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 and 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
- 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 like to show your photographer
THREE MONTHS TO GO:
- Think about the 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 and 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 bomboniere
- 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
