Your wedding day is a momentous occasion, and meticulous planning is the key to making it a memorable and stress-free experience. To help you stay organised and ensure nothing is overlooked, we’ve created the ultimate wedding planning checklist. Let’s embark on this journey to create your dream wedding step by step.
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12-18 Months Before the Wedding:
- Set a Budget: Determine your budget, including contributions from both families.
- Create a Guest List: Start compiling a list of guests you’d like to invite.
- Choose a Date and Venue: Select a wedding date and secure your ceremony and reception venues.
- Hire a Wedding Planner: If you opt for one, hire a wedding planner to help with logistics.
9-12 Months Before the Wedding:
- Select Vendors: Book essential vendors, including caterer, photographer, videographer, florist, and entertainment.
- Wedding Dress Shopping: Begin your wedding dress shopping and select the perfect gown.
- Plan Ceremony and Reception Details: Work on ceremony readings, vows, and reception details like the menu, décor, and seating arrangements.
6-9 Months Before the Wedding:
- Send Save-the-Dates: Send out save-the-date cards to your guests.
- Choose Bridal Party Attire: Decide on bridesmaid dresses and groomsmen attire.
- Hair and Makeup Trials: Schedule hair and makeup trials to ensure you look your best.
3-6 Months Before the Wedding:
- Order Invitations: Order and send out wedding invitations with RSVPs.
- Cake Tasting: Arrange a cake tasting and select your wedding cake.
- Marriage License: Obtain your marriage license from the appropriate authority.
1-3 Months Before the Wedding:
- Final Fittings: Attend final dress fittings, and make sure the attire fits perfectly.
- Confirm Details: Confirm all vendor bookings and finalise timelines.
- Gift Registry: Create a gift registry for guests to choose from.
1-2 Weeks Before the Wedding:
- Pack for the Honeymoon: If you’re leaving right after the wedding, pack for your honeymoon.
- Final Payments: Make final payments to vendors and distribute tips.
- Rehearsal Dinner: Host a rehearsal dinner to go through the ceremony and enjoy time with close friends and family.
The Wedding Day:
Bride:
- Get Ready: Start the day with hair and makeup.
- Dress: Put on your wedding dress.
- Accessories: Don’t forget your veil, shoes, and jewellery.
Groom:
- Get Ready: Start getting dressed and styled.
- Attire: Make sure your suit or tuxedo is on point.
Ceremony:
- Arrival: Arrive at the ceremony venue on time.
- Vows: Exchange your vows and rings.
Reception:
- Celebration: Enjoy the reception with your guests.
- Cake Cutting: Cut the wedding cake and share the first slice.
End of the Night:
- Send-Off: Bid farewell to your guests and embark on your honeymoon or first night as a married couple.
Remember, this checklist is a guide to help you plan your wedding smoothly. Feel free to adjust it to suit your specific needs and preferences. With careful planning and organisation, your wedding day will be the beautiful, unforgettable experience you’ve always dreamed of.