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Posy

The Posy Wedding Checklist

July 26, 2027

12 months before — July 2026

Set the vision togetherBefore spreadsheets, spend an evening picking three words for the wedding you want — intimate, garden, loud, elegant, whatever fits. Every later decision gets easier when you can hold it up against those words.
Set your total budget and who contributesDecide the number you're comfortable spending, and have the awkward-lovely conversations with anyone contributing. A written total now prevents a hundred small arguments later.
Draft a guest count rangeYou don't need names yet — just a low and a high number. Almost every other decision (venue size, catering cost, invitation quantity) hangs off this range.
Choose a date or date windowPick a season and a few candidate weekends. Holding a range instead of one date keeps venue options open when you start touring.
Choose your wedding partyAsk the people you actually want standing next to you — no one else. Small parties are just as beautiful as big ones, and easier on everyone's calendar.
Look into wedding insuranceOne phone call to your renters' or homeowners' insurer usually answers it. A small policy covers vendor no-shows and weather cancellations — quiet peace of mind.
Start a shared inspiration fileOne folder, one board — pictures of ceremonies, tables, dresses, cakes you both actually love. Vendors will ask for this in month three; you'll thank yourself for starting now.
Invite your partner to shared editing (Kit)One email, magic link, same plan and Kit tools. Both of you can check things off from either phone.

11 months before — August 2026

Consider what an intimate wedding could look like40 guests can happen in a restaurant back room, a friend's garden, or a national park with a permit. Fewer people means more time with each one.
Shortlist five venuesFilter by capacity, price, and season first — then aesthetics. Ask each one about rain plans and noise curfews before you fall in love with a garden.
Tour your top venuesVisit in person if you can, on the same day of week and time as your ceremony. Light, sound, and parking are all different at 5pm Saturday than at 11am Tuesday.
Book the venueRead every line about deposits, cancellation, vendor restrictions, and overtime fees before signing. This is the biggest single decision — take a beat with the contract.
Lock in the wedding dateThe venue contract makes it real. Update your inspiration file, calendar, and anyone who's been holding a save-the-date-ish week.
Decide who will officiateA friend or family member almost always makes the ceremony feel most like you — most states let anyone get ordained online in an afternoon. Book a pro officiant now if you'd rather.
Build detailed budget line items (Kit)Track estimated, actual, and paid for every category. The Kit's budget planner does the math live.

10 months before — September 2026

Shortlist photographersPick photographers whose full galleries — not just the highlight reels — feel like your people. Style is very hard to change on the day.
Book the photographerGreat photographers book a year out. Confirm hours, second-shooter, and album delivery time in writing before you send the deposit.
Decide about a videographerIt's the one thing couples most often regret skipping — even a 3-minute film is a gift future-you will love. Skip guilt-free if it isn't a priority.
Decide on a planner or day-of coordinatorA month-of coordinator is the single best money most couples spend — someone whose only job is to hold the day so you don't. Book now if you want one.
Book engagement photos (optional)A short shoot with your photographer doubles as a save-the-date image and a chance to get comfortable in front of the camera together.
Compare vendors side-by-side (Kit)Up to four candidates per category, with quote, availability, and notes. When you book one, the plan task auto-checks itself.

9 months before — October 2026

Shortlist caterersAsk for a quote based on your actual guest range, including staff, rentals, and service charge. The 'per plate' number always grows once those are added.
Book the catererConfirm the menu-tasting date now and lock any dietary flexibility (vegan, kids, allergies) into the contract. A good caterer welcomes the questions.
Plan the barBeer + wine + one signature cocktail is a lovely, calm way to serve most weddings. Decide who supplies alcohol (you or the caterer) — it changes the budget a lot.
Start attire researchTry a few silhouettes on before you fall for one online. Bring a friend who tells the truth kindly.
Build a simple wedding websiteJust the essentials for now — date, city, hotel block, RSVP later. You'll link it from save-the-dates in a few months.
Start collecting guest addressesOne shared doc, one row per household. Ask parents for their side early — chasing addresses in month five is nobody's happy place.

