The CWPS (Certified Wedding Planner Society) Full-Service Wedding Checklist is a comprehensive planning guide designed to cover every detail of a wedding, from the early stages of planning to the final moments of the big day. Here’s a sneak peek into what’s included:
1. 6 to 12 Months Out: The Foundation
Big Decisions: Start with essential steps like hiring a planner, setting a date, choosing a guest count, and deciding on the wedding’s formality and theme.
Venue and Vendor Booking: Secure venues for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. This section also covers initial meetings with photographers, florists, caterers, and entertainment providers, alongside contract signings and deposits.
Design Choices: Begin defining the wedding aesthetic with a color scheme and initial design elements, using resources like Pinterest or your planner’s portfolio for inspiration.
2. 4 to 6 Months Out: Getting Detailed
Invitations and Gifts: Order invitations, wedding favors, and guest gifts. This phase also emphasizes selecting attire and arranging engagement photos.
Finalizing Vendors: Solidify food and beverage options with caterers, finalize floor plans, and arrange for guest accommodations.
Honeymoon Planning: Honeymoon logistics are encouraged here to ensure all plans are secured ahead of time.
3. 2 to 4 Months Out: Personal Touches
Guest Engagement: Begin addressing invitations and planning for out-of-town guest accommodations. Wedding accessories, personalized items, and photography shot lists are fine-tuned in this phase.
RSVPs and Thank-You Notes: Set up a system for managing RSVPs and sending thank-you notes for early gifts.
4. 1 to 2 Months Out: Final Preparations
Ceremony Details: Meet with the officiant and review the ceremony structure, music, and family photography shot list with your planner.
Vendor Payments and Licenses: Make final payments to vendors and acquire the marriage license according to local regulations.
Detailed Timeline Review: Go over the wedding day timeline in a wrap-up meeting, making any last adjustments and confirming final details.
5. The Last 4 Weeks: Countdown to the Wedding
Final RSVPs and Table Assignments: Contact guests who haven’t responded and begin organizing seating arrangements.
Gift Bags and Thank-Yous: Prepare welcome gifts for guests and log wedding gifts.
Wedding Day Readiness: Final attire fittings, preparing tip envelopes, and final timeline reviews with vendors. This section wraps up with final toasts, packing for the honeymoon, and rehearsal run-throughs with the wedding party.
This checklist provides a structured, detailed approach to planning, ensuring every base is covered, and every item is timed perfectly. It's ideal for couples wanting a robust, organized approach to wedding planning. For those considering this resource, it’s a stellar choice for maximizing peace of mind leading up to the big day!
💡 Got Template Ideas?
At Timeline Genius, we're always open to creating new templates that fit your unique planning needs. If you have ideas for additional checklist or timeline templates that would make your process smoother, we’d love to hear them! Head over to our Template Ideas Board to share your suggestions and vote on other planners' ideas. Whether it's for destination weddings, themed events, or unique ceremony setups, your feedback helps us craft resources that truly serve you and your clients.