Example Wedding Planning Checklist
Food for the Reception
The wedding planner software will add one or both of these sets of tasks to your task list, depending on whether you want to make your own food or hire a caterer (or both):
Homemade Reception Food |
Task |
Should be completed by |
Ask the Reception site manager what facilities and equipment they have for preparing and serving food, and whether they have any restrictions.
|
6-9 months before |
Decide what types of food you want to serve at the Reception, and find recipes or stores you can buy it from. |
6-9 months before |
If you're trying new recipes, test them ahead of time.
|
6-9 months before |
If you're using recipes, re-calculate the ingredients based on your estimated number of guests.
|
6-9 months before |
Buy non-perishable ingredients, label them, and put them in a safe place.
|
2-3 months before |
Arrange to rent, borrow, or buy any equipment you need to prepare, store, or serve the food for the Reception.
|
1-2 months before |
If you're buying prepared food for the Reception, order it. |
2 weeks to 1 month before |
Buy perishable ingredients for anything you're making and freezing ahead of time. |
2 weeks to 1 month before |
Prepare as much food ahead of time as you can and freeze or store it safely (make sure it's labeled clearly). |
2 weeks to 1 month before |
Buy perishable ingredients for last-minute foods. |
week leading up to wedding |
Prepare any perishable foods for the Reception. |
week leading up to wedding |
Pick up prepared food for the Reception.
|
day of wedding |
Return any rented or borrowed food prep or serving items. |
more than 1 day after wedding |
|
Catered Reception Food |
Task |
Should be completed by |
Ask the Reception site manager whether they allow outside caterers.
|
9-10 months before |
Interview several caterers, compare packages and other costs, and select one.
|
9-10 months before |
Decide on a menu for the Reception.
|
3-6 months before |
Call the Reception caterer to confirm your final head count, menu choices, time and place to set up, and appropriate attire for servers. |
1-2 weeks before |
|
Return to tasks 11-12 months before the wedding
Task list overview
