Wedding Planning Checklist for Coordinators

Whether you're a wedding coordinator or a couple planning your own wedding, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the number of tasks involved.

To help you stay organized, we've created a complete wedding coordinator checklist. This comprehensive wedding planning checklist covers everything you need to do as a coordinator.

Pre-Wedding Responsibilities

3 Weeks Before the Wedding

Vendor Review: Confirm all existing arrangements with vendors.
Event Timeline: Develop a detailed timeline for the entire wedding event.
Final Guest Count Confirmation: Confirm the final number of attendees with the caterer and venue.
Seating Chart Finalization: Complete and review the seating arrangements.
Wedding License Reminder: Ensure the couple has obtained their marriage license.
Backup Plans: Develop contingency plans for weather and other unforeseen circumstances.
Last-Minute Requests: Address any special requests or changes from the couple.
Final Dress Fitting: Coordinate with the bride and/or groom for a final dress/tuxedo fitting if needed.

1 Week Before the Wedding

Vendor Management: Reconfirm details with all vendors and venue staff.
Communication Plan: Establish that vendors should contact the coordinator on the wedding day.
Logistics Coordination: Confirm vendors' setup locations and arrival times.
Cultural or Religious Elements: Confirm any specific cultural or religious practices or traditions to be incorporated.
Sustainability Considerations: Ensure any eco-friendly practices are prepared and communicated to relevant parties.

Wedding Rehearsal

Rehearsal Coordination: Assist with the wedding rehearsal, focusing on the processional, ceremony, and recessional.
Wedding Party Briefing: Ensure the wedding party understands their roles and timings.
Officiant Collaboration: Work closely with the officiant for rehearsal flow
Ceremony Rehearsal: Conduct a brief rehearsal or walkthrough, especially if there are complex elements in the ceremony.
Vendor Coordination Sheets: Distribute detailed coordination sheets to each vendor for easy reference.
Digital Checklists and Updates: Utilize digital tools or apps for last-minute updates and checklist management.

Day-Of Wedding Responsibilities

Morning Preparations

Hair and Makeup Scheduling: Coordinate timing and logistics with stylists.
Vendor Deliveries: Oversee the delivery and setup of food, flowers, and other items.
Wedding Party Assembly: Distribute bouquets, corsages, and boutonnieres.
Photography Coordination: Manage locations and timings with the photographer.
Transportation Logistics: Arrange arrival and parking for the wedding party.
Dressing Assistance: Help the wedding party with dressing.
Emergency Kit: Prepare and have on hand (e.g., first aid, sewing kit, stain remover).
Final Venue Check: Confirm all setup details at the venue.
Personal Item Care: Take charge of personal items for the couple (e.g., phones, wallets).
Welcome Signage: Ensure proper placement of welcome signs and directions for guests.
Ceremony Readings and Vows: Ensure that all readings and vows are prepared and with the right people.
Accessibility Considerations: Ensure arrangements are in place for guests with special needs.
Time Management: Keep track of time to ensure the event adheres to the schedule.

Ceremony Management

Guest Seating: Direct ushers/groomsmen for efficient guest seating.
Ceremony Setup: Ensure proper arrangement of items like aisle runner, candles, etc.
Audio Coordination: Finalize details with DJs/musicians, including sound checks.
Ceremony Timing: Coordinate with the officiant and cue the start of the ceremony.
Processional Management: Organize and cue the wedding party for the processional.

Reception Oversight

Setup Supervision: Confirm correct setup of decorations and seating.
Catering Confirmation: Align with the catering team on meal timing and specifics.
Event Amenities: Set up the guest book, champagne flutes, cake cutting supplies, etc.
Event Flow Management: Oversee the smooth transition between cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing.
Special Moments Coordination: Align first dance, toasts, and other key moments with the band/DJ and photographer.
Lost-and-Found Setup: Establish a designated area for lost items.
Vendor Payments: Handle the distribution of payments and tips.
Favor Distribution: Set up and manage the favor table.
Gift and Décor Coordination: Ensure safe packing and transport of gifts and personal items.
Transport Coordination: Arrange transportation for the couple and guests as needed.
Emergency Response: Stay accessible for any troubleshooting or emergencies.
Guest Comfort: Ensure comfort for guests, like having fans or heaters available depending on the weather.
Children’s Area: If applicable, set up and supervise a children's area or arrange for a babysitter.
Unexpected Guest Management: Be prepared to accommodate unexpected guests.

Post-Wedding Follow-Up

Vendor Feedback: Gather and provide feedback to vendors. This could include online reviews or personal thank-you messages for their services.
Item Returns: Ensure all rented or borrowed items are returned to the respective vendors or owners promptly.
Thank You Notes: Assist in organizing and distributing thank-you notes to vendors, helpers, and guests as appropriate.
Photography and Videography: Coordinate with the photographer/videographer for the delivery of photos/videos to the couple.
Lost Item Return: Follow up on any items left behind by guests and coordinate their return.
Honeymoon Coordination: Assist with any last-minute details or confirmations for the honeymoon, if part of your services.
Review Meetings: Schedule meetings with the couple post-wedding to review the event and gather feedback for your services.
Professional Photos for Portfolio: Request a selection of professional photos from the couple for your portfolio, if appropriate.
Social Media Management: Offer to assist with or manage postings of wedding photos on social media, if required.
Financial Reconciliations: Assist the couple with finalizing any outstanding payments or budget reconciliations.
Wedding Dress Preservation: Guide or assist the bride in arranging for wedding dress cleaning and preservation.
Memory Book Creation: If offered, assist in creating a wedding memory book or album with selected photos and mementos.
Final Check with Venue: Ensure that there are no outstanding issues or items left at the venue.
Anniversary Reminder Setup: Offer to set reminders for sending anniversary wishes or organizing future anniversary events.

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Wedding Planning Checklist for Coordinators