The Only List You Will Ever Need For Planning your Wedding

Planning a wedding can be a complex task. Some of us love it and some of us can find it daunting and stressful, especially at the beginning, there seems to be so much to organise and remember.  Which makes having a comprehensive checklist crucial to ensure that nothing is overlooked.

Here’s our definitive checklist to help you cover all aspects of planning your wedding:

• Set a Budget: Determine the overall budget for the wedding and allocate funds for each aspect accordingly.

• Create a Guest List: Decide on the number of guests you want to invite and compile a list with their names and addresses.

• Choose a Date and Venue: Select a date that works for you and book the ceremony and reception venues.

• Hire a Wedding Planner (optional): Consider hiring a wedding planner if you want professional assistance in managing the details and logistics.

• Select Your Wedding Party: Choose your bridesmaids, groomsmen, and other members of the wedding party.

• Send Save-the-Dates: Send out save-the-date cards or emails to inform your guests well in advance.

• Choose a Theme or Style: Decide on a wedding theme or style that reflects your personalities and preferences.

• Find and Book Your Suppliers:
  • Caterer: Arrange for food and beverages for the reception.
  • Photographer/Videographer: Hire a professional to capture your special moments.
  • Florist: Select a florist to design your wedding arrangements.
  • Entertainment: Book a DJ, band, or any other entertainment for the reception.
  • Officiant: Choose someone to officiate the ceremony.
  • Wedding Cake: Find a bakery and decide on a cake design.
  • Rental Services: If needed, rent tables, chairs, linens, and other necessary items.
  • Venue Dresser: Choose someone or a company to decorate your venue and set up your ceremony and reception rooms.

• Wedding Attire:
  • Bride’s Dress: Shop for and order the bride’s wedding gown.
  • Groom’s Attire: Arrange for the groom’s suit or tuxedo fittings. Decide whether you’ll be buying this or renting.
  • Bridesmaids’ and Groomsmen’s Attire: Decide on the attire and communicate with the wedding party necessary fitting dates.

• Plan Ceremony Details:
  • Write Vows: If desired, write your own vows.
  • Ceremony Program: Design and print programs for guests.
  • Ceremony Music: Choose songs or musicians for the ceremony.

• Plan Reception Details:
  • Seating Arrangement: Create a seating chart for guests.
  • Decorations: Determine the decorations and centrepieces for the reception.
  • Reception Program: Plan the order of events, including speeches, dances, and cake cutting.
  • Wedding Favours: Decide on and purchase wedding favours for guests.

• Arrange Transportation: Book transportation for the wedding party and, if needed, for guests.

• Obtain Marriage Licence: Research the requirements in your jurisdiction and obtain the necessary marriage licence.

• Accommodation: Reserve hotel rooms or arrange accommodations for any of your out-of-town guests.

• Plan Honeymoon: Decide on a honeymoon destination, book flights, accommodations, and activities.

• Wedding Rehearsal: Schedule and organise a rehearsal to ensure everyone knows their roles and timing.

• Finalise Details:
  • Confirm all supplier bookings and arrangements.
  • Create a timeline/schedule for the wedding day.
  • Communicate any special instructions or requests to your chosen suppliers.

• Wedding Day Emergency Kit: Prepare an emergency kit with essentials like safety pins, stain remover, tissues, etc.

• Delegate Tasks: Assign specific responsibilities to trusted friends or family members to help with coordination on the wedding day.

• Enjoy Your Special Day: Take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy your wedding day with your loved ones!