The Complete Wedding Planning Checklist: 18 Months to “I Do” (2026)

Wedding planning checklist talk is everywhere, but most lists skip the stuff that actually causes stress: family politics, vendor lead times, payment schedules, and the reality that 2026 pricing is still climbing in most East Coast markets. We’ve photographed and filmed hundreds of weddings in the DC metro area (and all over the East Coast), and we can tell you exactly where couples get stuck: they book the pretty things before the foundational things. Then they’re scrambling for a venue that can handle their guest count, or they’re shocked when a Saturday in October costs 20–35% more than a Friday in March.

This complete wedding planning timeline is built like we build real wedding days—backwards from what has to happen first. You’ll get an 18-month timeline breakdown, plus milestone checklists for 12 months, 6 months, 3 months, 1 month, the week-of, and the day-of morning checklist. We’re also giving you budget allocation by phase, vendor booking deadlines, and a “what NOT to do” section (because somebody has to say it).

If you want a lighter version, start with our Wedding Planning Timeline 2026. If you want the numbers, head straight to Wedding Budget Guide 2026. And if you’re already panicking about how the day flows, save Wedding Day Timeline now—you’ll thank yourself later.

Before you touch the checklist: 3 decisions that control everything

Most wedding checklists start with “Pick your colors!” and we… strongly disagree.

Make these three calls early, and your wedding planning checklist becomes 10x easier.

1) Your real budget (not the “hope” budget)

We’re going to be blunt: if you don’t set a budget ceiling, your wedding will set one for you—at the worst possible time.

For 2026 in the DC metro area, we commonly see:

• $45,000–$75,000 for a polished 120–150 guest wedding with a full vendor team
• $75,000–$140,000+ for premium venues, peak Saturdays, large guest counts, and higher-end photo/video + florals

That doesn’t mean you have to spend that. It means that’s what the market tends to look like for “standard expectations” (open bar, real dinner, pro photo, DJ/band, florals, planner support).

Action item: build a working budget in a spreadsheet today. Then read Wedding Budget Guide 2026 to stress-test it against real line items.

2) Your guest count range (not the final list)

You don’t need every name yet. You do need a range.

Pick a “likely” number and a “max pain” number:

• Likely: 120
• Max pain: 150 (where you’d feel stressed financially)

That range decides your venue options, catering minimums, bar package tiers, and staffing.

3) Your wedding date criteria (not just a date)

Instead of obsessing over one perfect date, choose criteria:

• Season (spring/fall/summer/winter)
• Day of week (Saturday vs Friday vs Sunday)
• Indoor/outdoor tolerance (and rain plan comfort level)
• Travel considerations for VIPs

Hot take: If you’re budget-conscious, a Friday wedding is the closest thing to a legal cheat code. We’ve seen couples save $6,000–$18,000 across venue + catering + rentals just by moving from Saturday to Friday (especially in DC, Baltimore, and Northern Virginia).

Your 18-month wedding planning checklist timeline (the big picture)

Here’s the full 18-month timeline breakdown at a glance. Then we’ll go phase-by-phase with detailed to-do lists.

18–15 months out: “Foundation” phase

• Budget, guest count range, date criteria
• Hire planner (if using), book venue
• Book photo/video + entertainment
• Start vendor research + contracts

14–12 months out: “Lock the team” phase

• Book caterer (if not included), bar, rentals
• Book florist, HMU, officiant
• Start attire shopping
• Save-the-dates + hotel blocks

11–7 months out: “Design + details” phase

• Finalize wedding party
• Invitations design + paper goods plan
• Ceremony + reception structure
• Engagement session (great time for it)

6–4 months out: “Logistics” phase

• Timeline draft, transportation
• Tastings, floral mockups
• Registry, shower planning, honeymoon planning
• Finalize attire + alterations begin

3–2 months out: “Final push” phase

• Seating plan prep, vendor confirmations
• Final music choices, shot list guidance
• Marriage license plan, final fittings

1 month–week-of: “Execution” phase

• Final numbers due, final payments
• Final timeline + family photo list
• Pack, print, tip envelopes
• Rehearsal + walkthrough

Day-of: “Stay present” phase

• Morning checklist, vendor handoffs
• Eat, hydrate, breathe
• Enjoy the party you built

If you want a printable structure for vendor deadlines, grab our Vendor Timeline Template and plug in your date.

18–15 months out: the foundation (book the big rocks first)

This is where your wedding planning checklist either becomes calm… or becomes chaos.

