Wedding Countdown Checklist |
| Congratulations on your engagement! Here's a wedding checklist to help you plan your perfect day... |
Do it now
- Set a date for your wedding and discuss what you both want
- Announce your engagement to your friends and family. You may wish to place an announcement in your local paper.
- Set a budget depending on whose paying for what.
- Decide on your style of wedding.
- Work out the number of guests you want to invite.
- Open a separate bank account for your wedding fund.
- Choose your wedding ceremony - church, register office or civil ceremony venue.
- Choose a venue, check availability and book if necessary.
- Book the service or registrar - do this early to ensure you get your preferred date.
- Organise wedding insurance.
- Decide on a Best Man, bridesmaids, ushers and page boys.
- Go dress shopping.
- Begin fitness regime.
4-9 Months to go
- Decide on honeymoon destination and book.
- Book transport for the day.
- Choose and book your entertainment - don't forget the kids.
- Book the photographer and videographer.
- Order invitations and other stationery.
- Decide and book the caterers if needed.
- Arrange wedding licence.
- Hire wedding planner, if required.
- Arrange meeting with your minister or registrar to discuss service and wedding banns.
- Select readings and music for the ceremony.
- Choose a style of wedding cake and order.
- Discuss your flower requirements and ideas with your florist.
- Order suits for groom, best man, etc.
- Buy lingerie and shoes.
- Arrange a dress fitting (try on with lingerie). Same for bridesmaids.
3 Months to go
- Choose wedding favours and order.
- Send out invitations, keeping a list of who you've sent to.
- Confirm registry office booking, if not a church wedding.
- Put together a gift list.
- Book a hotel for your wedding night.
- Reserve accommodation for guests.
- Check hen and stag parties are in hand.
- Choose stylists and discuss hair and make-up options.
- Have hair and make up rehearsal.
- Discuss menus with caterers/venue.
- Choose wedding rings and other jewellery.
- Test drive fake tans.
- Purchase going away outfit.
2 Months to go
- Choose thank you gifts for your wedding party.
- Arrange table decorations.
- Organise the printing of the Order of Service sheets.
- Buy a guest book.
- Order flowers, including buttonholes, headdresses, bouquets and corsages.
- Buy marriage licence from registrar.
- Keep track of RSVP’s.
- Confirm numbers and menu with caterers.
- Choose music for wedding reception and wedding breakfast.
- Hold Hen and Stag parties.
1 Month to go
- Arrange a final dress fitting.
- Finalise the number of guests.
- Confirm numbers for the caterers.
- Devise a seating plan.
- If going abroad, order currency for your honeymoon.
- Send place cards to calligrapher/printer.
- Remind key guests about their speeches.
2 Weeks to go
- Check that speeches are prepared.
- Confirm arrangements with any suppliers.
- Wear wedding shoes around the house in order to break them in.
- Pack holiday clothes.
- Order travellers cheques.
- Inform photographer of any 'must have' photos.
- Buy gifts for the wedding party.
- Remind fiance to get a haircut.
1 Week to go
- Re-confirm final numbers with caterers.
- Check travel documents for the honeymoon.
- Confirm time and place with photographer, florist, cars, music and entertainment.
- Hold wedding rehearsal.
24 Hours to go
- Have a manicure, pedicure and other beauty treatments.
- Eat well.
- Have honeymoon luggage sent to first night hotel.
- Decorate venue.
- Make sure your is looking its best by following the maker’s instructions.
- Relax and have an early night.
On the Day
- Best man to have the rings; collect buttonholes and flowers for the groom's family.
- Best man to be ready to take any hired suits back on time.
- Best man to pack up the wedding presents safely.
- Maid of honour to help dress and arrange your veil.
- Maid of honour to keep you calm and relaxed.
- Maid of honour to take your dress away to be cleaned whilst you are on honeymoon.
After the honeymoon.
- Send thank you cards.
- Choose photographs.
- Change your name. Notify various people and organisations
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