Wedding To-Do List
Planning
To-Do List
Highlights
Organize by priority, not rigid monthly deadlines.
Budget, venue/date, and guest list are the foundation.
Book high-demand vendors early (DJ, photographer, florist).
Secure attire, hotel blocks, and rentals well in advance.
Use HoneyBook to upload contracts, inspo images, layouts.
Confirm vendors and RSVPs ~4 weeks before wedding.
Finalize seating chart and detailed timeline in the last 2 weeks.
Remember meals for bridal party and vendors on the wedding day.
Task #33: GET MARRIED 🎉
How to Approach Your To-Do List
Planning a wedding comes with a long list of tasks, and it can feel overwhelming. Instead of following a cookie-cutter month-by-month checklist, we suggest working through priorities in a logical order. If something matters to you, handle it early. If it doesn’t, leave it for later.
Priority Task List
Budget – Decide on your overall budget and priorities (see Budgets section for tips).
Venue & Date – ✅ Done! (If you’re reading this, you’ve booked Rixey Manor—congrats!).
Guest List – Draft guest count → adjust to fit budget/capacity. Start smaller; easier to add than disinvite.
DJ/Music – Book early; great DJs/bands get snapped up quickly.
Photographer/Videographer – Photographers often book 12+ months ahead. Confirm their style fits yours.
Hair & Makeup – Book your preferred artist/team. Some can handle large parties; others can’t.
Engagement Shoot – Schedule 9–12 months out. A great chance to practice with your photographer.
Hotel Block – Reserve rooms 9–12 months out (Holiday Inn, Best Western, etc. in Culpeper).
Wedding Party – Choose and ask bridesmaids/groomsmen/etc. so they can plan.
Florist – Secure florist. Discuss bouquet style, ceremony arch, reusing florals between ceremony/reception.
Caterer – Select your catering approach. Food trucks? Full-service? Clarify rentals (linens, plates, etc.).
Dress – Start shopping early; gowns need 6–9 months for ordering/alterations.
Save-the-Dates – Send 6–8+ months out (earlier if many out-of-town guests).
Tent/Arbor/Big Rentals – Reserve tents or large rentals early. Rixey provides some arches/arbors.
Cake – Book your baker/dessert vendor. Schedule tastings.
Officiant – Confirm your officiant or prep a friend to be legally authorized in VA.
Transportation – Arrange shuttles (we strongly recommend for guest safety).
Timeline (broad) – Roughly outline ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception flow.
Wedding Party Attire – Order dresses/suits with plenty of lead time.
Invitations – Send 2–3 months before wedding. Collect RSVPs 4–5 weeks before. Include rehearsal dinner invites if applicable.
Rehearsal Dinner – Decide on Friday dinner (on-site or restaurant) and book.
Smaller Rentals/Signage – Secure specialty items: card box, chalkboards, photo booth props, lawn games.
Rings – Buy wedding bands. Resize or clean engagement ring if needed.
Marriage License – Get from county clerk (no sooner than 60 days before wedding). Bring ID/docs.
Chase RSVPs – Follow up with stragglers after RSVP deadline.
Alcohol – Finalize bar menu. Purchase alcohol + mixers. Use our Alcohol & Bar Setup guide for quantities.
HoneyBook Uploads – Upload latest vendor contracts, inspo photos, table layouts, etc.
Vendor Confirmations – Confirm arrival times and details 1–2 weeks out.
Seating Chart – Create seating plan once RSVPs are final. Make escort cards or display.
Timeline (detailed) – Finalize down to the minute: hair/makeup start, vendor arrivals, ceremony order, reception flow, sunset photos.
Ceremony Accessories – Pack unity candles, sand kits, Ketubah, glass for breaking, ring pillow, flower girl basket, etc.
Meals (non-reception) – Arrange breakfast/lunch for bridal party, and vendor meals for reception. No one goes hungry!
GET MARRIED 🎉 – On the big day, your only task is to be present and celebrate. We’ll handle the rest.
Final Thoughts
We deliberately don’t assign strict monthly deadlines—every couple’s timeline is different (some plan in 3 months, others in 18). The key is to keep moving forward, make decisions, and stop second-guessing once you’ve chosen.
There will always be another Pinterest idea, but trust your gut and your plan. If you feel stuck, we’re here to help with guidance and solutions from our wedding experience.
👉 Related Sections:
Budgets
Final Walkthrough
Vendor Confirmations
Packing Guidance