The Wedding Checklist

If you’re stressing about remembering everything you need to do before the wedding day, here’s something that can help. We’ve prepared a checklist of what needs to be done and when during the wedding planning process.

     Twelve - nine months before the wedding

• Inform all parents about the upcoming wedding.
• Formally introduce the parents to each other and discuss the marriage and wedding. The parents will decide which family pays for what part of the wedding.
• Select a wedding date and decide the wedding style, size, theme, and colour.
• Refer to the etiquette page for wedding date selection.
• Decide what kind of wedding you will have; traditional, simple, religious?
• Decide on a wedding budget.
• Check on your financial status and possible contribution from both families. Use the budget planner on our site to help you plan your finances.
• Decide the banquet/reception style, venue and time, then start looking for the venue. It’s important to do it now, since venues in great locations are snapped up fast.
• Book your wedding photographer and videographer.
• Start looking for a new home if you will only now be moving in together.  
  

       Four to six months before the wedding  

• Make sure you have a wedding host for your reception. A wedding host is either a professional wedding coordinator, a respectable elder relative or a very responsible friend, who makes sure the wedding proceeds smoothly.
• If you decide to have a wedding at the church, contact the pastor/priest and ask what the rules are about documents, decorations and photography.
• Book the reception site if you want a church wedding.
• Along with both sets of parents, draft a guest list.
• Start selecting invitations; decide on the design and price.
• Invite bridesmaids and groomsmen as well as party attendants.
• Decide whether you want the wedding gown tailor-made or rented and start looking into other details, like the headpiece and jewellery. The groom should order or rent the tuxedo or suit.
• Select dresses and suits for the bridesmaids and groomsmen. If you have chosen a theme colour for your wedding, select the bridesmaids’ dresses accordingly. Take into account the colour of your reception site.
• Select a wedding registry, and inform relatives and friends whether and where you are registered.
• Make travel plans for your honeymoon.
• Decide on the travel budget, destination and itinerary; do research on local weather, language and currency. Check your passport expiration date and apply for a visa if necessary.
• Do a pre-wedding medical check up.
• Mail invitations.
  
  Two to three months before the wedding  

• Decide on the music and band/DJ. If you’re having a church wedding, consult with the pastor about the music and speeches.
• Confirm all details with the photographer and videographer. Double check the duration of the service and confirm the photos you want. The picture session usually covers all the events, from when the bride leaves her home until the reception ends.
• If serving a full course dinner, decide on the menu, order the alcohol, and hire a bartender.
• Book flowers for the bridal bouquet, wedding party, the church wreath, reception decor, and the car.
• Book a wedding cake from the bakery.
• Decide on a stylist for your wedding day make-up and hairdo.
• Book (and confirm all details and directions with) transportation.
• Book hotel and transportation for out-of-town guests.
• Book tickets and hotel for honeymoon, and purchase whatever travel accessories you will need.
  
  One month before the wedding  

• Proposal and betrothal meeting (if applicable).
• Decide on a final list of guests and party attendants.
• Decide on what ritual formalities will be performed at the wedding.
• Choose a rehearsal time and location.
• Decide on the final seating arrangement for the reception.  
• Make whatever alterations are necessary for your wedding gown.
• Find matching shoes for the gown; try on all jewellery and accessories, and buy underwear and gloves.
• Purchase gifts for parents, bridesmaids, groomsmen and party attendants.
  
  Two weeks before the wedding  

• Confirm the delivery of wedding documents.
• Invite bridesmaids, groomsmen and party attendants to dinner.
• Confirm the menu and the number of tables.
• Purchase guest book.
• Try on the full regalia; your hairstyle, makeup and gown.
  
  One week before the wedding  

• Have the church rehearsal.
• Decide on one friend, usually the maid of honour, who will take care of the bride's personal belongings on the wedding day.
• Give final directions to the best man.  
• Invite the bridal party for lunch or dinner. Don't wait until the night before the wedding day; you don’t want to be tired from the party.
  

Two days before the wedding

• Explain final wedding details to parents and party attendants, and confirm everybody's duty at the wedding.
• Decorate the church or reception site, and banquet site.
• Prepare enough cash for the church, the reception venue, open-door restaurant, and tips.
• Prepare an ironing board, iron, mirror, needle, glue and thread in case of emergency. Give your maid of honour your emergency kit.
• Pack for the honeymoon and pick up your airline tickets if necessary.

One day before the wedding

• Send out the wedding procession list and seating arrangement diagram.
• Pack accessories.
• Confirm your arrival time with your stylist and hairdresser.
• Go to sleep early.

      On the day

• Eat a substantial breakfast with your closest friend(s)/mother and listen to your favourite music.
• Have fun and enjoy all the attention and pampering!