This is a Maryland Wedding checklist you'll actually stick to.
Maryland Wedding, Maryland Wedding
Planning a Maryland Wedding is exciting. It’s also a lot. You’ve got vendors, timelines, guest lists, budgets, and about a hundred tiny decisions no one warns you about until you’re knee-deep in Pinterest boards.
Maryland Wedding, Maryland Wedding
That’s where a wedding checklist comes in. Not just any checklist, though — one you’ll actually look at, update, and stick with. If it’s too long, too complicated, or doesn’t really match your wedding, you’ll stop using it. And that’s when things fall through the cracks.
At The Venue at 112, we’ve watched couples do it all: spreadsheets, sticky notes, apps, even good old-fashioned binders. Some systems work beautifully, some… not so much. Over time, we’ve learned what makes a wedding checklist useful — and more importantly, doable.
Here’s what we’ve seen work.
First, Don’t Copy Someone Else’s List
It’s tempting to Google “wedding checklist” and call it a day. But here’s the deal: those lists are usually written to cover every type of wedding imaginable. That’s why they’re 12 pages long and include things like “book firework permits” and “organize shuttle buses for 300 guests.”
If you’re not doing those things, they’ll just sit there, staring at you, making you feel behind.
Start with the basics, then tailor it. Ask yourself:
How much time do we actually have? Six months? A year and a half?
Are we talking 50 guests or 250?
What’s already included at our venue? (At The Venue at 112, for example, setup and cleanup time are already in your rental, and we’ve got décor rentals you can add on. That’s a few vendors you don’t even have to look for.)
Who’s helping? A planner? A very organized Maid of Honor? Just you and your fiancé over takeout?
When you answer those, the “real” checklist starts to reveal itself.
Maryland Wedding, Maryland Wedding
The Big Pieces First
Think of wedding planning like building a house. You can’t pick curtains before you’ve poured the foundation.
Here’s what should come first, no matter what:
Budget. Figure out what you can spend. Not what Pinterest says. Not what your cousin spent. What you can spend without losing sleep.
Venue. Book it. Good ones go fast — especially around DC and Maryland. (If you’re local, come tour our affordable wedding venue.) Once you know your space, a lot of other decisions fall into place.
Date. Sometimes the venue decides this for you, but you’ll need it to book everyone else.
Guest list ballpark. Not the final count, just enough to know whether you’re feeding 80 people or 180.
Once those are locked in, you can move on to vendors, attire, and all the fun extras.
A Simple Timeline That Actually Works Maryland Wedding, Maryland Wedding
Here’s a straightforward version of a Maryland Wedding checklist. It’s not every single detail, but it hits the stuff you really don’t want to forget.
12+ Months Out
Budget, venue, date, guest list.
Photographer, videographer, planner (if you’re using one), entertainment, and caterer.
9–11 Months Out
Dress and suit shopping.
Hotel room blocks for guests.
Florist, officiant, transportation.
Engagement photos.
6–8 Months Out
Menu tasting.
Invitations designed and ordered.
Rings picked.
Cake/dessert vendor booked.
4–5 Months Out
Dress fittings start.
Ceremony details nailed down (music, readings, vows).
Rentals or décor not already handled by your venue.
2–3 Months Out
Mail invites.
Create day-of timeline.
Finalize guest list and seating chart.
Order wedding party gifts.
1 Month Out
Marriage license.
Confirm vendors.
Break in your shoes. (Seriously, don’t skip this one.)
1–2 Weeks Out
Final headcount to caterer and venue.
Tip envelopes ready.
Pack honeymoon bag if you’re leaving right after.
Wedding Day
Eat breakfast.
Hydrate.
Let someone else hold the clipboard and just enjoy.
Need to take a few of those off your list? Great. Add others that matter to you? Even better. The point is: keep it realistic.
Tricks to Stay on TrackMaryland Wedding, Maryland Wedding
A checklist is only helpful if you use it. Some easy ways to keep yourself moving:
Put it where you’ll see it. Whether that’s a shared Google Doc, a wedding app, or a printout on your fridge, don’t bury it.
Check in once a week. Fifteen minutes on a Sunday keeps the panic away.
Don’t overload yourself. Spread tasks out so you’re not cramming four vendor meetings into one week.
Cross things off. It feels good, and that little jolt of progress keeps you going.
Be flexible. Plans change. Guests cancel. A good checklist bends with you.
How We Make It Easier at The Venue at 112
Here’s a secret: a big part of Maryland Wedding planning stress comes from juggling too many vendors. That’s why we’ve built The Venue at 112 to simplify the process.
You don’t need to rent extra time for setup or cleanup — it’s already included.
You can pick from trusted local caterers who already know the space.
Want upgraded chairs, arches, uplights, or a photo booth? We’ve got all of that here. No extra deliveries, no extra contracts.
Our patio is already strung with lights. Our ceremony spot is already surrounded by trees. You don’t have to build an atmosphere from scratch.
All of that means fewer checklist items — and more time to actually enjoy being engaged.
Your wedding checklist isn’t about perfection. It’s about keeping you sane while planning a pretty big party with a lot of moving parts.
Make it yours. Cut the fluff. Keep it where you can see it. And if you can simplify by choosing a venue (like ours) that takes a few headaches off your plate, do it.
If you’re planning in the DMV area, we’d love to show you around. Schedule a tour, walk the space, and start crossing a few things off that list right away.
If you are ready to book your dream wedding at The best wedding venue in Maryland, visit our website and fill out our contact us form. You will receive all the details about our Venue and a link to schedule an appointment to view and review contract details.
The Venue at 112 is a locally owned and operated business. We sincerely hope to encourage couples to learn more about the value and importance of choosing a locally owned business when booking your wedding venue & vendors. With locally owned venues, you will often see a higher level of hospitality, better communication, and a greater desire to ensure your wedding exceeds expectations. We are thrilled to support wedding venue owners nationwide with a weekly shout-out in our blog. You can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map.
County Line Event Center Contact
Social Media links for The Venue at 112-
Love the list! So helpful for couples!