8 months before — November 2026

Order wedding attireMost dresses and suits need 4–6 months plus alterations. Ordering now leaves room for a peaceful fitting schedule instead of a rush charge.
Send save-the-datesAny guest traveling or taking time off needs 6–8 months' notice. A paper card is beautiful; a good email works just as well.
Book the floristShare your inspiration file, budget number, and season. A good florist will tell you what's actually blooming and gorgeous when — trust them.
Reserve a hotel block for guestsOne or two hotels near the venue, at a group rate. Guests love not having to comparison-shop.
Plan rentals — chairs, linens, tablewareYour venue or caterer may include some of these. Ask exactly what's included before booking anything extra.
Decide about a welcome party or brunchA casual welcome drink the night before, or a farewell brunch the morning after. Both are lovely; neither is required.
Ask what's in season for your dateIn-season flowers are cheaper, hardier, and often more beautiful. Your florist will happily talk you through it.
Build the full guest list with addresses (Kit)Names, addresses, party size, meal preference, RSVP status. Everything invitations and seating need, in one place.

7 months before — December 2026

Book the ceremony and reception musicDJ, band, or a great playlist — decide, then book. Ask any live musicians to send video of a real event, not a studio reel.
Open your registriesTwo is plenty — one home store, one flexible cash-fund option. Nothing gets bought until save-the-dates land, so you have time to refine.
Choose the cake or dessertTastings are one of the few pure joys of planning — schedule two or three. Cupcakes, pies, and doughnut walls all count; nothing is required.
Plan transportationGetting yourselves and guests between ceremony, reception, and hotels. A single shuttle loop often solves everything.
Schedule alterations appointmentsBook three fittings up front, spaced 4–6 weeks apart. Tailors' calendars fill up fast in wedding season.
Book hair and makeupBook the trial for a month or two out from the wedding so it's fresh. Ask about travel fees and how many people they'll bring.
Refine registries as save-the-dates go outAdd a few price points, from small gestures to bigger ticket items. Guests love having options at every level.
Publish the wedding websiteAdd the RSVP, travel and hotel info, timeline, dress code, and any FAQs. Link it clearly on every save-the-date.

6 months before — January 2027

Design invitationsKeep it to one card, one RSVP, and one info card if needed. Guests read less than we think — clarity wins.
Shop for wedding ringsOrder 3–4 months out so there's time for sizing and any engraving. Try metals against your engagement ring in daylight.
Sketch the ceremony outlineHow you'll enter, whether there's a reading or two, how you'll exit. A single-page outline is enough for now.
Finalize the guest listThis is the last chance before invitations. If you're deciding between two people, ask: would we regret not having them there?
First attire fittingBring the shoes and any undergarments you plan to wear. This fitting sets the shape for everything after.
Choose ceremony musicProcessional, recessional, and one or two moments in between. A shared playlist is enough if you're not hiring live musicians.
Decide on a kids policyKids invited, only immediate family kids, or a kid-free celebration — any answer is fine, but decide now so invitations read cleanly.
Watch budget vs. actual live (Kit)Every line updates the running total and 'what's left' headline. Sage means you're under; rose means it's time to trim.

5 months before — February 2027

Order invitationsProof every line twice — dates, times, addresses, RSVP deadline. Order a few extras for keepsakes and forgotten cousins.
Do the menu tastingBring notes and a partner opinion — you'll forget which sauce was which by tomorrow. Confirm any last swaps in writing.
Plan the rehearsal dinnerTraditionally the night before, for wedding party and out-of-town family. A private room at a good restaurant is more than enough.
Book the honeymoonEven if it's a long weekend two weeks after — book something. You will need a soft landing.
Start writing vows or picking readingsJot notes on your phone whenever something bubbles up. First drafts are for you; final drafts happen closer in.

