Wedding Planning Checklist

Several factors will influence what type of wedding you will have but the following is a handy checklist of important details to attend to:

FIRST THINGS FIRST

  • Insure your engagement ring
  • Consider having an engagement party
  • Work out a big day budget and savings plan and decide who is contributing to the wedding
  • Think about where and when you’d like to get married
  • Decide on a wedding theme and style
  • Decide if you will have a civil or religious ceremony and arrange the church or celebrant
  • Write draft guest list
  • Research venues, photographers, caterers and wedding dresses and obtain quotes
  • Decide if you will have a wedding party
  • Consider sending save-the-dates

SIX MONTHS TO GO:

  • Arrange meetings and get quotes from florists and stylists
  • Shortlist invitations you like and get quotes
  • Start thinking about cakes and keep cuttings of ones you like
  • Order your wedding gown (some designers will need at least six months to make it)
  • Start looking for accessories to match
  • Start looking at wedding bands
  • Book reception venue
  • Book caterer and any necessary hire companies
  • Choose an MC for the reception
  • Arrange transport for the bridal party
  • Research music options and book
  • Plan and book your honeymoon
  • Start thinking about photo spots and collect images you like to show your photographer

THREE MONTHS TO GO:

  • Think about the vows you’d like to take, or if you’ll write your own
  • Buy bridesmaid dresses and decide on accessories
  • Buy or arrange hire of groom and groomsmen outfits
  • Select a wedding gift registry and get all information you need for your invitations
  • Finalise the guest list
  • Send out invitations
  • Choose florist
  • Choose cake maker
  • Start any DIY projects for decorations
  • Book any wedding night accommodation

SIX WEEKS TO GO:

  • Apply at district court for a marriage licence
  • Finalise readings and ceremony order
  • Choose presents for attendants
  • Select who will be making speeches and let them know
  • Confirm guest numbers and seating plan
  • Finalise menu and beverage details
  • Finalise reception running order
  • Have final dress fitting
  • Confirm wedding-band order and arrange collection
  • Confirm any final RSVPs
  • Make any final adjustments to decorations
  • Purchase or make bomboniere
  • Confirm booking with photographer and finalise details of the day
  • Have hair and make-up trials
  • Wear-in wedding shoes

ONE WEEK TO GO:

  • Have a full rehearsal at the ceremony site with all attendants
  • Prepare speeches
  • Pick up any hired items
  • Polish your engagement ring
  • Make sure all your place cards are written
  • Finalise your seating chart
  • Confirm numbers with the caterer
  • Confirm florist delivery times and set-up
  • Confirm cake and delivery time
  • Confirm the entertainment and reception timing
  • Confirm transport and timing
  • Check the venue has all the details it needs, including the running order
  • Confirm booking and times with your hair and make-up stylists
  • Pack for your wedding night and honeymoon