To help you along your wedding planning journey we’ve put together a wedding checklist to help you plan your big day. Remember this is a generic list, some elements may not apply to you and you may also wish to book certain suppliers sooner rather than later, as the popular suppliers will be booked up – sometimes as far as two to three years in advance!
Do it now…
- Decide on your wedding date
- Choose what type of ceremony you want
- Look at the number of people you want to invite
- Visit potential venues
- Set your budget and open a wedding savings account
- Choose your best man, ushers and bridesmaids
12 – 18 months to go
- Organise wedding insurance
- Book your reception venue
- Check and book your date with your minister/priest/rabbi and registrar (if needed) or book your local registry office
- Book your photographer and/or videographer
6 – 12 months to go
- Send out ‘save the date’ cards
- Book your wedding cars, cake maker, florist and entertainment
- Choose wedding outfits for the wedding party
- Look at sample menus and wine choices
- Book your hairdresser and make-up artist
4 – 6 months to go
- Order invitations and other stationary
- Give notice of marriage
- Set up your gift list (if you’re having one)
- Choose and buy your wedding rings
- Choose or start making your wedding favours
- Plan the hen/stag parties
- Remind guests to book accommodation if needed
2 – 4 months to go
- Plan and book your honeymoon
- Confirm any reading and music
- Send out your invitations with details of your gift list
- Print order-of-service
- Organise your guest book
- Organise trials for hair and make up
- Contact your local newspaper if you want to publish your wedding announcement
1 -2 months to go
- Chase all unanswered invitations
- Finalise the guest list
- Finalise the seating plan
- Give final numbers to suppliers
- Final fittings for wedding outfits
- Buy your marriage licence
- Choose gifts for wedding party
- Start on speeches
- As people start buying from your gift list start on your thank you notes
2 weeks to go
- Organise your wedding rehearsal
- Write out place cards or confirm with printers
- Type up your must-take shots for the photographer
- Confirm timings with all your suppliers
- Plan your honeymoon wardrobe
1 week to go
- Arrange for the cake to be delivered to the venue
- Reconfirm final numbers
- Double check all outfits and accessories
- Wear in your wedding shoes around the house
The day before
- Help decorate the venue (if needed)
- Enjoy a pamper session
- Eat a light meal, take a bath, have an early night and try to relax
On the day!
- The only thing you need to do on the day itself is, breathe and enjoy it! Your day will flash by so quickly, make sure you take a moment or two throughout the day to look around and really take it all in. Don’t forget to also spend ten minutes alone as a newlywed couple, away from everyone and everything to appreciate some time together on your wedding day!
