Wedding Planning Checklist Timetable - a "Have I Forgotten Anything?" for Brides
Wedding Planning, Wedding Stress?
When you start your Wedding planning, there seem to be a thousand things to do - even for the simplest of ceremonies. If you are not employing a professional wedding planner to attend to all the details for you, why not use my Wedding Planning Checklist Timetable? The last thing you want is to turn the months before your Wedding into a stress filled time when you argue with your other half about who should be doing what.This is a time when you will both want to reduce stress to an absolute minimum so read on and check out my essential guide for Brides.
When I remarried in January 2009, I found that a list I could tick off when each area was complete, a file to keep track of each aspect and a few very supportive friends - not to mention my dear Husband-to-Be kept me sane through the process. I spent a long time online researching to make sure I didn't forget anything, I found lots of lists and put them all together - here is the result.
You will need to adjust it to your own timescale and may not need all the elements, or you may think of things I have forgotten - either way, the list makes a good starting point and may save you some time, Wedding stress and perhaps even a Wedding Disaster! Knowing I had done everything and that nothing had been forgotten certainly helped me to relax and really enjoy my 'big day' and I know you will too!
What to do 6 - 12 months before the big day
Decide on a date
Decide on a budget
Decide on a venue – Church, Registry Office or other premises licensed to hold Wedding Ceremonies
Make an appointment with Clergyman / Registrar
Compile a guest list.
Set time, location of Ceremony, Rehearsal & Reception Venue.
Select Bridesmaid(s)
Choose Professional Photographer / Videographer / DJ
Shop for Wedding Dress, several fittings may be required.
Shop for Bridesmaid dress(es) as with the Wedding Dress, several fittings may be required
Get quotes for Wedding Flowers
Register with gift registry if this is your chosen method
Pick a Honeymoon destination: (renew passports & inoculations if required.)
Begin selection of a Caterer.
Set a date to order dresses for Bridesmaids.
What to do 5 months before the big day
Finalize guest lists (decide who will be invited for Ceremony & Reception and those who may be invited for an Evening Reception if any)
Order Invitations
Order thank you notes.
Plan reception
Choose florist.
Book appointments for hair and make-up for Bride, Bride(s) mother and Bridesmaid(s)
Groom, Best Man, Father of the Bride and Ushers, choose attire – if this is to be hired, book now
Finalise Honeymoon plans.
Choose Caterer
Order Wedding Cake
Arrange transportation for all members of Bridal party to & from ceremony & reception locations.
Go over details of reception with caterer / hotel manager
If you are renting any equipment, reserve it now. (Marquee, chairs, arch, floral, pillars etc.)
What to do 2 months before the big day
Inform clergyman of all the details of your ceremony. Keep a gift diary - send thank you notes as gifts arrive.
Fine tune guest list.
Plan rehearsal dinner
Select gifts for Bridesmaids, Best Man and any additional gifts
Final Dress fittings and confirm delivery of Wedding & Bridesmaid(s) dresses.
Confirm that Bride’s mother and Groom’s mother’s outfits do not clash – or worse that they have not chosen the same outfit!
Choose Wedding rings
Post invitations
Make room reservations for out of town guests
Confirm music arrangements & check selections.
Plan ‘Hen Night’ and ‘Stag Night’
Make sure that you have the required Marriage licence
What to do 2 weeks before the big day
Schedule rehearsal for 1 - 2 days prior to wedding
Trial hair and make-up for Bride (bring headpiece & veil) also for Bride’s/Groom’s mother & Bridesmaids
Double check hair and make-up appointments for day of the Wedding
Final check on Bridal party clothing
Announcements for press or local newspapers
Arrange for name & address changes (as appropriate)
Check with caterer / reception venue with any last minute changes.
What to do 1 week before the big day
Start Honeymoon packing.
Wrap gifts for Bridesmaid(s), etc.
Go over final details of ceremony & reception with all parties involved.
Just before the big day
RELAX!
Have manicure & pedicure done
Attend wedding rehearsal
Give the guest list to Ushers and ask them to check ceremony and reception venues for any ‘left-behind’ items
Arrange for change of clothes for Bride and Groom to be taken to reception venue (if leaving for Honeymoon from there)
The Wedding Day is Here!
Eat!
Hair and make-up
Check wedding dress (pressing / steaming)
Relax and enjoy your very special day!
Make Sure You Have an Emergency Kit!
Helpful hint:
Make an emergency kit: Include
Make-up, extra tights or stockings, hair pins, safety pins, clear nail polish, comb, hair spray, hanky or tissues, needle & thread (white), headache tablets, plasters, toothpaste & brush, white chalk, dental floss, breath mints. You will feel much more relaxed if you’ve thought of everything!
For the Finishing Touch ...
If you would like to add a little personal touch that money just cannot buy to your Wedding Reception, why not make these beautiful Bride and Groom Napkin Folds designed by Luigi Spotorno - they are sure to be a talking point!
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Did you find this Wedding Planning Checklist helpful?
I really hope that this checklist has given you a starting point for developing your own list.
Thinking about things in a clear and logical order will help you fill in any gaps and add little touches of your own to ensure your special day is memorable for all the right reasons. If you have found the wedding planning checklist helpful - or if you have something you would like me to add, please do leave a comment below. Have a wonderful Wedding Day!
