Ah, so you’re getting married?

Then you’re going to need a wedding planning checklist. Whether you’re a free-spirited soul or you just like to move and see where things take you, you’re going to need one. Your wedding is going to be one of the most important days of your life. You need a plan, and you should have a rough sketch of things put down so you can know that things are coming along fine. 
There is also the fact that with a checklist, you can plan and handle things better so that you do not wear yourself and your partner out. Have your activities broken down into manageable chunks and then start a to-do list reflecting that. You can either do this using an app or if you like something a little more tangible, get a calendar and write things down. Here’s a wedding planning checklist that you can use and tailor to fit your wedding.

Use this Wedding Checklist to help plan your day!

12 MONTHS BEFORE

• DECIDE ON YOUR BUDGET

You can’t have a wedding without a budget. Your budget is the foundation of your wedding planning. Take time out to sit down with your partner and decide on how much you intend to spend on your wedding. 

• ORGANISE YOUR GUEST LIST

Who will be attending your wedding and who won’t? You’ll need this information so you can choose the right venue and also when you’re talking to your caterer. 

• CHOOSE YOUR WEDDING PARTY

If you’ll be having your friends as part of your wedding, now is the time to decide who you’re selecting. Make a list and then make plans on how you’re going to ask them to be a part of your wedding. 

• BOOK YOUR VENUE

Will you be having your wedding and reception at the same or separate venues? What venue can host you and all your guests? Are they available on the day you want or can you compromise? Your venue is also another vital part of your wedding you need to settle at this time. 

• SET YOUR DATE

It’ll be your anniversary for the rest of your life too, so choose well. The date you select could also affect things like your pricing and availability like I said above, so keep those in mind and be flexible if you can. 

8 MONTHS BEFORE

• HIRE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER

You have to hire your photographer (Hopefully me) early. If they’re good, chances are other couples will be going for them too. You don’t want to end up settling for someone else because you left it too late and someone else booked them for your date. 

• TALK TO YOUR CATERER

The truth is that most people attend a wedding for the food. This means that it is one of the essential things that you have to settle early too. Hire a caterer and decide on your menu.

• CHOOSE A THEME/ STYLE

Choosing a theme is one of the best things you can do for your wedding planning. With a theme in place, it becomes that much easier to settle on your décor, wedding fashion and other details of your wedding. 

• SHOP FOR YOUR DRESS

The journey to finding your perfect dress can be a bit overwhelming, so eight months is about the right time to get started on it. Know your budget, look for inspirations and then begin your search. 

• BOOK YOUR CELEBRANT

They’ll be the anchor of your wedding and the host of your ceremony. If you want the best, you have to reach out to them at about this time too. 

• HIRE A WEDDING PLANNER

An expert can help make your wedding planning process easier and faster. If you’re going to be needing one, you should contact them at least eight months before your wedding day. 

6 MONTHS BEFORE

• ORDER YOUR CAKE

If your caterer above is not the one handling your wedding cake too, you should contact a baker now. Go for cake tastings and make sure the design you choose complements your wedding theme. 

• YOUR MAKEUP AND HAIR TRIAL

A trial is necessary because it will help you see how well the team you’ve chosen to go with, can work on your face and your hair. It’s also an excellent way to know how well both will last and if you’ll need any touch-ups. 

• HIRE A FLORIST

You can either ask your friends and family for recommendations or search online. You also need to find out if they’ll deliver that day or you’ll need to do the pickup yourself prior. 

• HIRE YOUR ENTERTAINMENT

Will you be having a DJ or a wedding band? You should contact them and decide on the kind of music you want at your wedding. 

4 MONTHS BEFORE

• PURCHASE YOUR WEDDING BANDS

You’ll exchange them at the ceremony, and they’ll be with you for a long time so make sure to choose right. You also need to know if you’ll have matching bands and what style they should be. 

• SEND YOUR SAVE THE DATES

Sending your save the dates at this point will give your guests plenty of time to prepare. Make sure to include your names, the date and the location. 

2 MONTHS BEFORE

• ORDER YOUR INVITATION

Your invitations should match your wedding theme and colours, and you should order them around this time. Consider the way you’ll word them too, and make sure to check that details are correct when you receive them. 

• GET YOUR FAVOURS TOGETHER

You want to go for memorable gifts that show your appreciation as a couple. They should be meaningful and personalised too. 

• FINALISE YOUR VOWS

The key is to keep it short and sweet. Talk about your journey with your partner and make genuine promises. Don’t forget to reread, edit and rehearse it too. 

• ORGANISE TRANSPORT

This includes how you, your families and your wedding party will get to and from your wedding venue. If you intend to use a getaway car after your reception, you should handle it now too. 

6 WEEKS BEFORE

• GET YOUR MARRIAGE LICENSE READY

Your celebrant could also help with this but make sure it’s official. You’ll most likely find all the information that you need concerning this on your government website and how you can get the papers. There may be a waiting period so give allowance for that too. 

• CONFIRM WITH ALL YOUR VENDORS

Send in final numbers, make sure they’re prepared and remind them if necessary, of your date and venue. Ensure to confirm that there has been no miscommunication and that everything is the way you want it. 

• SEND OUT YOUR INVITATIONS

It’s time to let your guests know that your wedding is happening officially and share finer details of the day too. 

3 WEEKS BEFORE

• FINALISE YOUR SEATING

By now, you’ll know who is coming and with whom. You can then arrange everyone in the best way possible. 

• SCHEDULE A HAIRCUT AND A FACIAL

The big day is getting closer, and you need to look as fresh as possible, it’s time to treat yourself! 

2 DAYS BEFORE

• YOU NEED YOUR REST

Your wedding party, planner and vendors should be able to handle everything from here on. You need to relax so that you’re not looking stressed at your wedding.

• PAMPER YOURSELF SOME MORE

Treat yourself to a fresh manicure and pedicure so that you’ll be ready and set for the day. 

• PUT TOGETHER AN EMERGENCY KIT

This kit will be with your maid of honour and should include little essentials that you might need on your wedding day. Things like mints, tweezers, bobby pins, hair ties, hair spray, blotting paper, makeup, sewing kit, tissues, perfume, baby wipes, fashion tape, clear polish, Panadol and most importantly, the wedding day itinerary and phone numbers of all vendors!

ON YOUR WEDDING DAY

Make sure you get enough rest the night before, get up early and decide you’re going to have the best day of your life yet. Best of luck!