Choose your top 3 priorities (the “decision filter”)

Ask each other: if we could only spend real money on three things, what would they be?

Common top 3s we see:

• Guest experience (food + bar + comfort)
• Photography/video (because it’s what remains)
• Music/party energy (DJ or band)
• Venue vibe (architecture, views, convenience)

Once you know your top 3, decisions get easier. If florals aren’t top 3, don’t let Instagram talk you into a $12,000 installation.

Set your working budget (with phase-based cash flow)

You’re not just budgeting totals—you’re budgeting when you’ll pay deposits and balances.

Typical deposit timing:

• Venue: 25–50% at signing
• Photo/video: 25–50% retainer
• Planner: monthly or milestone payments
• Catering: deposit + final due after final headcount (often 10–21 days prior)

We’ll break down budget allocation by phase later, but here’s the mindset: don’t book five vendors in one month unless you’re comfortable paying five deposits in one month.

Book your planner or coordinator (yes, early)

If you’re hiring:

• Full-service planner: ideally 12–18 months out
• Partial planner: 9–15 months out
• Month-of / wedding management: 6–12 months out (often books up early for peak Saturdays)

And no—your venue coordinator isn’t the same thing. Venue staff protects the venue. Your coordinator protects you.

Lock your venue and date

What to check before signing:

• Rain plan (real plan, not “we’ll figure it out”)
• Noise restrictions and end time
• Required vendor lists (catering, rentals, bartending)
• Load-in/load-out rules (bands and florals care a lot)
• Guest comfort: AC/heat, bathrooms, parking, accessibility
• Hidden fees: service charges, admin fees, staffing, security

Book photography + videography (especially for 2026)

Good teams book early—especially those who do both photo and video well.

In the DC area, typical 2026 ranges we see:

• Photography: $4,500–$9,500
• Videography: $4,500–$10,500
• Combined teams: often $8,500–$16,000+ depending on hours, coverage, and deliverables

Action item: schedule consult calls, ask to see full galleries/films (not highlight reels only), and confirm turnaround times in writing.

Internal link: our pricing philosophy and what affects cost is covered in Wedding Photography Pricing (if you have it—if not, you should).

Book entertainment: DJ or band

If dancing matters, book entertainment early. The best bands and DJs have limited availability.

• DJ: $1,800–$4,500 typical for experienced pros in metro areas
• Band: $6,500–$18,000+ depending on size and production

We’ll compare DJ vs band later with a table (because yes, it matters).

14–12 months out: key milestones (your 12-month wedding checklist)

This is the phase where you stop “dreaming” and start “building.”

Book your core vendors that affect logistics

Depending on your venue, these may be separate bookings:

• Caterer (if not in-house)
• Bar service (if separate)
• Rentals (tables, chairs, linens, tenting)
• Florist
• Hair + makeup
• Officiant
• Transportation (if you’ll need it)

Vendor booking deadlines (realistic for 2026):

• Venue: 12–18 months (peak dates)
• Planner: 9–18 months
• Photo/video: 10–16 months
• Band/DJ: 9–14 months
• Caterer: 9–14 months
• Florist: 8–12 months
• HMU: 8–12 months
• Rentals: 6–10 months (earlier if tenting)
• Transportation: 4–8 months
• Cake/dessert: 3–6 months

Use Vendor Timeline Template to map your exact date and local lead times.

Start attire shopping (with a calendar, not vibes)

Typical timelines:

• Wedding dress: order 8–12 months out (some designers longer)
• Alterations: start 8–12 weeks before the wedding
• Suit/tux: 3–6 months out if custom; 6–10 weeks for rentals

And please don’t buy shoes the week of. Your feet deserve better.

Lock your wedding party (if you’re having one)

This affects:

• Getting-ready logistics
• Gift budgets
• Hair/makeup scheduling
• Processional planning

Hot take: Smaller wedding parties are almost always easier and more enjoyable. We’ve watched couples with 12-person wedding parties spend their whole morning doing crowd control instead of relaxing.

Book hotel blocks (and consider transportation)

If you have out-of-town guests, book blocks 9–12 months out, especially near popular venues or during citywide events in DC.

Ask hotels:

• Cutoff date
• Attrition penalties (avoid if possible)
• Parking fees
• Shuttle loading rules

Save-the-dates (and your wedding website)

Send save-the-dates 8–11 months out (earlier for destination weddings).