4 months before — March 2027

Check that your buffer is still intactA quarterly glance at the budget prevents surprises. If the buffer is shrinking, trim one line before you feel it.
Draft a photo shot listGroupings for family portraits, must-have candid moments, any specific detail shots. Send it to your photographer two weeks out.
Pick your first-dance songSomething you both love, at a tempo you can actually move to. Two minutes of dancing feels much longer than you'd think — a shorter edit is a gift.
Send music likes and dislikes to the DJ or bandTwo short lists: play these, and please don't. Trust them for the rest — reading a room is what they do.
Set the processional orderWho walks in with whom, in what order. Practice once at home so nobody's guessing on the day.
Choose readings and readersTwo readings, two readers is a nice cadence. Ask them a month out and share the text in writing.
Track RSVPs and meals live (Kit)Watch the invited / attending / awaiting counts change as replies come in. Export the whole list to CSV any time.

3 months before — April 2027

Send invitationsMail invitations 8–10 weeks before, with an RSVP deadline 4 weeks before the wedding. Update the wedding-site RSVP link the same day.
Order menus, programs, and signageOnly what actually helps guests know what's happening — a welcome sign, a menu card, a bar sign. Skip the rest.
Do your hair and makeup trialWear a light-colored top and take photos in daylight. Speak up about anything that isn't you — this is what they want to know.
Second attire fittingBring the whole outfit — shoes, jewelry, undergarments. Any big adjustments happen here, not at the final fitting.
Confirm wedding-party attireEveryone should have their outfit in hand, altered, and hung. Send a group text checking in — kindly.
Start seating chart draft (Kit)Cluster by how people know each other, then adjust for volume — quiet friends next to loud family. It's a puzzle; enjoy the puzzle.
Confirm the venue's weather backup planIn writing. Ask when the call gets made and who makes it. Rain plans that live in someone's head are not plans.

2 months before — May 2027

Get your marriage licenseLicense validity windows vary by state — check yours before you apply. Bring the ID your state requires and any prior-marriage paperwork.
Final attire fittingTry the whole thing on with a real posture and a real breath. Ask the tailor to show you how to bustle if you have a train.
Set your beauty appointmentsHaircut and color 1–2 weeks out. Nails the day before. Any facials three weeks out at the latest — skin needs recovery time.
Confirm every vendorSend each vendor a short email: arrival time, address, contact person on the day, final headcount. One email prevents a dozen day-of texts.
Close RSVPs and chase stragglersText or call anyone who hasn't replied — most just forgot. A friendly nudge saves the caterer's headcount deadline.
Send the rehearsal scheduleOne paragraph to the wedding party: where to be, when, and what to wear. Include the officiant.
Feed your photographer, DJ, and coordinatorYour caterer will offer vendor meals — accept them. A well-fed vendor makes a much better third-hour photograph.
Send the DJ your 'do not play' listSongs your family hates, exes' songs, any surprise you don't want ruined. One short list, once.
Buy gifts for your wedding partySmall, personal, thoughtful. A note handwritten the night before matters more than the gift.
Buy a gift for your partner (optional)Some couples exchange notes or small gifts the morning of. If that's you, plan for it now — the day itself will not have space.
Ask people to give toastsGive the person a heads-up two to three weeks out. Suggest 3 minutes max — kindly and firmly.
Set up a guest book or mementoA traditional book, a polaroid station, a signed print, an audio recording — anything that captures the room. Choose one and skip the rest.
Assign every guest to a table (Kit)Searchable guest list, table cards, unassigned counter. Print the table cards for the venue.

