Go Big Or Go Home: The Ultimate Wedding Checklist
Getting married isn’t something you’ll do every day, but it’s definitely a big life event that requires a lot of preparation. Preparation means lists, and lists mean something to follow and take guidance from. Not every wedding is the same, so going online and having a look for a wedding ‘to do’ list that is catered to you may be difficult – but that’s perfectly okay! The point is you can do your research and make your own unique wedding checklist that caters to you, your future husband and the day you dream about.
Planning your wedding, whether it will be in two years or twelve months, can be stressful. You can hire a wedding planner to help coordinate vendors on your day and get the best deals, but you still need to have your ducks in a row and get some fantastic wedding ideas on the go. Let’s face it, wedding planning on your own can be dull and a bit of a headache, but with a wedding checklist you can satisfyingly tick off every item as you go and know things are all ready and waiting for you to take that lovely walk down the aisle. So, follow our handy guide and hopefully add your own little ideas here and there: whatever you do, don’t forget to check it all off!
The moment you get engaged…
- Sit down and discuss your budget. Get your ideas out onto the table (both of you!) and compromise and agree where you can.
- Plan the guest list – and don’t go crazy. Great Auntie Mabel you haven’t seen since you were four probably doesn’t need an invite! Your guest list should be according to budget so if you can only afford a wedding for fifty, don’t invite a hundred.
- Pick out some wedding dates to discuss with your parents. We only add that in because there may be some clashes and even though it’s your day, it’s polite to ask.
- Research any churches or venues you’d like to get married in. Now is not the time to book it, just look around and compare packages online.
- Throw an engagement party! It’s not everyday you get engaged!
12 months before the wedding…
- Visit and hire a wedding hall for your reception. Speak to the priest and book the church.
- Start up your research for wedding suppliers. If you haven’t got a wedding planning service involved, then this is all down to you so divide up the jobs with your future husband to gather quotes for cake and photographers.
- Review wedding insurance options for those ‘just in case’ moments.
- Book your photographer and if you are going all out, videographer.
- Start looking for your wedding dress and booking appointments at bridal shops.
8-10 months before the wedding…
- Book the music for your ceremony! Bands and DJs don’t last long in the wedding world and get snapped up quickly. Get in there first!
- Sort out the wedding cake and contact any decoration hire companies for chair covers and table cloths.
- Book the honeymoon together.
- Send out save the date cards!
6 months before the wedding…
- Sort out your passports for the honeymoon if they are close to being out of date.
- Nudge your bridesmaids and groomsmen for hen and stag party ideas and dates!
- Organise invitations
4 months before the wedding…
- Choose dresses and accessories for the bridesmaids
- Organise the legalities and sort the reading of the Banns with the priest
- Decide on the prayers, music and readings for the ceremony
- Organise your wedding transport
- Start gathering guest list addresses and names from your RSVPs for the additional wedding stationery.
3 months before the wedding…
- Order the wedding rings!
- Sort your dress fittings
- Book the hair and make-up for the wedding morning for you and the bridesmaids
- Go for a hair and make-up trial!
4 weeks before the wedding…
- Final dress fitting before the day
- Finalise your order of service booklets and get them printed and ready
- Give the caterer the final headcount
- Double check the guest list and call anyone who hasn’t replied to RSVP
- Print your place cards and create the table plan
Day before the wedding…
- Give all vendors an emergency contact number in case of last minute disasters
- Get a good night sleep!
- Pay all final balances
It’s your wedding day! From here on out, it’s out of your hands and in the hands of your very capable chosen bridesmaids. Your wedding should go off without a hitch but remember, this list can have other things added so be vigilant and pay attention to your day. And congratulations!