That moment that big, shiny diamond (or titanium alloy but still shiny) ring is slipped onto your finger, your heart beats faster than it ever has. It feels like it’s going to explode inside your chest. The big realization sets in, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m getting married soon’ and you feel like a major character in a love story. But then an even bigger realization sets in, ‘Oh no, I’ve got a wedding to plan!’ which almost trumps the feeling of excitement you had earlier.
No worries, help is here. We are aware that not everyone is a super-organized, excel-munching, numbers-crunching, checklist-building ninja. (Pheew! that was a long one). Besides, you are most likely working a 9 to 5 and may have very little time to draft a comprehensive wedding checklist. That is why we have created an easy to use wedding checklist for all weds-to-be.
The Get Hitched to-do list will help you stay on track throughout your wedding! Tick off any wedding tasks which you have already completed and keep your finger on the pulse for any pending items.
Follow the planning guide below in order to have a hassle-free wedding planning.
12 Months Prior
- Discuss with your partner about the kind of wedding you both want to have.
- Discuss about the month of the year you want to get married in.
- Determine the number of guests you’d like to have and create an initial list.
- Think about the kind of venue you’d like to use.
- Draw out a budget.
- Start making your findings on wedding venue/ceremony locations and style of wedding dress you’d like and potential stores, wedding suppliers (Try Get Hitched and you’ll be glad you did).
- Then go ahead and book Reception Venue, Ceremony Venue, Photographer, Videographer, Music Band, Florists, Makeup artists, etc. (Get Hitched can save you a lot of time and energy on this).
- Book a Wedding Planner (if needed).
- Fix some appointments with bridal stores to try on wedding gowns.
- Send out “Save the Dates” if you want to give your guests a heads up.
- Consider your bridal party – ask those you’d like to be on your bridal train.
- Think about projects that you’d like to do by yourself.
8 – 10 Months Prior
- Research and book your wedding ceremony music.
- Place an order for your wedding dress.
- Consider the colour scheme and any decor you’d like to use on your wedding.
- Find out what accommodation is available in the area and reserve for your guests.
- Start considering your honeymoon options (sounds too early but it’s actually not).
6 – 8 Months Prior
- Place an order for your wedding stationery and your wedding cake.
- Get in touch with your florists to know what flowers options they might have.
- Place an order (or consider hiring options) for the groom’s suit.
- Start checking for bridesmaid wedding dresses.
- Book pre-marriage course (if necessary in your particular situation)
- Book your honeymoon essentials.
4 – 6 Months Prior
- Research hair & makeup artists and book trials runs with one or two of them to find the best fit.
- Afterwards, you can book the best fit.
- Send a “notice of intention” to marry to your local registrar (it is a legal requirement and you must send the notice at least three months’ ahead).
- Place an order for your bridesmaids’ dresses.
- If you are getting married in a Catholic Church place an order for your baptism and communion certificates.
- Start planning towards the hen and stag party (bridesmaid/best man).
- Order your wedding shoes and accessories.
- Book your wedding transportation.
- Book a DJ (if required).
- Book the florist (from the previous list) if you are satisfied with their options.
- You can attend a pre-marriage course at this time if you are getting married in the Catholic Church.
- Renew your passport (if necessary).
- Start all DIY projects.
3 Months Prior
- Send notification of intention to marry if you haven’t already.
- Get your wedding rings.
- Order lingerie.
- Fix appointments for alterations and fittings.
- Get wedding favours organised.
- Book décor for reception and venue.
- Make a compilation of your wedding gift (if applicable).
- Make sure Best Man and Groomsmen’s suits are fitted.
- Get any and all vaccinations you might need for your honeymoon.
- Start building a list of addresses of friends and family for the wedding invites and don’t forget to purchase stamps.
- Select your day-of songs for the first dance, the reception entrance and processional and/or recessional options.
- Fix appointments for food and wine tasting and also decide on your wedding menu.
2 Months Prior
- Start working on your wedding vows.
- Send out your wedding invitations.
- Be sure that your bridesmaid and groomsmen have got their attires ready.
- Purchase bridal party, parents, and partner gifts.
- Attend your wedding dress fittings appointment, if you haven’t already.
- Start working on your table plan display.
2 Weeks Prior
- Confirm that your wedding suppliers such as photographer/videographers, florists, etc. are ready.
- Confirm that your caterers have an accurate headcount and that your menu and special meals are in order.
- Prepare and send a transportation schedule to your transportation services providers.
- Have your wedding dress delivered to you.
- Get your table plan and seating arrangements organised.
- Write down your speeches/vows.
- If you’d need foreign currency for honeymoon order for them now.
- Cross-check your wedding checklist to be sure you haven’t left out anything.
- Check on guests who haven’t responded to your wedding invitation.
- Confirm delivery timelines of all vendors delivering any item to the wedding.
- Go through the wedding venue setup plan.
One Week Prior
- Speak with your coordinator about placements (like cake, band, first dance, etc.) and timings.
- Send your reception venue organiser and caterer final number of guest that you are expecting.
- Confirm services/times with wedding suppliers and pass on bridesmaid/best man’s contact number.
- Get all your beauty treatments – waxing, tinting, massage, etc. – done.
- Try on everything you’d be wearing on your wedding day to be sure they are fit perfectly.
- Put your honeymoon itinerary items together and don’t forget your passport.
- Create a timetable for your day with slots for bridal party’s hair, makeup etc.
- Give all wedding planning documents to your wedding coordinator to manage.
- Get final payments for suppliers into envelopes and allocate a groomsman/bridesmaid to handle on the day.
- Appoint a family member to be a point of contact for day-of wedding suppliers like photographer/videographers.
- Make sure all wedding vendors have an emergency number, other than yours, that they can call.
Two or Three Days Prior
- Get your pedicure and manicure done.
- Make all necessary last-minute adjustments to the table/seating plans.
- Collect adjusted groom’s/groomsmen’s suits, if you haven’t already.
- Confirm when the wedding transportation will pick you up.
- Confirm when the wedding cake will be delivered.
- Arrange for the flowers to be delivered to the church, wedding venue or home.
- Get a wedding emergency kit in place.
One Day Prior
- Have a final rehearsal for your wedding ceremony with your officiant and bridal party.
- Confirm your honeymoon airport drop-off, transportation, hotel, etc.
- Set an alarm (and a backup alarm).
- Memorize your vows (print them out if necessary).
- Hand over menus, table plans, favours, and place cards to your caterer or venue manager.
- Relax and have some (safe) fun.
- Have a night’s rest.
Day-Of
- Make sure you smile and appreciate every guest you come in contact with.
- Trust that your wedding coordinator and chief bridesmaid will do a good job and that everything will go according to plan.
- Enjoy every minute of it.
- Don’t forget to kiss the groom 😉
