3-Month Wedding Planning Checklist: Your Final Sprint Guide

You’re three months out. That’s close enough to feel your heart rate go up when someone texts “So what’s the dress code again?” and far enough out that you can still fix problems before they become expensive, emotional disasters.

In our experience photographing and filming 500+ weddings around the DC metro area (and plenty up and down the East Coast), this stretch is where great weddings are made—or where couples accidentally create stress for themselves. Not because they’re doing anything “wrong,” but because the final sprint has more moving parts than people realize: vendor confirmations, dress fittings, RSVP follow-ups, seating chart deadlines, final payment schedules, rehearsal planning, your marriage license timeline, and yes… building an emergency kit that actually helps.

This is your week-by-week, real-world wedding planning 3 months out guide. It’s opinionated. It’s practical. And it’s built around what we see in the field—late arrivals, missing boutonnieres, family politics, and timelines that magically turn into fiction unless someone pins them down.

If you’re also building your bigger timeline, check out our master planning roadmap in Wedding Planning Timeline 2026. And if you haven’t created a realistic wedding day schedule yet, bookmark Wedding Day Timeline right now.

The “Final Sprint” Mindset: What Actually Matters at 3 Months Out

Three months out is where planning shifts from “Pinterest” to “operations.”

The three decisions that drive everything else

1. Your guest count direction (Are you likely at 85? 120? 180?)
2. Your ceremony + reception flow (timing, travel, room flip, cocktail hour length)
3. Your vendor logistics (who needs what, when, and where)

If those three aren’t locked, everything downstream becomes harder: seating chart deadlines get messy, the bar order becomes a guess, rentals get revised (with fees), and your timeline becomes a moving target.

Hot take: stop “researching” and start “confirming”

At three months out, couples sometimes keep shopping vendors like they’re still in the inspiration phase. Unless you’re replacing someone, you’re past that.

Your job now is to reduce decisions—fast.

Your weekly cadence (the system that saves you)

We’ve watched the calmest couples do the same thing:

• One weekly planning meeting (30–60 minutes)
• One shared checklist (Google Doc, Notion, or an app)
• One “vendor email day” per week (batch it, don’t drip it)

That’s it. That structure prevents the constant low-grade anxiety of “we should probably email…”

Your 12-Week Wedding Planning Checklist (High-Level Overview)

Before we go week-by-week, here’s the big picture. You’ll see some overlap—because real planning isn’t perfectly linear.

Weeks 12–10 out: Lock the foundation

• Confirm vendors + logistics
• Create (or refine) your Wedding Day Timeline
• Start RSVP follow-up system
• First big dress fitting window
• Begin marriage license research (rules vary a lot)

Weeks 9–6 out: Guest count and layout

• Collect RSVPs and chase missing ones
• Start seating chart draft
• Confirm rentals, floor plan, catering counts
• Plan rehearsal details
• Finalize ceremony details and music cues

Weeks 5–3 out: Tighten the screws

• Final vendor confirmations
• Final payments scheduled
• Final timeline distributed
• Hair/makeup trial (if not done)
• Emergency kit assembly

Weeks 2–1 out: Protect your energy

• Final headcount submitted
• Seating chart printed
• Pack items, label bins
• Delegate day-of tasks
• Sleep (seriously)

Weeks 12–10 Out: Vendor Confirmations That Prevent Wedding Week Chaos

This is one of the biggest “last minute wedding planning” traps: couples assume vendors have everything handled. Pros are great, but they’re not mind readers—and they’re working multiple events.

Final vendor confirmations (who needs what, exactly)

Start with a master vendor sheet. If you have a planner, they’ll likely run this—if not, you can.

