Wedding planning checklist
This list puts the steps of a wedding in order by month: the church, the license, the padrinos and the reception. Share it with both families so nothing is left for the last week.
12+ months
- Establish a realistic budget with support from family and sponsors.
- Reserve your church or secure an officiant for the marriage ceremony.
- Draft an initial guest list planning for up to 300 guests.
- Invite trusted mentors to serve as padrinos for key wedding traditions.
- Select a color palette and overall styling concept for the celebration.
- Tour venue locations and note your preferred seasonal wedding dates.
9 to 12 months
- Shop for the wedding gown, veil, and groom suit.
- Hire a professional photographer to cover the ceremony and reception.
- Book music entertainment for both the ceremony and the evening party.
- Invite close friends and family members to join the wedding party.
- Order formal invitations and compile current mailing addresses.
- Choose wedding rings and arrange for any custom sizing.
6 to 9 months
- Confirm your padrinos for the lazo, arras, and wedding rings.
- Complete premarital counseling or preparation classes required by your church.
- Book taco catering from Taqueria Los Potrillos, serving since 1993.
- Select dresses for bridesmaids and formal suits for groomsmen.
- Schedule an engagement photo session with your chosen photographer.
- Order your wedding cake and select traditional dessert options.
3 to 6 months
- Mail formal invitations and track responses against your guest list.
- Purchase the wedding rings and arrange for personalized engraving.
- Schedule hair and makeup trial appointments for the bride.
- Select music for the ceremony processional and the first dance.
- Gather ceremonial items including the lazo, arras, and toast flutes.
1 to 2 months
- Get your California marriage license at the county clerk; it is valid for 90 days.
- Attend final attire fittings with shoes and accessories on hand.
- Review ceremonial duties with your padrinos de lazo and arras.
- Schedule the rehearsal date and time with the church and party.
- Finalize the seating chart and table arrangements for all guests.
- Provide the final guest headcount to the catering team.
- Confirm that your California marriage license is safely stored.
The last week
- Attend the wedding rehearsal with the wedding party and padrinos.
- Pick up the pressed wedding dress, veil, and groom suit.
- Place the California marriage license and wedding rings in safekeeping.
- Prepare vendor payment envelopes with clearly labeled balances and tips.
- Pack a wedding day emergency kit with toiletries and flats.
- Confirm arrival times and transportation plans with immediate family.
The day of
- Eat a healthy breakfast and stay hydrated before beauty preparations.
- Hand the wedding rings and arras to your designated padrinos.
- Arrive promptly at the ceremony location for pre wedding photos.
- Sign the California marriage license with your officiant and witnesses.
- Take formal family and wedding party portraits after the ceremony.
- Enjoy your first dance as newlyweds and celebrate with guests.