Make your website do the heavy lifting:

• Venue address + time
• Dress code guidance (with examples)
• Travel info + hotel blocks
• Registry link
• FAQ (kids, plus-ones, parking, accessibility)

11–7 months out: design decisions that actually matter

This is where Pinterest can either inspire you… or eat you alive.

Finalize your ceremony and reception structure

Start answering:

• Will you do a first look?
• Will you do private vows?
• How many speeches (and from whom)?
• Do you want a grand entrance?
• Are you doing parent dances?
• Are you doing cake cutting, bouquet toss, etc.?

Every “moment” adds time. Time affects photography coverage, music pacing, guest energy, and how long dinner takes.

Internal link: our Wedding Day Timeline page breaks down how long things truly take (spoiler: family photos always take longer than you think).

Invitations and paper goods

Typical send times:

• Invitations: 8–10 weeks before the wedding
• RSVP deadline: 3–4 weeks before the wedding
• Final numbers due to caterer: often 10–21 days before

Paper goods you might want:

• Invitation suite
• Ceremony programs
• Menus
• Escort cards / seating chart
• Bar signage
• Welcome sign

Hot take: Skip ceremony programs if you’re doing a short ceremony. Most guests don’t read them; they just become confetti on the floor (we’ve watched it happen).

Plan your engagement session (and use it strategically)

Engagement photos aren’t just for Instagram.

Use them for:

• Save-the-dates
• Wedding website hero image
• Guestbook
• Framed prints at the welcome table

Also, it’s a test run with your photographer. If you feel awkward in front of the camera, an engagement session is basically rehearsal dinner for your face.

Start your registry (earlier than you think)

People shop early for showers and engagement parties.

A balanced registry usually includes:

• A few upgrades you’ll keep 10+ years (knives, cookware)
• Practical basics (towels, sheets)
• A honeymoon fund option (if it fits your crowd)
• Gift cards (for the “I don’t know what to buy” guests)

6 months out: the action-items phase (your 6-month wedding checklist)

Six months out is where a lot of couples suddenly realize: “Oh. This is real.”

Good. Let’s get organized.

Lock in rentals and layouts

Even if your venue has basics, you may need:

• Upgraded chairs
• Specialty linens
• Lounge furniture
• Tent (if outdoors)
• Heaters/fans
• Lighting

Start with a rough floor plan:

• Ceremony seating
• Cocktail hour flow
• Dinner tables
• Dance floor size
• Band/DJ placement

Catering tasting + bar planning

Decisions to make:

• Plated vs buffet vs stations vs family-style
• Vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free options
• Late-night snack (worth it if your crowd parties)
• Signature cocktails (2 is plenty)
• Champagne toast (often skipped—more on that in mistakes)

Budget reality (DC metro ballpark):

• Catering + service + rentals combined: $165–$280 per person for many full-service setups
• Bar: $35–$85 per person depending on package and hours

Book transportation (if needed)

Consider:

• Wedding party transport
• Guest shuttle from hotels
• End-of-night rides (especially if venue is rural)

Typical costs:

• Shuttle bus: $900–$1,800 for 4–6 hours
• Sprinter van: $700–$1,400
• Classic car: $600–$1,200 (often for short windows)

Finalize attire and start alterations

If you’re in a gown:

• Schedule fittings early
• Bring the shoes and undergarments you’ll actually wear
• Decide on bustle style (and who will learn it)

If you’re in a suit:

• Get it tailored (a $400 suit that fits looks better than a $2,000 suit that doesn’t)

Build your first real wedding-day timeline draft

This is where planning becomes peaceful.

Start with:

• Ceremony time
• Cocktail hour length
• Dinner service style
• Sunset time (golden hour)
• Venue end time

Then back into:

• Getting-ready start
• Hair/makeup schedule
• First look (if any)
• Family photos
• Travel time buffers

Internal link: use Wedding Day Timeline as the framework and customize.

3 months out: the final push (your 3-month wedding checklist)

Three months out is where we see couples either get confident… or spiral.

Let’s choose confident.

Send invitations (and track RSVPs like a hawk)

Send invites 8–10 weeks out. If you’re doing destination or holiday-weekend weddings, go earlier.