Confirm these details in writing (email is fine):

• Arrival time and load-in instructions
• Parking and unloading access (especially in DC venues—some are brutal)
• Point of contact (not you)
• Final timeline version
• Final addresses (ceremony, photos, reception, hotel)
• Meals for vendor team (and where they eat)
• Power needs (bands, DJs, lighting, photo booth)
• Rain plan / weather plan (read Backup Planning Guide if you haven’t)
• Any venue rules (candles, confetti, sparklers, amplified sound)

The vendor list we see most often at 3 months out

• Venue / coordinator
• Catering + bar
• Photographer + videographer
• DJ or band
• Florist
• Rentals (chairs, linens, tents, heaters)
• Hair + makeup
• Officiant
• Transportation
• Cake/dessert
• Photo booth / lighting
• Stationery/signage

And yes—some weddings have fewer vendors. Some have more. The point is: whoever is involved needs the same basic info.

The “one email” method (copy/paste template)

Send one standardized email to every vendor with custom tweaks:

• Subject: “Final logistics + timeline | [Your names] | [Wedding date]”
• Attach: timeline PDF, vendor contact sheet, venue address + loading instructions
• Ask: “Please confirm receipt and reply with your arrival time + any open questions by [date].”

If someone doesn’t reply within 5 business days, follow up. Don’t feel weird about it. This is your money and your wedding.

Comparison table: Vendor confirmation styles (and what we see work best)

Weeks 12–10 Out: Dress Fittings and Alterations (Timing That Actually Works)

Dress fittings are never just about the dress. They’re about timeline, undergarments, shoes, and stress.

Dress fittings and alterations: the realistic schedule

Most brides need 2–3 fittings (sometimes 4 if there are major changes). A common cadence looks like:

• 12–10 weeks out: First fitting (major alterations pinned)
• 6–5 weeks out: Second fitting (refine fit, bustle planning)
• 2–1 weeks out: Final fitting + pickup

If your dress needs major work (hem, taking in multiple areas, custom sleeves, reshaping neckline), start earlier. If you ordered late, tell your tailor that up front so they can be honest about feasibility.

Bring these to every fitting (yes, every time)

• Shoes you’ll wear on the wedding day (exact heel height)
• Undergarments (strapless bra, shapewear, cups—whatever you’ll actually use)
• Accessories that affect fit (necklace, straps, etc.)
• Someone who can take photos and notes (not an entourage of 6)

Bustle: decide it like a grown-up

We’ve seen bustles break mid-reception. We’ve also seen brides skip the bustle and just carry their train all night (bold, chaotic, not recommended unless you love being stepped on).

Ask your tailor:

• What bustle style works with this fabric?
• How many points?
• Who will learn to do it?
• Can we practice it twice?

And then assign two bustle helpers. Not one. One is a recipe for panic if that person disappears during cocktail hour.

Don’t forget the other outfits

• Groom/partner suit fitting (especially if custom)
• Alterations for parents if they’re doing them
• Flower person outfits (kids grow fast in 3 months—ask us how we know)

Weeks 12–8 Out: Marriage License Timeline (Don’t Let This Sneak Up)

This is the most “boring” item on the list—until you’re five days out and realize you can’t legally get married on your date.

Marriage license timeline basics (DC/MD/VA examples)

Rules vary by jurisdiction, so you must check your county/city website. But here are common patterns we see in the DMV:

• Washington, DC: Marriage license is typically issued quickly, but there may be appointment requirements and specific ID rules.
• Maryland counties: Often no waiting period, but requirements and office hours vary.
• Virginia: Often issued same day, but again—county rules matter.

Common pitfalls:

• Offices closed on certain weekdays
• Holiday closures (hello, summer and winter weekends)
• Appointment-only systems
• Name discrepancies on IDs

A safe planning window that works almost everywhere

• 8–6 weeks out: Research requirements + book appointment (if needed)
• 4–3 weeks out: Apply and get the license
• Wedding week: Put it in a labeled envelope and hand it to the right person

Also confirm:

• How long the license is valid (some are 30 days, some longer)
• Who needs to be present to apply
• Witness requirements (some places require them, some don’t)

Who holds the license on the wedding day?

Not you.

Give it to:

• Your planner/coordinator, or
• Your officiant (if they’re organized), or
• A designated responsible adult (someone who won’t misplace it)

If you put it in your bridal suite “somewhere safe,” it will become a scavenger hunt.

