So he has popped the question, and you have said yes! Or you’ve made the BIG decision as a couple….What next? Planning a wedding can seem like a monstrous task, but we are here with you every step of the way to help ease the process. The first thing to do is to sit down with your fiancé (and the family) and decide on the type of wedding you want. This can help you finalize the style of day you want – whether they will be formal/semi formal, the location, approximate time-frame, the number of guests, the budget and so on. Next, sign up to weddingsonline for all your supplier and inspiration needs and get yourself well acquainted with our galleries and Pinterest boards.
After that, we’ve got a step-by-step wedding checklist to help you keep on top of everything. This wedding planning checklist is based on a 9-12 month period before the wedding but if you’ve less time than that, just start doing the things on the checklist and try to catch up. Happy planning!
The ultimate wedding planning checklist for brides
Nine months to one year before the wedding
- Announce the wedding date
- Set approximate budget-determine number of guests, make initial guest lists
- Talk with the family-decide who will pay for what
- Book the location/site/wedding hall and reception venue if any
- Call the officiant and book them in advance
Six to Nine Months before the wedding
- Determine the wedding theme/colours
- Shop for your wedding dresses. Think about the total number of dresses you will need for each ceremony/event including bridal shower, parties, mehendi/sangeet, rehearsal dinner and get-togethers etc.
- Shop for your wedding jewellery and accessories. Keep them safely locked at home/in a bank, until it is time for the wedding.
- Start browsing through potential wedding photographer portfolios. Conduct interviews and book one. Arrange for a pre wedding shoot. Popular photographers need to be booked at least 6 months in advance.
- Plan your honeymoon. Book your tickets and get your passport/ visa and other related documents in order.
- Order your wedding invitations, thank-you letters and other stationery. Address them.
Four to six months before the wedding
- Start shopping for wedding gifts, favours etc.
- Purchase your wedding accessories.
- Select your wedding venue decorator. Many venues do not offer one, so you will need to scout for them.
- Arrange for your wedding caterer/cake. Sampling is offered by many so do avail of these services.
Photo via Chris & Natasha’s real wedding by Itsoura Motion & Stills
Two to four months before the wedding
- Finalize your wedding cake and caterer
- Purchase your honeymoon dresses/lingerie and other wedding trousseau. Check if you need to buy luggage for your travel.
- Arrange for wedding day transportation as well as guest transportation to and from airport/hotel/wedding venue etc.
- Start beauty treatments: teeth whitening, facials, or other cosmetic hair/skin procedures.
- Send out the guest invites and determine number of people who have sent the RSVP. Finalize the number.
- Book hotels or make travel/ accommodation arrangements for out-of-town wedding guests.
6-4 weeks before the wedding
- Interview your bridal hair/makeup stylist. Determine your hairstyle and look for the day. Schedule the artist to arrive at a time suitable to the ceremony/rituals.
- Book your Mehendi/henna artist.
- Try on the wedding dress for final fitting if any and break in the wedding shoes to ensure they are comfortable.
- Finalize the wedding menu and beverages with guest count.
- Call the officiant to confirm the details/timing.
- Pack separately for the honeymoon and for the wedding venue.
- Contact guests just in case you have not received their RSVP letters
- Shop for final bridal accessories-makeup items etc
- Arrange the wedding getaway car/transport.
One day before the wedding
- Finish the packing
- Provide your wedding organizers/helpers/family members with detailed lists as to what their tasks are as well as the timetable for the day.
- Safely pack the wedding jewellery, rings etc and entrust them to family member/friends.
- Review the timetable for the day.
- Relax and enjoy the events!
Photo via Angela & Mark’s real wedding by Rebecca Hobday
We hope this handy little wedding planning checklist will help you determine what’s done and what is left to be done for a smooth and flawless wedding day.
Main photo via Ross & Cara’s real wedding by Women in Wedding
The girls at weddingsonline
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