Wildly Relaxing Wedding Checklist

I’ve created this page to rescue you from the overwhelm that is the world of wedding checklists, and to give you a radical kind of checklist that will actually induce relaxation.

If you’re like most, you’ve been cruising around the internet looking for a checklist to download, and as you look at all the different ones, you’re feeling a bunch of things at once.

There’s excitement: “Okay, wow, that is a crazy amount of checklist items, but yes it’s my wedding, I can DO this.”

Then there’s also: “Ack, how in #@%*” am I going to get all this done. And in the process it’s going to eat up my entire life.”

This page is a place to breathe. And come back to center. We’ll keep it simple while at the same time covering all the checklist bases.

First: Permission To Discover Your True Wedding Checklist

We live in a crazy wedding world. There is SO much. Things to buy, people to think about, decisions to make.

• Take a moment to pause and notice external influences about what you need to be doing for your wedding. Become aware of social media, blog advice, family agendas, friends’ opinions and your own assumptions about “what a wedding is”. Pause. And notice.

• Now set all that aside and notice your real wedding vision - the one that truly fits. Really go there. This checklist supports you to feel the relaxation of ditching all expectations, assumptions, “shoulds” and images of what your wedding is supposed to be…

Next, click on this pic to download the Wildly Relaxing Checklist

Click here to download the Wildly Relaxing Wedding Checklist PDF.

Or get the full Soul Of My Wedding Planner Binder here.

Choice Not “Should”

The Wildly Relaxing Checklist is an excerpt from the Soul Of My Wedding Planner Binder which helps you ditch the “should’s” and instead keep coming back to what is most important to you and your fiancé. So much of planning overwhelm stems from should’s, let’s get those out of the mix.

Key Timing & Variable Timing

Most wedding checklists organize to-do’s in monthly and weekly timelines, but I’ve found from working with hundreds of brides that wedding tasks never conform to a pat timeline. Instead, there are tasks that warrant first attention and specific deadlines, then the rest unfold in timing that you can’t predict. Key & Variable Timing checklists move you along organically, while minimizing the stress of feeling “behind”.

Cascading To-Do's

Wedding checklists often fail to acknowledge that each to-do will generate several more to-do's. But if you expect this because there are Cascading To-Do areas on each page, it's somehow not as alarming. Plus, practically speaking, there's room for everything.

Wildly Relaxing Checklist Categories

• Budget

• Wedding Style

• Location & Date

• Rehearsal & Reception

• Guest List

• Wedding/Bridal Party

• Ceremony

• Website & Paper Goods

• Clothing

• Vendors

• Wedding Week

• Honeymoon

• Afterglow

Click here to download the Wildly Relaxing Checklist.

Or scroll below to see the entire checklist online.

Love, Officiant Lisa

WILDLY RELAXING CHECKLIST:
VIEW ONLINE

Below are all checklist items, plus you can download the PDF with helpful instructions. The PDF also has room on each page for Cascading To-Do’s which can’t be created here on the internet ;)

Click or right-click to download a PDF of the Wildly Relaxing Checklist.

Or get the entire Soul Of My Wedding Planner Binder here.

KEY TIMING ITEMS

Complete all Key Timing items first and as soon as possible.

• Schedule Soul Of My Wedding Activity Card activities.

• Decide on the kind of wedding experience you want to have.

• Explore budget.

• Explore venues/locations.

• Set date and book ceremony & reception location(s).

• Make first draft of guest list.

• Decide wedding style/colors.

• Note deadlines for buying and altering important clothing.

• Do "broad sweep" research of ALL vendors 
(See Vendor Variable Timing Checklist for all types of vendors)

• Identify any fave vendors you love.

• Book fave vendors before they're taken.

• Note booking deadlines for other vendors.

• Plan for any marriage license deadlines.

• Note any honeymoon booking deadlines.

Click here to get the full Soul Of My Wedding Planner Binder

Variable Timing Items

Complete at your own pace.

Complete Key Timing Checklist, then dive into the following Variable Timing Checklists and let the to-do’s unfold naturally. Every couple’s Variable Timing to-do’s happen in their own organic order. Just make sure you’re aware of all the to-do’s and you will get them done in time. Make note of Cascading To-Do’s and any new deadlines that you discover along the way!

