total budget with your partner and (if contributing) both families. Allocate by category: venue, catering, photography, attire, flowers.

Choose a date (with a backup option) factoring in peak season, long weekends, and key family availability.

Build the A-list and B-list with your partner and families. Aim for a realistic headcount before touring venues.

Tour and secure your ceremony site — church, courthouse, registry office, or outdoor location — and confirm any officiant requirements.

Sign the contract and pay the deposit for your reception venue. Confirm catering, bar, and corkage policies.

Start a Pinterest board or mood board. Pin colour palettes, florals, dress silhouettes, and reception styling you love.

Get quotes for cancellation, liability, and weather cover. Especially important for outdoor or destination weddings.

Review portfolios, meet a shortlist, and lock in your photographer. Discuss first look, getting-ready, and reception coverage.

Book a videographer for your wedding film. Decide between a highlight reel, full-length film, or super-8 style.

Select your caterer and start discussing menu, dietary needs, kids' meals, and bar service (open bar vs. cash bar).

Lock in your reception entertainment. Ask about ceremony music, cocktail hour, MC duties, and overtime rates.

Pop the question to your maid of honor, bridesmaids, best man, groomsmen, flower girl, and ring bearer.

Secure your officiant — minister, priest, rabbi, celebrant, or registrar. Ask about pre-marital counseling if required.

Book an engagement session with your photographer. Use the photos on your save-the-dates and wedding website.

Start trying on gowns and suits. Order 6-9 months out to allow for production and 2-3 fittings for alterations.

Book a florist and discuss the bridal bouquet, bridesmaids' bouquets, boutonnieres, ceremony arch, and centerpieces.

Schedule cake tastings and order your tiered wedding cake. Decide on a groom's cake if you're going traditional.

Arrange the getaway car, limo, vintage car, or party bus for the couple, wedding party, and out-of-town guests.

Set up your wedding website with your story, schedule, travel info, registry, and online RSVP.

Research destinations, check passport expirations, and start pricing flights and hotels.

Send save-the-dates 6-8 months before the wedding (8-12 months for destination weddings). Include the wedding website URL.

Negotiate a courtesy room block at 1-2 hotels near the venue for out-of-town guests. Share the booking code on your website.

Traditionally hosted by the groom's parents the night before. Book the venue and finalize the guest list (wedding party + immediate family + out-of-town guests).

Set up your registry on Anatole (cash fund) and add traditional registries (Amazon, Crate & Barrel, Williams Sonoma, Target) if you'd like.

Try on, size, and order your wedding bands. Allow 6-8 weeks for engraving or custom designs.