Weeks 10–8 Out: RSVP Follow-Up Strategy That Doesn’t Make You Miserable

This is where couples lose time and sanity. People are… people. They forget. They procrastinate. They assume you “know” they’re coming.

Set your RSVP deadline like a pro

Hot take: most RSVP deadlines are too late.

Here’s what we recommend for most weddings:

• RSVP deadline: 4–5 weeks before the wedding
• Caterer final headcount due: usually 10–14 days before (sometimes 21)
• Buffer: you need 2–3 weeks to chase people, build seating, and finalize rentals

If your caterer needs headcount 14 days out and your RSVP deadline is also 14 days out, congratulations—you’ve built yourself a stressful little trap.

RSVP follow-up strategy (the system we see work)

Break it into waves:

Wave 1: Friendly reminder (7–10 days before RSVP deadline)

• Post on wedding website
• Text the chronic procrastinators (you know who they are)

Wave 2: Immediate follow-up (2–3 days after deadline)

• Text or call anyone missing
• Give a firm “reply by” date (48–72 hours)

Wave 3: Final line (5–7 days after deadline)

• If no response, mark as “not attending”
• Communicate clearly: “We have to give our caterer final numbers.”

People respond to deadlines with consequences.

Scripts you can copy/paste

Text script (friendly):

“Hey! Quick nudge—our RSVP deadline is [date]. Can you confirm if you’re coming and your meal choice? Thanks!”

Text script (firm):

“Hey—our caterer deadline is here. If we don’t hear back by tomorrow at 6pm, we’ll have to mark you as not attending.”

Parent-to-parent script (for family guests):

“Hi! We’re finalizing the guest list for [Names]—can you confirm if you’re attending by [date]?”

Comparison table: RSVP collection methods

Weeks 9–6 Out: Seating Chart Deadlines (And How to Avoid a Meltdown)

Seating charts are where logistics and emotions collide. Fun.

Seating chart deadlines you should actually use

Here’s a deadline plan that keeps you sane:

• 6 weeks out: First draft (even with unknown RSVPs)
• 4 weeks out: Second draft (most RSVPs in)
• 2.5–2 weeks out: Final draft (after stragglers chased)
• 7–10 days out: Print/place cards finalized

If you wait until the last week, you’ll be doing this at midnight while also trying to pack, pay vendors, and answer texts about shuttle times.

Start with “zones,” not tables

We’ve watched couples open a seating chart tool and immediately try to place every person at a specific table.

Don’t.

Do this instead:

1. Make groups (college friends, work friends, family clusters, etc.)
2. Identify the “do not sit near” situations
3. Decide where VIPs go (front tables, near dance floor, etc.)
4. Then assign tables

This reduces the number of moves you’ll have to undo later.

The family politics reality (yes, we’re going there)

Some guests can’t sit together. Some shouldn’t sit near the bar. Some will complain no matter what.

Your goal isn’t perfection. It’s minimizing drama.

Ask yourselves:

• Who needs an aisle seat or easy bathroom access?
• Who will leave early (good tables near exits)?
• Who will dance all night (closer to the floor)?
• Who will be offended if they’re “too far”?

And then prioritize accordingly.

Table size and layout affects everything

If you’re doing rounds:

• 60” rounds usually seat 8–10
• 72” rounds usually seat 10–12 (tight at 12)

Rectangles are great for space but can be louder and trickier for conversation.

Ask your venue/rental company for a scaled floor plan early. If you’re adding a dance floor, stage, or lounge, the seating count can change fast.

Weeks 9–6 Out: Final Payment Schedules (So You’re Not Wiring Money From a Bridal Suite)

Money stress is real. And vendor payment timing sneaks up on people.

