Wedding Checklist

Weddings are magical affairs. However, planning a wedding is not always as magical as it can, and should, be. With a million things to organise, it’s all too easy to forget an all-important detail or leave it until it’s too late. That’s why we’ve compiled this wedding checklist here at Social Brides to help you with the process, and make it simpler and more manageable.

A.S.A.P.

-decide on a budget

-select what type of ceremony you want

-select your colour scheme, and an overarching theme (optional)

-Select and book a venue for the ceremony

-Book your ceremony time and date with a minister or registrar – have back up dates/times in mind

-Select your bridesmaids, flower girls, pageboys, ushers and groomsmen

-Select and book a venue for the reception (confirm it in writing)

-Arrange wedding insurance before you pay any deposits

-Prepare a first draft of the guest list

-Meet and book caterers – sample a few menu options

-Order the cake (you can settle on the design a little later, around 4 months before the wedding)

-Start looking for wedding dresses, -choose between bespoke and off the peg

-Select your wedding stationery (invitations, place cards etc.)

-if you’re hiring a wedding planner now is the time to do it

6-12 months before:

-Send out save the date cards

-Book a photographer/videographer

-Book transport to and from the ceremony for the bridal party

-Book the honeymoon

-Book florists and entertainers/musicians

-create an inspiration board or scrapbook with ideas and styles you like for food, dresses, hair, makeup, decorations etc.

-Choose your bridal attire and outfits for others involved in the ceremony

6 months before:

-Select and order your wedding rings

-Pick up your Marriage Notice form from the Registrar

-Choose bridal accessories, shoes, headdress, veil etc

5 months before:

-Select flowers for the bridal bouquet, decorations, buttonholes etc.

-Book a hotel for your first night.

-Compile your gift wish list

4 months before:

-Finalise the design and colour you want for your wedding cake

-Check requirements for travelling and which documents you’ll need

-Arrange any visas you need

-Book an appointment with your doctor to discuss what vaccinations you will need for your honeymoon

-Confirm and discuss the arrangements with your minister like the order of service

-Buy gifts for those involved in the wedding

3 months before:

-Consult your hairdresser about what styles you like, and what styles will suit your face. Consider taking your headdress along and arrange a trial style

-Hen and stag parties should be organised by the best man and chief bridesmaid

-Ensure guests have accommodation

-When guests RSVP stating their intention to attend, send them an information pack including such information as your gift list, maps and directions, local accommodation availability etc.

-If you’re altering your name, now is the time to have new credit cards issued.

-Buy wedding favours

-Arrange fittings for those involved in the ceremony

2 months before:

-buy wedding confetti (check if confetti is permitted, some allow biodegradable products such as dried petals)

-prepare a seating plan

-send thank you notes as and when wedding gifts arrive

-children involved in the ceremony should be measured up for their outfits

-Contact your stationer to let them know names for place cards

-Arrange a trial run of your wedding make-up

1 month before:

-Final fitting for your wedding dress and the bridesmaids’ dresses

-Let the caterer and reception venue know the final number of guests attending

-Write and rehearse speeches

-Confirm transport details and find out the approximate duration of the journey to the ceremony venue

-Write to banks and any other official institutions if you’re changing your surname

1-2 weeks before:

-Confirm suppliers – confirm arrangements and timings

-Final rehearsal

-Make sure all wedding attire has been collected and fits

-Wear in bridal shoes

-Ensure the menus, place cards, order of service sheets etc have been delivered

-Confirm honeymoon details, order currency etc

-Write a play list for the DJ, including you first dance song

-Pick up your marriage schedule

-Pick up wedding attire

On the big day:

-Try to have at least some breakfast

-Leave plenty of time to get ready – there’s nothing worse than feeling flustered

-Make sure your honeymoon suitcase is sent to the hotel you’re staying at overnight