Variable Timing Checklist:
Location & Reception

• Find out when/how venue setup & breakdown is done.

• What is the weather backup plan and do you need to order anything for that?

• Decide if you need/want wedding insurance.

• BUY: All decor - for tables, guest & gift tables & any else.

• Make any DIY plans for decor.

• Final venue walkthrough.

• Decide on reception events like toasting, dance floor events, performances, special activities.

• If needed, appoint people to:

- Give vendors checks/tips.

- Put out decor, settings, favors, special tables, special activities.

- Attend to gift table/guestbook.

- Pack up after reception

• BUY: Tools like guest book, champagne flutes, serving pieces, cake topper, cake stand, signs, etc.

• Finalize seating chart.

• Give final seating chart & guest count to any planners.

• Send a timeline and jobs list to anyone who is helping.

• Drop off favors, menus, place cards, decorations, etc at venue.

Click here to get the full Soul Of My Wedding Planner Binder

Variable Timing Checklist:
Guest List

• Continue to make decisions about who to invite.

• Create a system to track contact info, rsvp's, gifts, meal choices.

• Get all addresses.

• Update guest list as needed.

• Arrange hotel room blocks.

• Arrange for any childcare.

• Identify any toast-givers at reception and ask them if willing.

• BUY: Thank you favors.

• BUY: Gifts for parents and any others.

• BUY: Welcome bag items.

• Assemble welcome bags & ask someone to hand them out.

Click here to get the full Soul Of My Wedding Planner Binder

Variable Timing Checklist:
Wedding Party

• Decide who you will ask to be any of the following: Maid of Honor, Best Man, bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girl, ring bearer or any creative titles.

• Ask verbally, or by card or gift.

• Tell each member guidelines for choosing and/or buying clothing.

• Schedule any fittings needed.

• Give input to any bridal shower and bachelorette planners.

• Check in with all members to see how it's going with clothing.

• Plan any spa time if you are going as a group. or by self.

• BUY: Thank you gifts.

• Give a wedding week/day-of timeline to all.

• Give gifts to each member on the day-of or before.

Click here to get the full Soul Of My Wedding Planner Binder

Variable Timing Checklist:
Ceremony

• Research officiants or think about friends/relatives to ask.

• Meet with any potential officiants.

• Book officiant or ask friend/relative.

• Write ceremony, or if someone else is writing, follow their ceremony creation to-do timeline (If you need a ceremony script-writing kit, get the Heart & Soul Wedding Ceremony Script here.

• Write or pick vows (If you want a vow-writing kit: get the Vow Adventure Kit here.

• Invite any ceremony participants like readers, singers, etc.

• If either or both of you are changing names, research how.

• BUY: Any props/decor desired for ceremony & processional.

• Plan to make sure rings, license & all props are where they need to be on the day-of.

• Get marriage license by deadline identified during Key Timing Checklist.

• Final outline for any programs.

• Print readings for any readers or have them print them out.

• Decide on any specific ceremony seating.

• Write out any vows that you will be reading from a card or vow book.

Click here to get the full Soul Of My Wedding Planner Binder

Variable Timing Checklist:
Website & Paper Goods

• Create wedding website.

• Add website registry links.

• Browse potential Paper Goods - save the dates, invites & enclosures like details & rsvp's, rehearsal dinner invites, programs, menu cards, place cards, thank you's, etc.

• Order any samples.

• Decide which to print, skip or send virtually.

• Learn about any invite wording that matters to you.

• Decide timeline for ordering or printing each item.

• Order/print.

• Address envelopes as needed.

• Send when time: save the dates, invites, rehearsal invites, etc.

• Write thank you cards & send

Click here to get the full Soul Of My Wedding Planner Binder

Variable Timing Checklist:
Clothing

• Browse any dress/tux/wedding party attire styles and save photos of styles you like.

• Make any dress/tux/wedding party attire shopping appointments.

• Shop for & purchase/rent dress/tux/wedding party attire.

• Shop for & purchase wedding bands.

