Photo Credit: Pinterest
Wedding planning can be daunting; doing research, managing a budget, and working out what to do when things go slightly out of plan. So we created a list of all the essential things you will need to do, from finding a wedding venue to going for dance classes, and planning a honeymoon.
Planning Timeline
This is a basic timeline based on a 6-month engagement and planning time. Although wedding varies so do plans, this checklist has general guidelines that will be helpful to every couple.
After discussing and finalizing what your ideal wedding should be like with the necessary parties(Spouse and Family), then proceed to;
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Draw up a budget
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Start planning the guest list. Decide on the number of guests
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Pick potential wedding dates - check with important guests to avoid clashes
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Research potential wedding venues and ceremony locations
Wedding Checklist
6 Months Before The Wedding
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Decide what type of entertainment you want for the ceremony.
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Visit and book your reception venue and ceremony location
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Research and book potential vendors - Wedding planner, Photographer, Florist, Invitations, Cake, Decor, Music, Hair, and Makeup
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Research and consider options for your venue and ceremony decor
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Start your wedding dress research
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Decide wedding materials and who's shopping for them
4 Months Before the Wedding
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Book band and/or DJ for reception
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Book caterer
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Research and reserve accommodations for guests
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Contact decor hire companies if you need to rent anything for ceremony/reception, such as chairs, tables, or a tent
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Book honeymoon - flights and accommodation
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Order wedding cake
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Order wedding dress
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Shop for groom's suit
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Choose bridesmaids colour
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Choose groomsmen colour
2 Months Before the Wedding
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Book ceremony musicians
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Start planning your honeymoon - Activities, and excursions
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Organize the legalities — Inform your registrar or priest/religious head months before.
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Decide on prayers, readings, and music for ceremony booklets — check with your priest/registrar/celebrant.
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Organize wedding transport
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Send invitations to guests
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Attend dress fittings
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Choose and order wedding rings
The Month Of The Wedding
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Shop for shoes, accessories, hair-pieces, bow ties, etc - allow for longer if you're ordering online
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Have a final wedding dress fitting
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Make any last-minute adjustments with suppliers
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Review the final RSVP list and call any guests who have not yet responded
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Deliver must-have shot lists to photographer and videographer
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Create your table plan
1 Week Before the Wedding
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Supply wedding coordinator with a list of supplier requests such as a table for DJ or setup.
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Call all vendors to confirm arrangements - create a timetable for the day
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Give the event managers a schedule of vendor delivery and setup times, plus contact numbers.
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Get a manicure, massage, waxing & all.
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Do full dressing rehearsal for bride and groom
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Pack an overnight bag for the reception
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Pack for the honeymoon
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Make last-minute changes to table plan if necessary
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Confirm pick-up times with wedding car company
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Reconfirm final details with all vendors. Discuss any necessary last-minute substitutions
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Print the order for the day and the main supplier's contact details, give copies to your best man and maid of honour.