It is very important to have your own wedding planning checklist after the proposal has been accepted and friends and family have been informed about the wedding.

However, some tasks must have more priority than others. Here are five must-have tasks or items to include on your personal wedding planning checklist.

1. Wedding Dress/Tuxedo Fittings

A checklist must include what dates fittings must occur. Most boutiques have an initial fitting for the bride and groom's outfit, and then include additional fittings closer to the big day. Keeping track of fitting dates will ensure your tux or dress fits perfectly on your big day.

Your checklist might also include fitting deadlines for your wedding party. Many boutiques will tell you at your fitting they must fit the wedding party for tuxes and dresses by a certain date so alterations can be made. Write this date down and distribute it to your wedding party so they don't forget!

2. Deposits and Final Payments

In order to make deposits and final payments straight, include them in your checklist. Failing to pay a deposit on time can result in a break in contract with the vendor. Breaking this contract does not guarantee the vendor will show up when requested for your event, which can be a big problem for you and your guests. Paying deposits on time, as well as making final payments on schedule, will ensure your flowers, wedding DJ and caterer hold up their end of the bargain once you have held up yours.

3. Pre-Wedding Traditions

Some couples choose to have a rehearsal and rehearsal dinner before the wedding, as well as an engagement party or bachelor and bachelorette parties for the groom and bride. Keeping a checklist and a timeline of when pre-wedding traditions take place will help keep stress low.

When planning for pre-wedding traditions, you might want to include the best man or maid of honor in the decision-making process. Better yet is to leave the planning to them alone and give feedback when it is asked. Asking your wedding party to help plan these events will free up your time to work on other wedding planning tasks.

4. Wedding Party Gift Purchases

It is important to include wedding party gift purchases on the checklist so they are bought ahead of time. Thanking members of the wedding party for their support is traditionally done with personalized gifts such as watches or jewelry.

Planning ahead of time to get them personalized gifts cannot be overlooked. Wedding planning is quite stressful and hectic. Follow correct etiquette and give your wedding party their gifts before, not after, the wedding. Many couples do this at the rehearsal dinner, but you can do it at any time you like.

5. Post-Wedding Plans

Before the wedding takes place, it is still essential to account for life after the wedding. Important tasks like changing addresses, changing names and writing thank you cards must be included on the checklist so you can plan for them once the party is complete.

Arrange ahead of time to have a note pad with you shortly after the wedding to make those post-wedding tasks even easier. Either have your wedding party keep track of who gives you what gift while you open them or, if you choose to open gifts in private, keep your own list so writing thank you cards is easier.

It is also a good idea to use the note pad to write out a list of places where you might need to change your name and address after the wedding. Cross them out as you contact the places or, better yet, arrange for the changes to be made ahead of the wedding if you have the information available.