Action items:

• Track RSVPs in a spreadsheet
• Follow up with non-responders 7–10 days after the deadline
• Confirm meal choices and allergies clearly

Finalize music and key moments

For DJ/band:

• Must-play list (keep it short)
• Do-not-play list (be specific)
• First dance song
• Parent dance songs
• Processional/recessional music
• Grand entrance song (if doing one)

Hot take: Do-not-play lists save receptions. Nothing kills a dance floor like one “joke song” that your college friends think is hilarious and your family hates.

Create your family photo list (keep it tight)

Family photos are emotional landmines and time-eaters. We love them, but we plan them like a military operation.

Create groupings like:

• Couple + both sets of parents
• Couple + immediate family (siblings + partners + kids)
• Couple + each side extended family (if desired)

Assign a “family wrangler” on each side who knows faces and names.

Confirm logistics with all vendors

Confirm:

• Arrival times
• Load-in instructions
• Parking
• Point of contact (not you)
• Final payment dates

If you don’t have a coordinator, choose a trusted friend or family member who’s organized and sober-ish to be the “vendor point person.” (Not your mom. She deserves to enjoy the day too.)

Plan your marriage license details

This is regional, so check your county/city rules. In many DC/MD/VA areas:

• You’ll apply in person or online
• There may be a waiting period
• Licenses can expire (often 30–60 days)

Put it on the calendar now.

1 month out: the countdown (your 30-day wedding checklist)

This month is about confirmations, payments, and protecting your peace.

Final headcount and seating plan

You’ll finalize:

• Total guests
• Meal counts
• Place cards/escort cards
• Seating chart

Seating chart advice from people who’ve watched a lot of family dynamics:

• Don’t seat divorced parents together unless they’re genuinely cool (not “they said they’re fine” cool)
• Give older guests easier access to bathrooms and exits
• Keep the loud party crew away from the quiet grandparents (unless the grandparents are the party crew—sometimes they are)

Final timeline and vendor packet

Your coordinator (or you) should send vendors:

• Full timeline
• Addresses
• Load-in instructions
• Contact list
• Floor plans
• Shot list guidance (for photo/video)

Internal link: start with our Vendor Timeline Template and build a one-page vendor sheet.

Final fittings + break in shoes

Do a full outfit test:

• Dress/suit
• Shoes
• Undergarments
• Jewelry
• Bouquet hold (yes, that matters)
• Movement test (stairs, sitting, dancing)

Tip envelopes and final payments

Make a list:

• Who gets tipped
• Amount
• Who hands it out
• When

Typical tipping ranges we see (not mandatory, but common):

• Coordinator: $100–$300
• Hair/makeup: 15–25%
• Delivery/setup staff: $20–$50 per person
• DJ/band: $100–$300 (or per musician for bands)
• Catering staff: sometimes included via service charge (ask—don’t double-tip blindly)

Hot take: Service charge is often not a tip. Ask your caterer what it covers.

Write vows (if you’re writing them)

Start now. Not the night before.

If you want a simple structure:

• What you love about them
• What you appreciate about your life together
• What you promise (3–6 promises)
• A closing line that sounds like you

Week-of wedding checklist: last details that prevent last-minute chaos

This is the week where tiny problems become giant problems—unless you’ve planned well.

Confirm every vendor (yes, again)

Confirm:

• Arrival time
• Setup location
• Final timeline version
• Emergency contact
• Weather plan (if any outdoor elements)

Pack the “wedding day emergency kit”

Include:

• Band-aids, blister pads
• Safety pins, fashion tape
• Stain remover pen
• Deodorant wipes
• Snacks (protein bars)
• Water
• Breath mints
• Phone chargers
• Mini sewing kit

Prep getting-ready space

Make it livable:

• Steam outfits early (or confirm who’s steaming)
• Clear clutter for photos (your photographer will love you)
• Confirm food delivery time (you need breakfast/lunch)

Rehearsal and rehearsal dinner

At rehearsal:

• Practice processional order
• Practice where everyone stands
• Practice the recessional
• Confirm microphone use (if any)

And then stop. Don’t rehearse it 20 times. People get weird.

Day-of morning checklist: what actually matters before you walk down the aisle

This is the stuff we quietly monitor at almost every wedding.

Eat and hydrate (non-negotiable)

Eat a real breakfast. Drink water. Have electrolytes if you’re prone to nerves.

A fainting couple isn’t romantic. It’s a medical event.

Have all “detail items” ready for photo/video

Put these in one box:

• Rings (all of them)
• Invitation suite
• Vow books
• Any heirlooms
• Perfume/cologne
• Jewelry
• Shoes
• Any special accessories

Then hand that box to your photographer when they arrive.

