The Ultimate Wedding Timeline Checklist for Milwaukee Couples

Every engagement and wedding moves at its own pace, which means there’s no one-size-fits-all timeline. However, there are some tried and true blueprints to help couples navigate this exciting time with confidence. The checklist below, also included in our planning companion and free yearly publication, is designed to help couples planning a 12+ month engagement, offering a clear path from “yes” to “I do.”

NOTE: While many of these steps can be adjusted to fit a shorter or longer timeline, we still recommend sticking to key timeframes for sending save-the-dates, mailing invitations, filing paperwork, and securing guest accommodations. Reaching out to vendors and venues as soon as possible also helps you lock in your dream team!

☐ Share Your Engagement
☐ Insure Engagement Ring
☐ Determine Budget and Who is Contributing
☐ Make a Guest List with Mailing Addresses
☐ Hire a Wedding Planner
☐ Consider Your Preferred Wedding Date
☐ Create an Organizing System
☐ Hire Travel Agent for a Destination Wedding
☐ Decide Formality and Overall Style
☐ Select the Venue(s)
☐ Choose Color Palette and Start Thinking of Overall Design
☐ Book Photographer

☐ Schedule Engagement Photos
☐ Hire Ceremony Music
☐ Hire Reception Music
☐ Book Entertainment (Photobooth, etc.)
☐ Choose Videographer
☐ Select the Caterer
☐ Decide Bar Service
☐ Shop for and Order Wedding Dress
☐ Buy Wedding Insurance
☐ Select Your Wedding Party, Ushers, Readers, Candle Lighters, and Special Attendants

☐ Purchase Undergarments, Shoes, and Accessories
☐ Book Hair and Makeup Artists
☐ Hire Florist
☐ Hire Officiant and Schedule Your Premarital Counseling
☐ Determine Skincare Routine
☐ Reserve Wedding Night Suite

☐ Book Hotel-Room Blocks for Guests
☐ Book Transportation for Guests
☐ Book the Newlyweds’ Transportation
☐ Consult with Stationer
☐ Create Wedding Website
☐ Initial Inquiry & Price Request for Rentals

☐ Send Save-the-Dates
☐ Apply for Passports if Traveling Abroad
☐ Seek Out Baker
☐ Select Wedding Party Dresses and Accessories
☐ Select Mother Dresses and Accessories
☐ Book the Honeymoon

☐ Book Rehearsal Dinner Venue
☐ Book Alterations Specialist
☐ Buy or Rent Suits or Tuxedos
☐ Invitation Consultation with Stationer
☐ Invest in Dance Lessons
☐ Food Tasting with Caterer
☐ Sampling with Bar Service

☐ Create Wedding Registry
☐ Choose Your Cake and Desserts
☐ Discuss Vision for Ceremony with Officiant
☐ Schedule Design Meeting with Rental Vendor and Order Rentals
☐ Seek out a pet escort, if you have your pet involved in your wedding, and start thinking about pet care during your honeymoon.

☐ Photographer Consultation to Plan Timeline
☐ Videographer Consultation to Plan Timeline
☐ Connect Photographer and Videographer
☐ Order Invitations
☐ First Dress Fitting
☐ Dress Alterations for Wedding Party

☐ Send Measurement Reminder for Suits/Tuxes
☐ Venue Planning Consult
☐ Brainstorm Guest Favors and Gift Bags
☐ Select Readings
☐ Meet With Officiant and Invite Them to Rehearsal Dinner
☐ Plan Showers and any Bach Celebrations

☐ Mail Wedding Invitations (RSVPs Due 1 Month Before Wedding)
☐ Send Out Rehearsal Dinner Invitations (Can Be Included With Wedding Invitations)
☐ Buy Wedding Bands and Begin Design if Custom Rings are Ordered
☐ Appointment for Marriage License
☐ Write Your Vows
☐ Check in with Officiant
☐ Choose Future Spouse Gift
☐ Buy Wedding Party Gifts

☐ Floral Consult
☐ Finalize Timeline, Announcements, and Music Selections
☐ Hair and Makeup Trials
☐ Confirm Suit or Tux Order
☐ Monitor Hotel Block Weekly to Ensure Room Availability
☐ Verify Cake Details
☐ Verify Caterer Order
☐ Order Programs, Escort Cards, Place Cards, Favors, and Signage

☐ Pick up Rings
☐ Final Dress Fitting and Pickup, Learn How to Bustle if Needed
☐ Create a Seating Chart
☐ Final Venue Walk-Through
☐ Break In Your Wedding Shoes
☐ Solidify Ceremony Site Plan
☐ Finalize Rehearsal Dinner Plan
☐ Confirm Rental List

☐ Send Thank-You Notes for Shower and Early Wedding Gifts
☐ Send Timeline and Locations to Transportation Vendor
☐ Confirm Final Guest Count with Venue, Caterer, and Baker
☐ Plan Wedding Day Survival Kit
☐ Review All Details. Walk Through the Entire Event to Ensure All Details are Planned (Travel to and from Locations, Pre-Event Food and Beverage, Parking, etc.)

☐ Provide Wedding Party and Close Family with Day-of Timeline
☐ Assemble Gift Bags
☐ Place Cash in Tip Envelopes for Your Planner/Delegate to Distribute
☐ Have Your Ring Professionally Cleaned
☐ Refresh Your Hair Cut or Color along with Waxing, Eyebrows, and Eyelash Extensions
☐ Final Beard and Mustache Trims
☐ Schedule a Manicure and Pedicure
☐ Have a Couple’s Massage

☐ Final Formalwear Fitting and Pickup
☐ Organize Outfits and Accessories
☐ Pack Your Passport, Travel Documents, and Bags for the Honeymoon
☐ Confirm Travel Arrangements
☐ Practice Your Vows Aloud
☐ Write Your Partner a Note
☐ Drop Off Guest Welcome Bags for Hotel to Distribute
☐ Box Wedding Day Details for Photographer’s Flatlay Photos (Jewelry, Rings + Shoes, Perfume, Invitation, Save-the-Date, Special Mementos)

☐ Return Rented Formalwear
☐ Return Rental Items
☐ Obtain Marriage Certificate from Register of Deeds
☐ Work on Name Changes
☐ Send Thank-You Notes in a Timely Manner to Wedding Guests
☐ Write Reviews, Send Thank-You Notes and Final Gratuities to Vendors
☐ Submit Your Wedding to WedPlan!