In this checklist you will find all the information you need to plan your ideal wedding. We know that this day is very important to you and we want to help you make that day as perfect as you imagine it. Planning a wedding sometimes takes a year, and will involve not only you and your partner but also your parents, your extended family and your friends. You will have to shop for a florist, a caterer, an entertainer and a decorator. There is no single way to plan a good wedding, but we hope that this checklist will have you well on your way towards making this day memorable not only for you but for all your guests and attendants.
Put this checklist to work! Customize it with your own tasks and reminders, print it out and save for later use. It's 100% free!
Use this list!- 10-12 months before
- Discuss wedding: set budget
- Decide on style of wedding
- Speak to celebrant
- Consult bridal magazines for inspiration
- Book date & time
- Research reception halls
- Book reception hall
- Arrange for liquor license if not included with hall
- Take engagement photo for announcement
- Announce engagement!
- Look into wedding planners if desired
- 6-9 months before
- Research bands or DJs
- Choose bridal party
- Discuss honeymoon and set budget
- Start looking for wedding dresses
- Book tux
- Send out reserve the date notices
- Look into car rentals/transportation
- Research caterers
- Look for place to live together
- Book tables, chairs, cutlery, etc…
- Make guest list
- Research photographer/videograher
- Arrange for time-off from work
- Order alcohol if not offered by weddinghall
- Register for gifts at giftregistree
- If travelling abroad for honeymoon, get passport/visa ready
- 3-5 months before
- Order invitations
- Plan bridal shower
- Shop and order wedding rings
- Arrange for flowers (bridal bouquet, centre pieces, etc…)
- Arrange for accommodations for out-of-town guests
- Look for and order wedding favors
- Look for and order cake
- Buy furniture for apartment/house
- Book hair and make-up appointments for wedding day
- Buy wedding party gifts
- Buy gift for fiance
- Make sure bridal party has their attire
- Sign up for dance classes
- Choose a song for your first dance
- If you are changing your name, begin the process
- Find a moving company to help you move
- 6 weeks-2 months before
- Send out wedding invitations
- Start writing vows if doing so yourself
- Plan bachelorette party
- Confirm weddingcaterer
- Confirm band/DJ
- Confirm reception hall
- Confirm celebrant
- Go for final weddingdress fitting
- Plan bachelor party
- Finalise guest list
- Book Honeymoon
- 1-4 weeks before
- Start preparing suitcases for moving & for honeymoon
- Plan rehearsal dinner
- Finalise everything with all of your service providers
- Attend bachelorette party
- Start writing thank-you notes as gifts received
- Attend bachelor party
- Appoint someone to be in charge on wedding day
- Attend bridal shower
- Pick up wedding rings
- Prepare for honeymoon: halt newspaper subscriptions, have mail held, etc…
- Get travel insurance for honeymoon
- Day before
- Get a manicure and pedicure
- Go for a massage
- Attend rehearsal dinner
- Get a good night’s rest!
- Wedding Day
- Have attendant’s dress at your home
- Wear something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue
- Drink in everything, because it will end before you know it!
- Periodically check with person in charge that suppliers are being paid
- After Wedding
- Set off on your honeymoon
- Send thank-you notes
- Make sure name change has gone through
- Dry clean your gown and have it preserved
- Choose pictures for wedding album
- Review your financial goals as a couple
- Meet with financial planner
- Enjoy wedded life!
Your attendants at the ceremony will want to throw in their opinions and ideas. Do listen to them, but do not let them control the planning: it is your wedding after all! You will have to plan everything from your attire to the wedding favours and accommodating out-of-town guests.
If you have had friends who got married before you, ask them for tips on which suppliers they used and their impression of them. They have experience with dealing with specific businesses which can be invaluable when the time for choosing yours come.
You can also attend the wedding shows organized in every major town.
Get a subscription to at least one wedding magazine to help you with tips and ideas.
Visit bridal websites and blogs, and participate in forums: you will be connected with people who are going through the same steps as you.
If you can afford it, hiring a wedding planner can take away a lot of stress and responsibilities off your shoulders. A wedding planner will see to the details, while you focus on your attire, the color theme of your reception, your rings, etc.
