Christian Wedding Wedding Checklist

Book Church/Ceremony Venue

Reserve your church and confirm the date with the officiant.

Confirm Officiant

Meet with and confirm the minister, priest, or pastor for your ceremony.

Book Reception Venue

Reserve your reception venue and review the contract.

Hire Photographer/Videographer

Book photography and videography services.

Hire Caterer

Select and book catering for the reception (if not provided by venue).

Order Wedding Dress

Purchase or order your wedding dress, allowing time for alterations.

Select Ceremony Music

Choose processional, recessional, and ceremony music with your officiant.

Hire DJ or Band

Book entertainment for the reception.

Complete Premarital Preparation

Complete your denomination's required marriage preparation. Catholic: Pre-Cana program or equivalent (relationship inventory, priest/deacon sessions, possible retreat). Protestant: varies by congregation, from several counseling sessions to minimal requirements. Orthodox: meetings with the priest to discuss the sacrament and marriage expectations.

Select Scripture Readings

Choose Bible passages and readers for the ceremony.

Write Personal Vows (if applicable)

Write your personal wedding vows if not using traditional ones. (Not applicable for Orthodox ceremonies.)

Purchase Wedding Rings

Buy wedding bands and arrange for engraving if desired.

Purchase Unity Candle Set

If having a unity candle ceremony, purchase the candle set.

Order Ceremony Programs

Design and print programs listing the order of service.

Final Dress Fitting

Last fitting and pickup of the wedding dress.

Confirm All Vendors

Call and confirm arrival times with all vendors.

Attend Wedding Rehearsal

Walk through the ceremony with the officiant and wedding party.

Host Rehearsal Dinner

Gather with wedding party and family for rehearsal dinner.

Gather Something Old, New, Borrowed, Blue

Collect all four traditional items for the bride.

Obtain Marriage License

Get marriage license from the county clerk or appropriate local authority (check local requirements and validity windows).

Pack Wedding Day Emergency Kit

Sewing kit, stain remover, pain relievers, tissues, etc.

Ensure Wedding Rings are with Best Man

Confirm the best man has both wedding rings.

Bring Marriage License to Ceremony

Have the marriage license ready for the officiant to sign.

Prepare Vendor Gratuities

Have tip envelopes ready for vendors (given by best man or parents).