Your wedding checklist
Fun doesn’t just happen! It needs a little help along the way!
Creating a wedding checklist can help streamline the planning process and ensure that no important details are overlooked. Here’s a comprehensive checklist, organised by timeline, to help you stay on track as you prepare for your big day.
12+ Months Before the Wedding.
- Set a Budget.
- Create a Guest List.
- Choose a Date.
- Select a Venue.
- Hire a Wedding Planner (if desired)
- Start Researching Vendors. (photographer, florist, caterer, etc.)
- Choose a Theme/Style.
- Begin Dress Shopping (for the bride)
9-12 Months Before the Wedding.
- Book Key Vendors.
- Photographer.
- Videographer.
- Caterer.
- Florist.
- Entertainment (band/DJ)
- Send Save-the-Dates.
- Create a Wedding Website.
- Choose Attendants. (bridesmaids, groomsmen)
- Plan Your Honeymoon (book flights and accommodations)
6-9 Months Before the Wedding.
- Finalise Guest List.
- Order Wedding Attire (bride, groom, and wedding party)
- Schedule Hair and Makeup Trials.
- Book Transportation. (limos, shuttles)
- Arrange to book a Celebrant (Give me a call!)
- Plan Ceremony Details.
- Readings.
- Music selections.
- Unity ceremony elements.
3-6 Months Before the Wedding.
- Send Invitations.
- Finalise Menu with Caterer.
- Book Rentals (tables, chairs, linens)
- Create a Seating Chart.
- Purchase Wedding Rings.
- Finalise Floral Arrangements.
1-3 Months Before the Wedding.
- Confirm Vendor Arrangements.
- Create a Timeline for the Day.
- Schedule Final Dress Fittings.
- Organise Rehearsal Dinner. (venue, guest list)
- Finalise Honeymoon Plans.
1-2 Weeks Before the Wedding.
- Confirm Guest Count with Caterer.
- Finalise Seating Chart.
- Prepare Payments for Vendors.
- Pack for Honeymoon.
- Have a Final Meeting with the Celebrant for rehearsal if necessary.
- Create an Emergency Kit. (safety pins, makeup, snacks)
Day Before the Wedding.
- Ensure All Attire is Ready.
- Get a Good Night’s Sleep.
- Stay Hydrated and Relax!
- Attend the wedding rehearsal and sign the DONLI (Declaration of no legal impediment)
Wedding Day.
- Eat Breakfast.
- Get Ready. (hair, makeup, attire)
- Arrive for the ceremony.
- Enjoy the Day!
Reception.
- Grand Entrance: Plan a fun way to enter the reception, setting a celebratory tone.
- First Dance: Choose a meaningful song for the first dance, followed by parent dances.
Guest Engagement.
- Photo Booth: Set up a photo booth with props for guests to capture fun memories.
- Interactive Games: Consider lawn games or trivia to engage guests during the reception.
Post-Wedding.
- Send Thank-You Notes.
- Review Vendor Services.
- Preserve Wedding Attire (cleaning and storing)
- Enjoy Your Honeymoon!