Confirm the marriage license and rings

Seriously. Confirm they exist. Confirm where they are. Confirm who holds them.

We’ve seen couples realize the rings are in the hotel safe… 40 minutes away.

Keep hair/makeup on schedule

Buffer time is your friend. A realistic schedule includes:

• 15 minutes per person for “settling”
• 10–15 minutes buffer every 2–3 people
• Time for final touch-ups after getting dressed

Get dressed earlier than you think

If your ceremony is at 5:00 PM, you don’t want to start getting dressed at 4:30 PM. Photos, family arrivals, travel time, and nerves all take longer than expected.

Internal link: Wedding Day Timeline shows typical start times that won’t make you late.

Budget allocation by phase (so you don’t blow it all early)

This is where most wedding to-do lists fail you. They tell you what to do but not when you’ll spend.

Here’s a realistic way to allocate budget by phase for a $60,000 total wedding (adjust up/down by your overall number):

Phase 1 (18–12 months): 45–55% committed

Usually includes:

• Venue deposit + payments: $12,000–$20,000
• Planner retainer: $1,500–$4,000 (varies)
• Photo/video retainer: $2,000–$6,000
• Entertainment retainer: $800–$3,500

Phase 2 (12–6 months): 25–35% committed

Usually includes:

• Catering/bar deposits: $2,500–$8,000
• Florist deposit: $800–$3,500
• Rentals deposit: $500–$2,000
• Attire purchases: $1,500–$6,000 (or more)

Phase 3 (6–1 month): 10–20% committed

Usually includes:

• Invitations/paper: $400–$1,800
• Transportation: $700–$2,500
• Final attire alterations: $300–$1,200
• Final decor items: $200–$1,000

Phase 4 (final month + wedding week): 10–20% due

Usually includes:

• Final catering/bar balance (biggest payment)
• Final photo/video balance
• Final florist balance
• Tips
• Final rentals balance

Hot take: Your budget should include a 5–8% “panic buffer.” Because something always happens—extra heaters, tent sidewalls, a last-minute shuttle, or an unplanned attire fix.

Internal link: for line-by-line numbers and sample budgets, read Wedding Budget Guide 2026.

Vendor booking deadlines (2026 reality check)

Couples ask us all the time, “How late is too late?” Here’s the truth: for peak Saturdays (May, June, September, October), the best vendors are often booked 10–16 months out.

A practical vendor deadline table

Internal link: if you want this in a printable format, start with Vendor Timeline Template.

DJ vs Band (and what it changes for your timeline and budget)

Couples obsess over this choice. Fair. It shapes the whole night.

Here’s a clear comparison.

Our opinion:

• If your crowd loves Top 40 + hip-hop + niche requests, DJs often win.
• If your crowd loves classic party music and performance, bands can be unforgettable.
• If your venue has tight load-in rules or noise restrictions, a DJ might save your sanity.

Sample 18-month wedding planning checklist (detailed, phase-by-phase)

Below is a complete wedding planning timeline you can follow month-by-month. Adjust if you’re planning in 12 months or 6 months (it’s possible, just more intense).

18 months out

• Set budget ceiling + buffer (5–8%)
• Choose guest count range
• Decide date criteria (season/day-of-week priorities)
• Start venue tours (in-person if possible)
• Start planner interviews (if hiring)

17 months out

• Book planner (if using)
• Narrow venues to top 3
• Review venue contracts carefully (fees, staffing, rain plan)

16 months out

• Book venue + lock date
• Start photo/video consults
• Start band/DJ research

15 months out

• Book photographer + videographer
• Book entertainment (DJ/band)
• Start rough vendor budget allocations

14 months out

• Book caterer (if needed)
• Book officiant (especially if it’s a sought-after pro)
• Start hotel block research

13 months out

• Book florist (or at least start consults)
• Book hair + makeup
• Start attire browsing (appointments, designers)

12 months out (major milestone)

• Book rentals (if your venue requires early holds)
• Create wedding website
• Book hotel blocks
• Send save-the-dates (or prep to send soon)
• Start registry
• Start honeymoon planning (especially if traveling internationally)

12-month milestone tasks (your “one year out” checklist)

One year out is a psychological moment. It’s also a logistics moment.