Final payment schedules: typical timelines we see

Every contract is different, but here are common patterns:

• Venue: final payment due 30–14 days out
• Catering: final estimate 30 days out, final count 10–14 days out, final payment due around then
• Photo/video: final payment due 30–14 days out (some require before wedding day)
• DJ/band: final due 30–7 days out
• Florist: final due 30–14 days out
• Rentals: final due 30–7 days out (and changes may lock earlier)
• Hair/makeup: final due day-of or week-of (depends)
• Officiant: often due before rehearsal or day-of

Build a payment tracker (simple, not fancy)

We recommend a spreadsheet with:

• Vendor name
• Total cost
• Paid to date
• Balance due
• Due date
• Payment method
• Mailing address / online portal link

And set calendar reminders for:

• 21 days before due date (check funds)
• 7 days before due date (pay it)

You don’t want a declined card call during your final fitting.

Comparison table: Paying vendors early vs closer to wedding day

Weeks 8–6 Out: Rehearsal Planning That Doesn’t Waste Everyone’s Time

Rehearsals can be fast and helpful—or a 90-minute wandering conversation where nobody learns anything.

Rehearsal planning: what needs to be decided

• Who’s attending (wedding party, parents, readers, ushers, grandparents if involved)
• Where and when (usually 1–2 days before, often the day before)
• Who’s running it (officiant, coordinator, or planner)
• Processional order + pacing
• Where people stand (exactly)
• Microphone plan (who uses it, how to hold it)
• Cue words for readings and vows
• Recessional order

The 30-minute rehearsal structure we love

• 5 min: explain the flow
• 10 min: walk processional and standing positions
• 10 min: practice recessional
• 5 min: reminders (timing, where to be, what to bring)

That’s it. People don’t need a Broadway run-through.

Rehearsal dinner timing

If you’re doing a rehearsal dinner after:

• Leave at least 30 minutes buffer between rehearsal end and dinner start
• People will chat, hug, and wander (every time)

If you’re feeding a big group, expect:

• 2 hours for dinner + speeches
• Another 30–60 minutes if it turns into a welcome party

And that’s fine—just don’t schedule a 7am hair appointment the next day if you know your families will keep the party going.

Weeks 6–4 Out: Lock Your Wedding Day Timeline (For Real)

This is where we put our photographer/videographer hat on. A good timeline makes better photos, better energy, and fewer “we’re running late” spirals.

If you haven’t already, start with Wedding Day Timeline.

The biggest timeline mistake we see

Couples build a timeline based on how long they wish things take.

Real life takes longer:

• Family formals take 25–45 minutes for most weddings (sometimes longer)
• Bustling takes 5–10 minutes if you’re lucky
• Travel in cities takes longer than Google says (traffic + loading time)
• Guests take 5–8 minutes to find seats after being “invited to sit”

Build your timeline around three anchors

1. Ceremony start time
2. Sunset time (golden hour)
3. Catering service timing (especially if plated)

Then fill in:

• Getting ready photo coverage start
• First look (if doing one)
• Wedding party photos
• Family formals
• Cocktail hour
• Reception entrances + toasts + dances
• Cake cutting/dessert
• Open dancing

Seasonal reality (DC and East Coast)

• Summer: heat + thunderstorms (build buffer, hydrate, have a rain plan)
• Fall: earlier sunset, shorter golden hour window
• Winter: very early sunset (portraits may be in the dark if you start late)
• Spring: unpredictable rain and wind (hair and veil issues are real)

And yes—this is why Backup Planning Guide exists. Weather doesn’t care about your timeline.

Weeks 6–4 Out: Finalize Ceremony Details (So It Doesn’t Feel Like Guessing)

You don’t need a complicated ceremony. You do need a clear one.

Decisions to lock

• Processional order (and song cues)
• Who’s walking with whom
• Who holds rings
• Vows (personal or traditional)
• Readings (and printed copies)
• Unity ceremony (if any)
• Microphones (handheld vs lapel vs stand)
• Recessional music cue

Print what needs printing

We’ve seen people try to read vows off a phone. It’s… not our favorite.

