Checklist for Your Massachusetts Wedding
As an experienced wedding videographer based in Massachusetts, I've had a front row seat to countless weddings over the years - the good, the bad, and the wonderfully chaotic. One thing that always sticks out is how couples who use a comprehensive checklist to plan their big day end up being the most relaxed, happy, and able to be present during their wedding festivities. That's why in this blog post, I'm going to walk through the importance of having a checklist as you plan your nuptials, break down how to create one, and provide a template you can use to get started. Trust me, using a checklist will be a game changer! Also take a look at my full wedding guide!
The Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist
Here's a starter checklist any couple can use as a framework for mapping out all their wedding tasks. Customize it as needed to fit your specific timeline, priorities, and requirements:
12+ Months Out
Determine your budget - check out my guide for going luxury on a budget
Research & tour potential ceremony & reception venues - if a beach wedding is calling to you, check out my guide
9-12 Months Out
Finalize guest list
Research & interview photographers, videographers, caterers, florists, etc.
Start drafting day-of timeline
6-9 Months Out
Book photographer, videographer, caterers & other vendors
Reserve rental items (tables, chairs, tents, etc.)
Finalize wedding party & ask them to participate
Schedule dress fittings for all bridesmaids
Book accommodations for out of town guests
Research + book DJ/band/entertainment
3-6 Months Out
Mail out save the dates
Book rehearsal dinner venue
Finalize wedding day schedule & send to vendors
Purchase wedding bands
Book honeymoon accommodations
Mail out wedding invitations
2 Months Out
Submit music requests to entertainment vendor
Finalize seating chart/escort card plan
Schedule final dress fittings
Assign day-of coordination roles to wedding party
Purchase favors & other wedding day items/supplies
1 Month Out
Provide final guest count to all vendors
Confirm all vendor payment schedules
Pick up wedding dress & suit/tuxedos
Finalize vows & readings
Assemble welcome baskets for out of town guests
Assign transportation for wedding party
2 Weeks Out
Give final timeline to all vendors
Provide venue with vendor meal counts
Confirm honeymoon reservations
Delegate wedding day duties
Week Of
Attend final dress fittings
Pick up any rental supplies
Set aside cash for vendor tip envelopes
Pack for honeymoon
BREATHE & get excited!
Day After
Return any rental items
Write thank you notes
Celebrate!
Wedding days go by in a flash, but the weeks and months of meticulous planning make it all possible. Having a detailed checklist keeps you organized, on track, and able to actually enjoy your engagement period. Now get out there and start checking those boxes off!
The Benefits of Using a Wedding Checklist
Why bother creating a checklist in the first place? Well, there are quite a few compelling reasons:
Avoid Forgetting Important Details
Whether you're booking vendors, ordering supplies, or sending out invitations, there are a million little details to keep track of when planning a wedding. A checklist ensures you don't overlook anything important in the chaos.
Stay On Schedule
Having set deadlines for each task allows you to monitor your progress and adjust as needed to make sure everything gets done in a timely manner. No more last minute scrambling!
Reduce Stress
The wedding planning process can quickly become overwhelming without some sort of structured system in place. A checklist breaks everything down into bite-sized, manageable tasks.
Set Priorities
Some checklist items are going to be more important or time-sensitive than others. The process of creating the checklist forces you to identify your top priorities.
Divide Up Responsibilities
If you make a checklist of every single task that needs to get done, you and your partner can go through and assign out items to share the workload.
Creating Your Ultimate Wedding Checklist
Okay, so now that the benefits are clear, how exactly do you go about making a checklist that covers everything? Here are some tips:
Start With Templates
Don't try to reinvent the wheel here! There are tons of free wedding checklist templates available online that you can use as a starting point. Take a look at a few different options and find one that looks comprehensive but that you can customize to fit your specific needs and priorities.
Work Backwards From Your Wedding Date
The most efficient way to fill out your checklist is to start by entering your wedding date at the very end. Then work backwards, mapping out which venues, vendors, supplies, etc. you'll need and by what dates you'll need to have them booked/ordered/finalized.
Add Personal Tasks
While checklists tend to focus on more obvious items like hiring vendors and booking venues, don't forget to include personal tasks too. Things like finalizing your guest list, updating your names/addresses, applying for a marriage license, etc.
Make It Collaborative
While one of you can own the master checklist, be sure to go through it together and divvy up who is responsible for what tasks. Having a shared checklist online through a tool like Google Docs or Trello can be helpful as well.
Break It Down Into Sections or Stages
Rather than just one massive list, consider breaking it down into categories by vendor type, specific event (e.g. ceremony vs. reception), pre-wedding tasks, day-of tasks, etc. This makes it easier to prioritize and work through.
Schedule Check-Ins
Once you have everything mapped out, schedule regular check-in dates (e.g. every two weeks) to review your checklist together, check off completed items, and reprioritize/adjust as needed. Seeing that consistent progress is incredibly motivating!