Book what’s left of the “big vendors”

• Florist (if not booked)
• HMU (if not booked)
• Rentals (if not booked)
• Transportation research begins

Design direction (keep it simple)

• Choose 2–3 core colors
• Decide formality level (black-tie, cocktail, garden, etc.)
• Decide ceremony vibe (religious, secular, short, full mass, etc.)

Guest list version 1

• Draft names + addresses
• Decide plus-one rules (be consistent)
• Decide kid policy (be clear on invites and website)

Start dress/suit process seriously

• Order dress if needed
• Choose bridal shop timeline
• Begin suit decisions (especially if coordinating wedding party)

6-month action items (the “make it real” checklist)

Six months out is where you should be able to answer: “What’s happening, where, and who’s doing it?”

Logistics

• Book transportation
• Confirm rental orders
• Draft ceremony/reception layout
• Draft day-of timeline v1 (use Wedding Day Timeline)

Guest experience

• Plan welcome event (if doing one)
• Plan farewell brunch (optional)
• Decide on signage needs (don’t overdo it)

Attire

• Alterations start soon (schedule fittings)
• Choose accessories
• Finalize wedding party attire

Paper

• Choose invitation design + collect wording
• Confirm addresses
• Decide RSVP method (mail vs online)

3-month final push (the “last big decisions” checklist)

Paper + RSVPs

• Send invitations
• Track RSVPs weekly
• Confirm meal selections and allergies

Timeline and photos

• Finalize “must-have” moments (first look, private vows, etc.)
• Create family photo list
• Share timeline preferences with photo/video team

Vendor confirmations

• Confirm delivery windows
• Confirm load-in instructions
• Confirm rain plan and decision deadlines

Legal + admin

• Plan marriage license appointment
• Confirm name change plan (if applicable)

1-month countdown (the “finalize and pay” checklist)

Final numbers and seating

• RSVP follow-ups
• Final headcount to caterer
• Seating chart and place cards

Final walkthrough (if offered)

• Walk through with planner + venue
• Confirm ceremony layout, cocktail flow, reception layout

Print and pack

• Print vows (backup copy)
• Print vendor timeline copies
• Pack detail items box

Final payments and tips

• Confirm final invoices
• Prep tip envelopes
• Assign who distributes tips

Week-of last details (the “don’t forget this” checklist)

• Confirm weather plan and communication plan
• Confirm vendor arrival times
• Steam outfits
• Pick up marriage license (if needed)
• Pack overnight bag
• Get nails/hair color (if doing it)
• Rehearsal + rehearsal dinner
• Early night of sleep (we know, easier said than done)

Day-of morning checklist (the “stay calm” list)

• Eat breakfast + hydrate
• Put phones on Do Not Disturb (or hand off to someone)
• Keep rings + license accounted for
• Hand detail items box to photo/video
• Start hair/makeup on time
• Get dressed earlier than you think
• Take 5 minutes alone with your partner at some point (even if it’s just a quiet breath)

One thing we see over and over: couples who build in 10-minute breathing room blocks have a dramatically better day. The photos show it. The video shows it. Your nervous system shows it.

Common planning mistakes to avoid (we’ve seen them all)

You asked for common planning mistakes to avoid, so here’s the straight talk.

1) Booking the venue before confirming the guest count range

That “perfect” venue can become a problem if it’s tight at 150 and you invite 170.

2) Treating the ceremony start time like it’s flexible

It’s not. Your vendor team is scheduled around it. Your guests are scheduled around it. Sunset is scheduled around it.

3) Not budgeting for service charges, staffing, and rentals

We’ve seen couples plan for “$120/pp catering” and end up at $210/pp after service, staffing, rentals, and admin fees.

4) Overstuffing the timeline with too many moments

If you want:

• first look
• private vows
• wedding party photos
• extended family photos
• sunset portraits
• 5 speeches
• 3 dances
• bouquet toss
• cake cutting

…something’s going to feel rushed. Pick what matters.

5) Skipping a coordinator because “our friends will help”

Your friends should be enjoying your wedding, not solving a missing boutonniere situation at 4:45 PM.

6) Not feeding yourselves (or your wedding party)

Hangry people aren’t joyful people. Plan breakfast, lunch, and water.

7) Ignoring sound and lighting

Bad lighting makes everything feel cheap. Bad sound makes guests disengage.

Even simple uplighting and a proper mic setup can change the entire vibe.

Red Flags: what NOT to do (if you want a smooth wedding)

Some red flags are subtle. These are not subtle.

Red flag #1: “We don’t need a timeline”

You do. Even a simple one. Use Wedding Day Timeline as your starting point.