Print:

• Vows (two copies)
• Readings (two copies)
• Officiant script (if needed)
• Pronunciation notes for names

Put them in a labeled folder and give it to the officiant or coordinator.

Weeks 5–3 Out: Final Vendor Confirmations (Round Two, With Specifics)

Yes, you already confirmed vendors earlier. Now you confirm with the final details.

What changes between first confirmation and final confirmation?

• Final timeline times (photo blocks, entrances, toasts)
• Final headcount range (and meal breakdown)
• Final floor plan and rentals
• Final delivery addresses and access instructions
• Weather plan triggers (what happens if it rains at 2pm?)

The vendor-by-vendor checklist (quick but real)

Catering/bar

• Final guest count due date
• Kids meals, vendor meals, allergy meals
• Bar package and last call time
• Water stations (please have them)

DJ/band

• Ceremony sound setup and mic check time
• Do-not-play list
• Grand entrance names/pronunciations
• Toast order + who has mic

Florist

• Delivery window
• Who pins boutonnieres (and when)
• Extra loose stems for photo styling (if offered)

Photo/video (us included)

• Final timeline
• Family photo list
• Shot priorities (grandparents? cultural traditions? exit?)
• Getting ready locations and addresses

Transportation

• Pickup times + buffer
• Who’s the point of contact
• What happens if someone is late

Weeks 4–2 Out: Emergency Kit Assembly (The Stuff You’ll Actually Use)

An emergency kit isn’t about being “extra.” It’s about avoiding a 20-minute crisis over something that costs $6.

Emergency kit assembly: our real-world list (not the Pinterest fantasy)

Here’s what we’ve seen used at actual weddings:

Fashion + wardrobe

• Safety pins (big and small)
• Fashion tape
• Hem tape
• Mini sewing kit (needle + thread in white/ivory/black)
• Lint roller (travel size)
• Stain remover pen (Tide pen)
• Clear nail polish (for snags)
• Scissors (small)
• Strapless bra backup pads/cups (if applicable)

Body + comfort

• Blister pads (moleskin or Band-Aid Hydro Seal)
• Pain reliever (ibuprofen/acetaminophen)
• Antacids (Tums)
• Bobby pins (more than you think)
• Hair ties
• Deodorant wipes
• Tissues
• Contact solution (if you wear contacts)
• Snacks (protein bars, crackers)
• Electrolyte packets

Beauty

• Lip color for touch-ups
• Setting powder or blotting papers
• Makeup remover wipe (for mascara tears)
• Mini hairspray
• Hand cream (rings go on easier)

Wedding logistics

• Phone charger + backup battery
• Sharpie
• Double-sided tape
• Printed vendor contact sheet
• Mini flashlight (for dark exits, sparkler lines)
• Cash in small bills ($40–$100 total) for tips or emergencies

Who holds the emergency kit?

Not the couple. Put it with:

• Planner/coordinator
• A “calm friend” (someone organized)
• A bridal suite attendant (if venue provides)

What NOT to Do in the Final 3 Months (Red Flags We See Every Season)

This section might sting a little. It’s still love.

Red flag #1: You keep changing the plan weekly

Constant changes create:

• vendor confusion
• timeline errors
• rushed reprints
• missed details

Pick your direction and commit.

Red flag #2: Your RSVP deadline is too close to the wedding

If your RSVP deadline is 2 weeks before the wedding, you’re basically planning to be stressed. Give yourself buffer.

Red flag #3: You haven’t assigned day-of responsibility

If you’re the “project manager” on your wedding day, you won’t enjoy it.

Assign:

• vendor contact person
• gift/card person
• decor cleanup person
• timeline wrangler for family photos

Red flag #4: You’re ignoring the weather plan

Outdoor ceremony? Great. But if you don’t have a real rain plan (not “we’ll figure it out”), you’re gambling.

Go read Backup Planning Guide and make actual decisions.

Red flag #5: You’re planning a packed morning with no buffer

Hair and makeup runs late. Traffic happens. Someone forgets their shoes. Build cushion or accept chaos.

One bold truth: Your wedding will run better if you schedule less.

