For hands-on couples who want to stay organized, stress less, and celebrate more.
Wedding planning is exciting — but let’s be real, it’s also a test. Between budgeting, family dynamics, and endless details, it can feel like a full-time job. At The Oviatt, we’ve walked countless couples through the process, and we know how overwhelming it can get. That’s why we created our 2026 Wedding Planning Checklist: a free resource you can use to stay organized, especially if you prefer jotting things down.
Whether or not you’re getting married at The Oviatt, this guide is our way of sharing a bit of our expertise so you can set a vision for your day, stay on track, and enjoy your milestone celebration exactly the way you imagined it.
And if you book one of our all-inclusive packages? You’ll also gain access to our trusted planners, coordinators, and vendor partners — the dream team that makes it all seamless. But if you’re going the hands-on route, here’s a look at what will help you get started.
Why a Wedding Planning Checklist Matters
Think of this as your roadmap. Wedding planning isn’t just booking a venue and ordering flowers — it’s hundreds of small decisions that add up to a big day. A checklist keeps you grounded, helps you budget realistically, and makes sure no detail falls through the cracks.
Planning Tips Before You Dive In
1. Align with Your Partner Early
Yes, you’re planning a wedding, but you’re also planning the process of planning a wedding. Sit down together and talk through two questions:
What do we want our wedding day to feel like?
What do we want our planning experience to feel like?
This helps you figure out the big stuff early: Do you want something intimate or grand? Indoor or rooftop? Spring or fall? How involved do you want family to be? What’s realistic for your budget?
Tip: Don’t edit yourselves too much in the beginning. Brainstorm, dream, and take notes. Later, you can refine. Creating vision boards or mood boards online will also help vendors understand your vibe — and give you more accurate proposals.
2. Use the Digital Tools Out There
Wedding planning in 2026 isn’t like it was even 10 years ago. There are endless free apps and platforms that help couples keep everything in one place. You can:
Track your budget
Collect RSVPs
Create a wedding website
Send digital save-the-dates
Count down to your day
Explore what feels intuitive for you — the right tools will save time, stress, and even money.
3. Budget Like a Pro
Your checklist will walk you through categories you might not even think about. Budgeting isn’t just about keeping costs in check; it’s about prioritizing what matters most to both of you. Start with must-haves, then work your way down to the nice-to-haves.
4. Follow a Standard Timeline (and Breathe)
Most planning guides map things out over 12–18 months. That’s because spacing out your tasks keeps you from feeling overwhelmed and helps vendors stay aligned. From booking your venue to sending invites, a timeline gives structure so you can actually enjoy the process.
The Checklist: Your Planning Partner
Our 2026 Wedding Planning Checklist includes everything you’ll need to:
Stay on track with monthly tasks
Keep guest lists organized
Register vendor information, quotes, and other details
Enjoy the process with less stress
Ready to Start Planning?
Wedding planning is one of the first big adventures you’ll take as a couple, and it should feel joyful, not stressful. Our checklist is here to help, and if you’d like even more guidance, our team (and trusted partners) are just a call away.
Our 2026 calendar is now open for bookings. Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic rooftop vow exchange or a more intimate penthouse ceremony, The Oviatt is ready to bring it to life.
Download the 2026 Wedding Planning Checklist Below