• Shop for any additional accessories: jewelry, veil, belt, rehearsal, reception & event clothing, lingerie, under dress garments, etc.

• Schedule any dress/tux/wedding party fittings/alterations needed.

• Explore hair/makeup styles and save pics of what you like.

• Pick up clothing when ready.

• Make or buy a bridal day-of kit.

Click here to get the full Soul Of My Wedding Planner Binder

Variable Timing Checklist:
Vendors

• Book any vendors categories you didn't book during the Key Timing Checklist.

• Get written contracts for all.

FULL OR DAY-OF PLANNER:

- Follow their guidance & timelines.

CATERER:

- Attend any tastings.

- Decide menu(s).

- Are they doing rehearsal dinner too?

- Find out guest count deadline.

- Ask about their day-of process and how it all works.

BEVERAGE:

- Decide what will be offered.

- Find out guest count deadline.

CAKE/DESSERTS:

- Taste and/or decide on cake and any other desserts.

OFFICIANT:

- Follow steps in the Ceremony Variable Timing Checklist.

PHOTOGRAPHER:

- Discuss their day-of process & how it all works.

- Make list of any important shots you want for sure.

VIDEOGRAPHER:

- Same as for photographer.

FLORIST:

- Share pics of styles you like.

- Decide bouquet, corsage, boutonniere, ceremony decor, reception decor.

HAIR/MAKEUP STYLIST:

- Decide if for just you or any in wedding party too.

- Share pics of styles you like.

- Schedule hair/makeup trial.

- Get any haircut or color.

DJ, BAND, MUSICIANS:

- Decide on music/playlists for ceremony, cocktail & reception.

RENTALS:

- Book any chairs, tents, linens, tables, lighting, photo booths, porta-potties, etc.

TRANSPORTATION:

- Book any guest & wedding party transportation needed.

- Send a final day-of timeline to vendors, including contact info.

Put any day-of payment or tips in envelopes.

Click here to get the full Soul Of My Wedding Planner Binder

Variable Timing Checklist:
Rehearsal Dinner

• Decide if you want/need one.

• Decide where it will be and book the date if not at your venue.

• Find out when you need to give the location final numbers.

• Decide on guests to invite.

• Decide on menu.

• Decide on any specific seating arrangements.

• Decide if anyone will be giving any toasts or speeches and ask them.

• Give venue or caterer final guest count.

Click here to get the full Soul Of My Wedding Planner Binder

Variable Timing Checklist:
Wedding Week

• Plan any welcome get-togethers, day-after brunches, etc.

• Appoint a person to oversee any day-of getting ready snacks/drinks.

• Send any last-minute updates of vendor timelines, wedding party timelines and job lists of people helping.

• Enjoy any spa or beauty appointments.

• Remember you'll need to sleep too! :)

• And if possible, schedule in some opportunities for down time too.

• Pack all day-of items, like rings, license, overnight stuff, etc.

Click here to get the full Soul Of My Wedding Planner Binder

Variable Timing Checklist:
Honeymoon

• Book any hotel, plane and other accommodations that you didn't book when completing the Key Timing Checklist.

• Schedule all transportation, like shuttles, rental car, etc.

• Get passport and any other needed documents.

• Get any immunizations.

• Schedule any pet sitters or pet boarding needed.

• Make a packing list of everything you'll need.

• Get anything on the list that you don't have yet.

• Pack before the wedding if you are leaving soon after.

• Confirm all reservations.

Click here to get the full Soul Of My Wedding Planner Binder

Variable Timing Checklist:
Afterglow

• Appoint people to return any clothing rentals and/or any other rentals.

• Write & send thank you's.

• Order any prints, albums, DVDs, etc from photographer and/or videographer.

• Exchange or return any gifts.

• Clean & preserve wedding dress.

• Review vendors.

WOO HOO
You did it!

You scrolled all the way through this very thorough and comprehensive checklist.

Seriously, you are a goddess and a rockstar.

Don’t forget you can download a PDF of the Wildly Relaxing Checklist here too, and you can also get the full Soul Of My Wedding Planner Binder here.

Love, Officiant Lisa