Wedding Planning To Do List
[September 2007] This wedding 'to do list' will help you remember what needs to be done and when you need to do it! Keep this list close at hand to ensure you have everything covered!
1 year before
- Select your wedding date
- Check with your minister to determine any pre-marital requirements
- Book the church or ceremony site
- Choose your wedding venue and book as soon as your date is set. (Get an idea of the number of guests to ensure the location can cater accordingly)
- Hire a caterer, if not included with reception site
9 - 12 months before
6 - 9 months before
- Select and order bridesmaids dresses
- Arrange for limousines or other transportation to the ceremony
- Select a florist and discuss colours and flowers
- Begin shopping for the formal wear for the groom and best man/men
4 - 6 months before
- Ensure your minister has all the marriage licence etc sorted, if not, make enquiries as to the process
- Select and order the wedding rings
- Complete your guest list
- Order invitations and any other stationery, such as direction cards and wedding programs
- Purchase gifts for bridesmaid/s to thank them for all their help
- Order favours for guests
- Purchase additional accessories, such as a garter, ring pillow, candles, guest book and pen, etc.
- Order a wedding cake
- Book the honeymoon and apply for a visa or passport if necessary
- Have a trial run with your hair stylist and make up artist
Hire any decor you may need for the ceremony or reception including candles, fairy lights, linen, chairs etc.
2 - 3 months before
- Register your preferences with the bridal registries of your favourite store (the really fun part!)
- Ensure all out-of-town guests have accommodation booked
- Send out your wedding invitations 6 weeks before the wedding
- Finalise details with florist, musicians and baker
- Set the date and time for the rehearsal with your minister
3 - 4 weeks before
- Have your final wedding dress fitting
- Finalise the decor, food and beverage menu with the caterer or venue
- Contact guests who have not responded
- Pick up wedding rings and check to make sure they fit!
- Meet with photographer and videographer and discuss the order of the day, family portraits etc. to ensure everything runs smoothly
- Meet with the entertainer and give him/her a list of the music to be played during special events such as the first dance, throwing of the garter etc.
- Pamper yourself with a nice back massage and facial (remember not to leave the facial too late, as it's not good to have a facial too close to the wedding, about 2 - 4 weeks before should be perfect).
1 - 2 weeks before
- Organise the place cards and a reception seating chart
- Provide the caterer or venue with the final guest count and seating arrangements
- Confirm honeymoon reservations
- Assign tasks for your wedding day, make sure everyone knows what their role is
- Pick up wedding attire and make sure everything fits properly
- Make sure you have your wedding license (if your minister has not arranged it)
- Fill labeled envelops with gratuities for wedding day
1 - 2 days before
- Wrap gifts for bridesmaids
- Rehearse wedding ceremony with minister
- Pick up rentals if any, for wedding and reception
- Pamper yourself with a manicure, pedicure, lash tint and anything else you want to make you look and feel great.
- Choose a responsible person to return rentals after the wedding and pick up the deposit for each rental
- Ask one of your bridesmaids to be in charge of the wedding rings and marriage licence and to bring them on the day
- Check with the florist to ensure that the flowers will be delivered on time
- Pack a bag with your accessories, toiletries for the big day
- Pack for your honeymoon
On your wedding day
- Start the day with a lovely hot bath and just relax
- Have a hearty breakfast to keep you going all day
- Start having your hair and make-up done about 3-4 hours before the ceremony
- Most importantly your bridesmaids are there to keep you relaxed, calm and hydrated (but don't have too much champagne before the ceremony!)
- Start dressing an hour and a half before the ceremony
- Be ready an hour before the ceremony for your bridal portraiture photography
- Have the music start about twenty minutes before the ceremony begins for the guests' enjoyment
- Take a deep breath, relax and enjoy the best day of your life!