1 month before — June 2027

Send final headcount to caterer and venueThis number is usually locked 7–10 days out. Add a small buffer for last-minute yeses if your contract allows.
Finalize the seating chart (Kit)Print two copies for the venue and one for the coordinator. Any last-minute swaps happen on printed sticky notes, not in the head.
Break in your shoesWear them around the house for a couple hours a day, with socks. Blister prevention starts now, not in the ceremony line.
Finish and print your vowsPrint two copies each, in a large readable font. One for you, one held by your best person as backup.
Write the day-of timelineOne page, every vendor arrival, every ceremony beat, every meal course. Share it with the wedding party, family, and every vendor.
Send a wedding-party info sheetOne page: where to be, when, what to wear, phone numbers to call. Send it a week out and they'll adore you.
Pack a wedding-day emergency kitSafety pins, stain wipe, painkillers, granola bars, phone charger, deodorant, sewing kit, mints. Someone will need every single thing.
Meet with your officiant to walk the ceremonyOne hour, in person or on a call. Line-by-line — no surprises on the day.
Prepare cash for tips and vendor paymentsEnvelopes, labeled, in one bag. Hand the bag to your coordinator or a trusted person on the day — not to yourself.
Do a facial three weeks outSkin needs recovery time — anything closer risks breakouts on camera. Book it now and drink water.
Pack for the honeymoonDo it a full week out. You will not want to think the day after the wedding.
Send day-of timeline to every vendorOne PDF, one email, every vendor. Include the coordinator's phone as the day-of contact — not yours.
Assemble guest welcome bagsWater, a snack, a local map or note, painkillers. Simple beats fancy — guests remember the note.
Get your final haircut or colorOne to two weeks out — fresh but not brand-new. Bring a photo of the trial style.
Plan who takes gifts home from the venueAlmost always a parent or in-law. Give them the plan a week out so nobody's lifting boxes in wedding attire.
Gather rings and license in one placePut them with someone you trust on the wedding day — the best person or coordinator. Nothing is worse than a ring hunt at 3pm.
Print every Kit sheet ink-on-white (Kit)Budget summary, guest list, vendor sheets, seating cards, day-of timeline. All print-perfect, no color required.

Wedding month — July 2027

Manicure the day beforeNeutral colors photograph best next to a ring. If a nail tech is coming to you, confirm arrival time the morning of.
Do the ceremony rehearsalWalk everyone through processional, positions, exits. It takes 30 minutes and calms every nerve in the room.
Assign who holds phone, ring, license, cashWrite it on a sticky note in the emergency-kit bag. Nobody remembers on adrenaline — a note remembers for you.
Host the rehearsal dinnerToast the people who got you here. Eat something. Go to bed at a reasonable hour if you possibly can.
Write short notes for parents (optional)A single sentence of thanks, delivered the morning of. Both sides. You'll cry; that's the point.
Eat breakfast and drink waterA real breakfast, and a full glass of water every hour until the ceremony. Both of you.
Designate a day-of family contactOne person from each family who handles logistics questions — not you, not the coordinator. Everyone's calmer with a name.
Hand the timeline to your coordinatorFrom this moment on, someone else is running logistics. Your only job is to be present.
Confirm getting-ready location and timeAddress, arrival time, whether food and coffee will be there. Send it to the wedding party the week before.
Plan how you'll stay hydrated on the dayA water bottle with your name on it, sitting with the wedding party's things. Alcohol at a wedding hits faster than at a party.
Take one private moment togetherBefore ceremony, after ceremony, at some point after the first dance. Ten minutes, no cameras. This is the wedding.
Decide on cake-cutting and toast timingsGive the photographer, coordinator, and band a heads-up. Most schedules have both about 45 minutes into dinner.
Confirm the license goes home with someoneThe officiant signs, the witnesses sign — someone specific brings it to the county after. Assign the person now.
Get marriedThat's the whole thing. Everything else is a party — and you already planned it beautifully.
Sleep the night beforeGet in bed early even if you can't sleep. A dark room and a book beats one more logistics text.

After the wedding — August 2027

Send thank-you notesHandwritten, within about three months. A sentence about the specific gift is all it takes to make the note feel personal.
Start the name-change paperwork (if changing)Social Security first, then license, then passport, then bank and everything else. Keep a certified marriage certificate copy for each stop.
Preserve or resell your attireCleaning services can preserve a gown or suit within a few weeks. Or resell — many couples love giving their dress a second wedding.
Review your photos and pick printsPrint at least one large one for the wall — the phone album isn't the same. A photobook lives forever.
Write reviews for vendors you lovedTwo paragraphs, honest and specific. The vendors who made your day possible are made and unmade by these.
Return or exchange duplicate giftsDo it within the return window. Most stores let you exchange without a receipt if it's on the registry.
Order a photobookOne album, hardcover, on your coffee table. It's the only thing you'll open in five years.
Share the wedding film with familyA short film for social, a long cut for parents. Password-protect anything you don't want indexed.
Plan an anniversary tradition (optional)Eat the top tier of the cake, watch the video, cook the reception meal. A tiny ritual, once a year.

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