Christian Wedding Checklist

Book Church/Ceremony Venue

Reserve your church and confirm the date with the officiant.

Confirm Officiant

Meet with the minister, priest or pastor who will lead your ceremony, and confirm that they are booked.

Book Reception Venue

Reserve your reception venue, and read the contract before you sign.

Hire Photographer/Videographer

Book your photography and videography services.

Hire Caterer

Choose and book a caterer for the reception, unless your venue provides catering.

Order Wedding Dress

Buy or order your wedding dress, and leave time for alterations.

Select Ceremony Music

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

Hire DJ or Band

Book the entertainment for the reception.

Complete Premarital Preparation

Complete the marriage preparation your denomination requires. Catholic: the Pre-Cana program or an equivalent (a relationship inventory, sessions with a priest or deacon, and possibly a retreat). Protestant: this varies by congregation, from several counseling sessions to minimal requirements. Orthodox: meetings with the priest to talk about the sacrament and what to expect from marriage.

Select Scripture Readings

Choose the Bible passages for the ceremony and the people who will read them.

Write Personal Vows (if applicable)

If you are not using the traditional vows, write your own. This does not apply to Orthodox ceremonies.

Purchase Wedding Rings

Buy your wedding bands, and arrange engraving if you would like it.

Purchase Unity Candle Set

If you are having a unity candle ceremony, buy the candle set.

Order Ceremony Programs

Design and print programs that list the order of service.

Final Dress Fitting

Go to your last fitting and pick up the wedding dress.

Confirm All Vendors

Call each vendor and confirm their arrival time.

Attend Wedding Rehearsal

Walk through the ceremony with the officiant and the wedding party.

Host Rehearsal Dinner

Gather your wedding party and family for the rehearsal dinner.

Gather Something Old, New, Borrowed, Blue

Collect all four traditional items for the bride: something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.

Obtain Marriage License

Get your marriage license from the county clerk or the appropriate local authority. Check the local requirements and how long the license stays valid.

Pack Wedding Day Emergency Kit

Pack a sewing kit, stain remover, pain relievers, tissues and similar items.

Give the Wedding Rings to the Best Man

Check that 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 your vendors. The best man or your parents usually hand them out.