Your checklist
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Your date is still open, so tasks are grouped by their distance to the wedding. Once the date is set, every task gets a concrete due date.
Once open tasks have a date you can send them to your calendar.
12 months before
- Set your wedding datePlanning
Pick your date or at least narrow down the season. Popular dates are often booked more than a year ahead.
- Set a budget framePlanning
Decide how much you want to spend overall and whether family will contribute. The frame guides every decision after it.
- Draft your guest listGuests
Write a first list of everyone you want with you. The guest count drives the venue, the budget and much more.
- Book your venueVenue
Visit your favorites and book one. Ask what the price includes and until when you can cancel for free.
10 months before
- Decide on your ceremonyRegistry office and ceremony
Civil only, religious, or with a celebrant-led ceremony? Ask about dates early and secure the celebrant you want.
- Ask your witnessesPlanning
Ask the people you want by your side on the day. The earlier they know, the better they can support you.
- Contact photographersVendors
Browse portfolios and reach out to your favorites. Good photographers are often booked far in advance.
- Contact a DJ or bandVendors
Decide between a DJ and a band and ask about your date. Listen to demos or catch a live set first if you can.
- Contact caterersVendors
If your venue does not cater, get quotes now. Also ask how they handle allergies and special dietary needs.
9 months before
- Send save the datesStationery
Give your guests the date as early as possible, by card or digitally. Especially important for everyone traveling from far away.
- Find your dress or suitOutfits
Start looking for your outfits. Made-to-measure pieces and alterations need several months of lead time.
8 months before
- Contact a floristVendors
Ask a florist about the bouquet, boutonnieres and table flowers. Bring photos of your venue and your color ideas.
- Reserve a room block for guestsVenue
Reserve a block of rooms at a hotel nearby for your overnight guests. Note the date when unbooked rooms are released.
- Plan your honeymoonPlanning
Decide where you want to go after the wedding. Check in time that your passports are valid and whether you need visas.
7 months before
- Collect documents for the registry officeRegistry office and ceremony
Which documents you need for the marriage registration depends on your situation. Ask your registry office directly and allow time in case you have to reorder certificates.
- Collect guest addressesGuests
Collect your guests' current addresses so the invitations can go out without delay later.
6 months before
- Register your marriage at the registry officeRegistry office and ceremony
Register your marriage (Anmeldung der Eheschließung) at the German registry office. The registration is valid for six months, so the earliest filing is about six months before the date. No guarantee, please confirm with your registry office.
- Design your invitationsStationery
Design your invitations and send them to print. Include everything guests need: schedule, directions, accommodation, dress code and the RSVP deadline.
- Book hair and makeupVendors
Book your hair and makeup appointments for the wedding day and schedule a trial a few weeks before.
5 months before
- Order your wedding cakeVendors
Find a bakery and order your cake. Many offer a tasting beforehand, make use of it.
- Choose your wedding ringsOutfits
Pick your rings and order them. Crafting and engraving can take several weeks.
4 months before
- Send your invitationsStationery
Send out your invitations and record who is invited. That way you keep track of the responses.
- Organize the wedding car or transfersPlanning
Work out how you and your guests move between ceremony, venue and hotel. Book a wedding car or a shuttle if needed.
3 months before
- Review your budgetPlanning
Compare planned and actual costs. Now you can still adjust before the last big invoices arrive.
- Finalize the menuVendors
Taste and confirm your menu with the caterer or venue. Plan alternatives for guests with allergies or special dietary needs.
- Choose music for the ceremonyRegistry office and ceremony
Pick the music for walking in, the ceremony and walking out. Check with the registry office or church what is technically possible.
2 months before
- Plan the day's schedulePlanning
Plan your day from getting ready to the party and align the schedule with the venue, photography and music.
6 weeks before
- RSVP deadlineGuests
By this day every guest should have accepted or declined. Only with firm numbers can you finalize the seating plan and catering.
- Order menus and place cardsStationery
Order menu cards, place cards and the seating chart display. Hold off on the names until all responses are in.
- Hair and makeup trialVendors
Do the trial for hair and makeup. That way you know exactly what to expect on the wedding day.
5 weeks before
- Chase missing RSVPsGuests
Kindly follow up with everyone who has not replied yet. Usually the invitation just got buried.
4 weeks before
- Give the final guest count to the catererVendors
Report the final guest count to the caterer and venue, including kids' meals and special dietary needs.
- Settle details with the venueVenue
Walk through the final details with the venue: setup times, tech, table layout and who is the contact person on the day.
3 weeks before
- Send the rooming list to the hotelGuests
Send the hotel the list of who sleeps in which room. Mind the deadline when the hotel releases unbooked rooms from your block.
2 weeks before
- Finish the seating planGuests
Finish the seating plan once all responses are in. Only small changes after that, or the puzzle starts over.
- Final fitting and outfit pickupOutfits
Do the final fitting and pick up your outfits. Remember shoes and accessories, and break in new shoes.
- Write your vowsRegistry office and ceremony
If you want to speak your own vows, write them now. Short and honest beats long and perfect.
1 week before
- Confirm all vendorsVendors
Go through times, places and contact persons with every vendor. Hand a phone list to your witnesses so nobody has to call you on the day.
- Pack an emergency kitPlanning
Pack a small kit for the day: plasters, a sewing kit, tissues, snacks and chargers. Give it to one of your witnesses.
1 day before
- Bring decor and place cards to the venueThe day itself
Bring decorations, place cards and the seating chart to the venue and agree on who sets up. That way the day starts relaxed.
- Hand the rings to your witnessesThe day itself
Give the rings to your witnesses. Then you have one thing less to think about on the wedding morning.
On the wedding day
- Enjoy your dayThe day itself
Today you organize nothing, that is what your witnesses are for. Eat something, drink enough water and enjoy every moment.