3 Month Wedding Checklist–The Ultimate To-Do Guide

Wedding planning can be a long, complex process—and when you’re planning a wedding, there are different tasks you need to check off your wedding planning checklist at different points of your wedding planning timeline.

So what, exactly, are those tasks when you’re three months out from your wedding date?

With only 90 days to go, it’s easy to get lost in the overwhelm. But not to worry! With this three-month checklist, you’ll have everything you need to ensure you have enough time to book those final details, send out those wedding invitations, and make sure everything comes together for your big day.

Let’s take a look at all the to-do’s you’ll want to get done three months before your wedding (Zola’s personalized checklist planning tool is a great place to start to help you stay on track!)—as well as what you should focus on when you’re two months and one month away from your nuptials:

Three Months Before The Wedding

1. Order and Send Invites

By now, you’ve likely narrowed down your invitation options and are ready to place that order. Double check your guest list and make sure that you have a plan for addressing your invites. If you want a calligrapher, now is the time to hire one.

2. Create (or Finalize) Your Registry

If you haven’t started adding items to your Zola registry, get on it. When your invitations arrive, this is one of the first places that your guests will go, so you’ll want it to be loaded with inspiring options.

3. Secure Entertainment

If you haven’t yet decided between a DJ or a band, this should be high on your list of priorities. You’ll want to secure some form of entertainment for your reception at least three to four months before the big day—as DJs and bands tend to book out pretty far in advance and likely won’t be available on short notice.

4. Book Transportation

Whether it’s just for you and your wedding party, or you need someone to help get your guests to and from the venue, this is a good time to make sure that you’ve got all the transportation in check.

5. Schedule Your Hair and Makeup Trials

At this point, you’ve likely made some decisions about your wedding day beauty team—including what makeup artist and/or hair stylist you want to work with. Scheduling a trial is the perfect opportunity to get them on board with your vision for the big day.

6. Consider Your Plan B

With 2020 behind us, we now know that there’s no such thing as being too prepared. Nonetheless, it’s important to have a backup plan in case things don’t quite go your way. This could be anything from securing a tent for your outdoor wedding venue to connecting with backup wedding vendors (like a caterer, florist, or videographer) in case one of yours gets sick or has to cancel for some reason.

7. Organize Welcome Bags or Favors

If you’re big on gifting, consider thinking about how you want to surprise your guests. Fun welcome bags or crafty DIY favors, such as pressed flowers, are always appreciated.

8. Meet With Your Officiant

At some point in the 90 days prior to your wedding is when you’ll want to connect with your officiant to discuss the wedding ceremony and any passages that you’d like to include—as well as the more logistical details (like filing your marriage license after the wedding).

9. Schedule and Attend Your First Dress Fitting

Ideally, your first wedding dress fitting should take place about two to three months before your wedding day, so this is the time to get that appointment on your schedule. If you’re not sure where to start, see if your bridal salon works with a specific tailor or has any recommendations.

10. Pick Out Gifts for Your Wedding Party

Giving something—such as a small whiskey bottle to each groomsman, a dainty necklace to your bridesmaids, or a personalized gift for your maid of honor and best man—is a simple way to remind your bridal party how much you appreciate them being there on your big day.

When there’s this much to think about, it’s important to have your essential tasks covered. So, stick to what’s most important to you and let the rest simply be icing on the cake.

Two Months Before The Wedding

11. Connect With Your Wedding Party

Two months before the wedding, you’ll want to make sure your wedding party members have all their wedding attire (including bridesmaid dresses and tuxes); that way, if they need any alterations, they have time to tackle them before the wedding.

12. Confirm Travel Arrangements

This is particularly if you are having a destination wedding. Make sure to book your flights, hotel room, and other travel-related needs (for example, a rental car)—and encourage your wedding party, friends, and family to do the same.

13. Write Your Vows

If you’re planning on writing your own wedding vows, now is a good time to get started; two months is a good timeframe to write out your vows—and have time to rehearse and adjust as necessary before you say your “I do’s.”

One Month Before The Wedding

14. Confirm Last Minute Details

The month before the wedding is the time to work out all of the last minute details—and make sure you have everything you need for your big day.

So, what exactly does that look like? Some tasks you’ll want to cross off your list 30 days before the wedding include:

• Confirming RSVPs
• Sending a final head count to your wedding planner, wedding venue, and/or caterer
• Finalizing your menu
• Finalizing your seating chart
• Getting your wedding rings
• Sending your desired playlist to your DJ or band
• Making any final payments to your wedding vendors in line with your contracts

Use This Checklist To Plan The Perfect Wedding

Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming. But with this wedding checklist, you’re prepared with all the to-do’s you need to get done three months before your big day—so when your wedding arrives, you’ll be ready for it!