Red flag #2: Paying huge balances in cash with no paper trail

Nope. Keep invoices, payment receipts, and contracts organized.

Red flag #3: A vendor who won’t show full work

If a photographer or videographer won’t show full galleries/films, that’s a hard pass. Highlight reels can hide a lot.

Red flag #4: Your rain plan is “hope”

Hope is not a plan. If you’re outdoors, decide:

• Where do guests go if it rains?
• Where does the ceremony happen?
• How does sound work?
• Do you need a tent? Sidewalls? Flooring?

Red flag #5: Letting family pressure decide everything

You can honor family without handing them the steering wheel. Set boundaries early.

Two planning frameworks that keep you sane

Checklists are great. Frameworks keep you from spiraling.

Framework 1: The “Big 5” decision order

1. Budget
2. Guest count range
3. Venue + date
4. Planner/coordinator + photo/video + entertainment
5. Catering/bar + rentals

If you do those in order, the rest is details.

Framework 2: The “Stress Test” before you book anything

Before signing a contract, ask:

• Does this vendor match our top 3 priorities?
• Does this cost fit our budget and cash flow?
• What’s the cancellation/reschedule policy?
• What’s the backup plan if they’re sick?
• What’s the worst-case scenario—and can we live with it?

Frequently Asked Questions

People also ask: How early should I start my wedding planning checklist for 2026?

For peak 2026 Saturdays (May/June/Sept/Oct), we’d start 18 months out if you want first-choice venues and vendors. If you’re flexible on day-of-week or season, 12 months can still work well. The earlier you start, the more options you have—and the less you’ll pay in “rush” fees.

People also ask: What vendors should I book first?

Book the venue first, then planner/coordinator (if hiring), then photography/videography, then entertainment. Those vendors set your date, your timeline structure, and your overall experience. After that, lock catering/bar and rentals (especially if your venue is a blank slate).

People also ask: What’s a realistic wedding budget in 2026?

In the DC metro area, we commonly see $45,000–$75,000 for a well-rounded wedding around 120–150 guests, with premium weddings often landing $75,000–$140,000+. Smaller weddings can absolutely cost less, but costs jump quickly if you choose peak Saturdays, luxury venues, or heavy rentals/florals. Our Wedding Budget Guide 2026 breaks this down line by line.

People also ask: When should I send save-the-dates and invitations?

Save-the-dates usually go out 8–11 months before the wedding (earlier for destination weddings). Invitations typically go out 8–10 weeks before, with RSVPs due 3–4 weeks before the date. If you’re inviting a lot of travelers, earlier is kinder.

People also ask: What should be on my week-of wedding checklist?

Confirm all vendors and the weather plan, pack detail items for photo/video, steam outfits, prep tips/final payments, and make sure you have food and hydration plans for getting ready. The week-of is not the time for big design changes. It’s the time for execution and calm.

People also ask: How do I avoid running late on the wedding day?

Build a timeline backwards from ceremony time, add buffers (seriously), and start hair/makeup earlier than you think. Assign someone else to handle vendor questions so you’re not fielding calls in a robe. Our Wedding Day Timeline guide includes realistic buffers we use at real weddings.

People also ask: Do I really need a day-of coordinator?

If you care about feeling present, yes—some form of wedding management is worth it for most couples. Someone needs to run the timeline, cue vendors, handle issues, and keep family from “helping” too hard. If full planning isn’t in budget, month-of coordination is often the sweet spot.

Final Thoughts: make the checklist work for you (not the other way around)

A wedding planning checklist should reduce stress, not create it. If you take nothing else from this: book the big rocks early, don’t pretend cash flow doesn’t matter, and build a timeline that protects your experience—not just your photos.

And if you’re feeling behind, you’re not alone. We’ve worked with couples who planned in 6 months and still had a beautiful, relaxed day. It just takes clarity and good priorities.

For next steps, read Wedding Planning Timeline 2026 for a simplified overview, then jump into Wedding Budget Guide 2026 to pressure-test your numbers. And if you’re ready to map the actual wedding day flow, start with Wedding Day Timeline (it’s the page we wish every couple read).

If you’re looking for a photo/video team that’ll keep you comfortable, on schedule, and genuinely enjoy the day with you, check out Precious Pics Pro at preciouspicspro.com. We’ve been doing this for 15+ years around DC and across the East Coast—and we’d love to help you tell the story the way it actually felt.