Week-by-Week: The Full 3 Month Wedding Checklist

This is the part you came for. Use it, copy it, print it, share it with your partner and whoever’s helping.

Week 12 (about 3 months out): Get organized and get honest

• Create master vendor sheet (names, numbers, emails, arrival times TBD)
• Confirm venue rules and load-in instructions
• Draft wedding day timeline v1 (use Wedding Day Timeline)
• Review contracts for payment due dates
• Start marriage license research (jurisdiction-specific)
• Schedule dress fitting #1 (if not already)

Action item: set a weekly planning meeting.

Week 11: Logistics week (boring, powerful)

• Confirm hotel blocks and booking links
• Confirm transportation plan (if using shuttles)
• Create RSVP tracker (online or spreadsheet)
• Draft family photo list (start now, not later)
• Confirm rehearsal date/time with venue/officiant

Action item: choose your day-of vendor contact person.

Week 10: Vendor touchpoint #1

• Send vendor logistics email (timeline v1 + addresses + contact sheet)
• Confirm rentals list (chairs, linens, tent, heaters, lounge)
• Confirm bar plan direction (beer/wine only vs full bar)
• Dress fitting #1 (bring shoes and undergarments)
• Start planning emergency kits (who’s responsible?)

Action item: identify any vendor gaps (lighting, ceremony audio, rain plan items).

Week 9: RSVP momentum

• Send friendly RSVP reminder to guests
• Confirm ceremony structure with officiant
• Decide on readings, unity ceremony, and vow style
• Confirm music cues for ceremony
• Begin seating chart “zones” (groups, not tables)

Action item: check sunset time for your date and location.

Week 8: Marriage license and timeline reality check

• Book marriage license appointment (if required)
• Timeline v2: add buffer, travel time, and photo blocks
• Confirm hair/makeup schedule and number of services
• Confirm attire for wedding party (who still hasn’t ordered?… someone hasn’t)
• Plan rehearsal flow and who attends

Action item: decide where family formals happen (ceremony site vs reception site).

Week 7: Seating chart draft and rental check

• Seating chart draft v1 (with placeholders for missing RSVPs)
• Confirm floor plan with venue/rental company
• Confirm catering headcount deadlines
• Confirm vendor meals count (yes, vendors need to eat)
• Check in on dress alteration progress

Action item: start a “wedding week packing list” doc.

Week 6: RSVP deadline (ideal) + follow-ups begin

• RSVP deadline hits (if you set it well)
• Start Wave 2 follow-ups (texts/calls)
• Timeline v3: lock ceremony start, photo blocks, and reception structure
• Confirm DJ/band details: entrances, toasts, special dances
• Confirm florist delivery and personal flowers list

Action item: identify any “must-have” photo moments and tell your photo/video team.

Week 5: Finalize big decisions

• Resolve missing RSVPs (Wave 3: firm deadline)
• Seating chart draft v2
• Confirm final payment dates and schedule payments
• Buy items for emergency kit(s)
• Confirm rehearsal dinner timing and headcount

Action item: delegate who brings what on wedding day (license, rings, vow books, etc.).

Week 4: Marriage license week (for most couples)

• Apply for marriage license (aim 4–3 weeks out)
• Dress fitting #2 (bustle planning + practice)
• Confirm final rentals (many companies lock changes around now)
• Confirm ceremony details with officiant (script, cues, mic plan)
• Final vendor confirmation email (timeline v3, floor plan if available)

Action item: choose who will pack up personal items at end of night.

Week 3: Print and prep

• Seating chart nearly final
• Order/print escort cards or place cards
• Confirm signage designs and print deadlines
• Confirm final payments are scheduled
• Timeline v4: share with VIPs and wedding party

Action item: pack a “getting ready” bin (steamers, snacks, vow books, details).

Week 2: Final headcount and final confirmations

• Submit final headcount to caterer/venue (based on their deadline)
• Confirm meal counts and allergy list
• Finalize seating chart
• Confirm transportation pickup times (with buffer)
• Confirm rain plan execution steps (who moves what, where)

Action item: do a full “wedding day items” inventory and label everything.

