Wedding Checklist

Things to do before the Big Day

6 – 12 Months Beforehand

• Set a date for your wedding.
• Decide on what style of wedding you want.
• Find a good function coordinator.
• Set a time for the wedding and the reception.
• Set yourself a budget for the wedding.
• Interview caterers, bakers, photographers, florists, etc.
• By the end of month 10 ensure that you have booked a DJ, band or musician and a caterer, and photographer.
• Compile a guest list.
• Select a venue and location for the ceremony, reception, rehearsal dinner and the other planned events and book them.
• Choose a bridesmaid, best man and master of ceremonies.
• Begin shopping for your wedding dress and bridesmaids’ dresses.
• Begin looking at honeymoon options with your fiancée. If you plan to leave the country check your passports.
• Shop for and order invitations and thank you cards.

5 Months Beforehand

• Register a gift registry with a few well known shops.
• Book all wedding transportation that you plan on using. (limousines, horse drawn cart, etc.)
• Start making the wedding dress and the bridesmaids’ dresses.
• Start looking for matching shoes.
• Shop for the men’s (groom, best man, etc) formal wear and order it.
• Finalize honeymoon plans with fiancée and book with a travel agent.
• Finalize the music selection for the wedding and reception.

4 Months Beforehand

• Book a minister and confirm religious arrangements.
• Order your wedding cake.
• Make the rehearsal dinner plans.
• Buy the wedding rings.
• Book a florist.
• Discuss the menu you want with your caterer.

3 Months Beforehand

• Finalize the guest list and get all necessary addresses.
• Shop, shop, shop! Lingerie, honeymoon clothing, attendants gifts, a gift for your fiancée, pre and post-wedding party clothes you may need.
• Visit your hairstylist, beauty therapist and make up artist, and book them.
• Organise the confetti.
• Reserve a block of rooms for your out of town guests.

2 Months Beforehand

• Finalize arrangements for any rental item you may need (Candles, decorative screens, special lighting, etc.)
• Send out the wedding invitations.
• Visit your lawyer.
• Order other printed stationery e.g. place cards.
• Have your final fittings (you and the attendees).
• Reconfirm honeymoon arrangements.

1 Month Beforehand

• Chase up on late replies and finalise guest list.
• Discuss a number of possible bouquets with your florist.
• Finalise the arrangements for the reception venue and caterers.
• Arrange a seating plan for the reception.
• Make sure that all clothing for the wedding is near completion.
• Prepare a newspaper announcement.
• Have a bridal portrait taken.
• Make sure everything is in order with all the key professionals you have working on your upcoming events.
• Pick up your wedding rings.
• Formally invite wedding party and guests to the rehearsal dinner.
• Prepare all the necessary forms for name changes on ID book, credit cards, bank accounts, passports, etc.

1 Week Beforehand

• Begin packing for your honeymoon.
• Make final checks and run through the programme with the master of ceremonies.
• Confirm final catering numbers and let your caterer know.
• Have a rehearsal for the wedding ceremony.
• Write speeches.
• Wear in your wedding shoes at home.
• Delegate family and friends to return items that have been hired.

1 Day Beforehand

• Pamper yourself.
• Get everything you are going to need tomorrow ready today.
• Hand out presents to your bridesmaids and attendees.
• Contact your minister to make sure he will be there.
• Go to bed early.

The Big Day

• Sleep late.
• Take a long relaxing bath.
• Eat a healthy, light breakfast.
• Carefully put on your dress on without disturbing your hair.
• Relax and enjoy your magical day.
• Get your hair and make-up done