Photo: Alpine Image Company
Planning a wedding can be an exciting but stressful time. Several factors will influence what type of wedding you will have, but the following is a handy checklist of important details to attend to.
First things first:
- insure your engagement ring
- consider having an engagement party
- work out a big day budget and savings plan and decide who is contributing to the wedding
- think about where and when you’d like to get married
- decide on a wedding theme & style
- decide if you will have a civil or religious ceremony and arrange the church or celebrant
- write draft guest list
- research venues, photographers, caterers and wedding dresses and obtain quotes
- decide if you will have a wedding party
- consider sending save-the-dates
Six months to go:
- arrange meetings and get quotes from florists and stylists
Photo: Kelk Photography - shortlist invitations you like and get quotes
- start thinking about cakes and keep cuttings of ones you like
- order your wedding gown (some designers will need at least six months to make it)
- start looking for accessories to match
- start looking at wedding bands
- book reception venue
- book caterer and any necessary hire companies
- choose an MC for the reception
- arrange transport for the bridal party
- research music options and book
- plan and book your honeymoon
- start thinking about photo spots and collect images you’d like to show your photographer
Three months to go:
- think about vows you’d like to take, or if you’ll write your own
- buy bridesmaid dresses and decide on accessories
- buy or arrange hire of groom and groomsmen outfits
- select a wedding gift registry and get all information you need for your invitations
- finalise the guest list
- send out invitations
- choose florist
- choose cake-maker
- start any DIY projects for decorations
- book any wedding night accommodation
Six weeks to go:
- apply at district court for a marriage licence
- finalise readings and ceremony order
- choose presents for attendants
- select who will be making speeches and let them know
- confirm guest numbers & seating plan
- finalise menu and beverage details
- finalise reception running order
- have final dress-fitting
- confirm wedding band order and arrange collection
- confirm any final RSVPs
- make any final adjustments to decorations
- purchase or make bombonieres
- confirm booking with photographer and finalise details of the day
- have hair and make-up trials
- wear-in wedding shoes
One week to go:
- have a full rehearsal at the ceremony site with all attendants
- prepare speeches
- pick up any hired items
- polish your engagement ring
- make sure all your place cards are written
- finalise your seating chart
- confirm numbers with the caterer
- confirm florist delivery times and set up
- confirm cake and delivery time
- confirm the entertainment and reception timing
- confirm transport and timing
- check the venue has all the details it needs, including the running order
- confirm booking and times with your hair and make-up stylists
- pack for your wedding night and honeymoon