Week 1: Protect your peace

• Final dress pickup (or final fitting)
• Confirm final payments completed
• Confirm rehearsal time and who’s attending
• Pack emergency kits + reception kit (charger, touch-up makeup, snacks)
• Get nails done (if you want)
• Sleep, hydrate, eat real food

Action item: stop making new decisions 72 hours before the wedding unless something is on fire.

Two Things That Make the Last 3 Months Easier: Delegation and Buffers

This isn’t just a checklist problem. It’s a human bandwidth problem.

Delegation map (simple but effective)

Pick one person for each:

• Vendor questions day-of
• Wedding party wrangling
• Gift/card security
• End-of-night personal item sweep
• Breakfast/lunch delivery to getting ready location

Buffers we recommend building in

• 10 minutes between hair/makeup finish and getting dressed
• 15 minutes travel buffer inside the city
• 5 minutes “find your seats” buffer before ceremony
• 10 minutes bustle buffer before entrances/dances

Your future self will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

People also ask: “Is 3 months enough time to plan a wedding?”

Yes—if you keep it simple and make decisions quickly. We’ve seen couples plan gorgeous weddings in 12 weeks, but the key is locking vendors fast and avoiding constant changes. If you’re doing a high-guest-count Saturday wedding with lots of custom details, you’ll need more help (or a very focused plan).

People also ask: “What should be done 3 months before a wedding?”

At 3 months out, focus on vendor confirmations, dress fittings/alterations, RSVP tracking, marriage license planning, and building a realistic Wedding Day Timeline. This is also when you should start the seating chart process and map out final payment schedules so nothing lands on wedding week.

People also ask: “When do you finalize the seating chart?”

We like a first draft around 6 weeks out, a near-final version around 2–3 weeks out, and printing 7–10 days out. If your RSVP deadline is too late, seating chart work becomes miserable—so set the deadline earlier and chase stragglers fast.

People also ask: “When should you get your marriage license?”

Most couples should aim to apply about 4–3 weeks before the wedding, after confirming local rules and validity periods. Some jurisdictions have appointments or limited hours, so don’t wait until the last two weeks. Put the license in a labeled envelope and give it to your officiant or coordinator.

People also ask: “How do you follow up on RSVPs without being rude?”

Use a friendly reminder before the deadline, then a firm message after the deadline with a clear consequence: you have to submit numbers to the caterer. Texting works best for most guests, and calling works well for older relatives. If someone still won’t respond, mark them as not attending and move on.

People also ask: “What goes in a wedding emergency kit?”

The most-used items we see are safety pins, fashion tape, blister pads, pain reliever, tissues, stain remover pen, bobby pins, a phone charger, and snacks. Pack two kits—one for getting ready and one for the reception—so you’re covered if locations change.

Final Thoughts: Your Final Sprint Can Feel Calm (Seriously)

A 3 month wedding checklist isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing the right things in the right order—confirm vendors, lock the timeline, chase RSVPs early, set seating chart deadlines that give you breathing room, and schedule payments so you’re not dealing with money on wedding week.

And if you’re feeling behind? You’re not alone. We’ve worked with plenty of couples who hit the 90-day mark and suddenly realized how real it all is. The good news: this is the part where focused effort pays off fast.

If you want extra structure, pair this with Wedding Planning Timeline 2026 and build your day around our Wedding Day Timeline framework. And if you’re doing anything outdoors (or even partially outdoors), don’t skip Backup Planning Guide—weather is the one guest you can’t uninvite.

If you’re looking for a photo and video team that’s calm under pressure, great with real timelines, and knows how to keep the day moving without making it feel like a production, we’d love to chat. Precious Pics Pro has been documenting weddings for 15+ years across the Washington DC metro area and beyond—reach out through preciouspicspro.com and we’ll help you go from “final sprint panic” to “we’ve got this.”