As soon as you announce your engagement you might feel like all you become is a wedding. People keep asking…… So when is the big date? Have you found your dress? How big is your guest list?
Below is an easy to follow “to do list” there are no prescribed dates associated with the tasks because all brides are different so you can map out your own time line. Remember to enjoy the entire process, the dress fittings and lunches between appointments will be some of your fondest wedding memories.
Time to Start Planning – Ready… Set… Go
- Create a rough budget and determine how expenses will be shared
- You and your fiancé need to decide where you want to have your wedding – close to home, interstate or overseas
- Decide what theme you want for your wedding – beach, winery, cocktail, sit down etc
- Decide on the type of ceremony – religious, celebrant, church or garden etc. You want to be on the same side when telling family members your plans
- Determine a guest list so that the venues you select can cater for your needs
- Select a wedding date
- Book the ceremony venue – if your ceremony is outside make sure there is an inside option
- Book your wedding reception venue
- Send out a save the date, especially if your having a destination wedding
- Choose your bridal party
- Buy some wedding magazines and cut out pictures of cars, flowers, dresses etc that you like and make your wedding storyboard
Time to Start Booking – Let the Fun begin
- Book wedding photographers and videographers.
- Decide on how many and what type of wedding cars you want. Get some quotes and book.
- Select a travel agent and start planning your honeymoon.
- Book hire equipment if needed – marquees, centerpieces etc.
- Start trying on wedding dresses – make the decision if you are buying off the rack or getting it made. If you are getting it made start to organise your designer
- Decide and book your wedding officiant
- Book your wedding cars and any wedding transport you may need for your guests
- Source and book a wedding florist
- Book entertainment
More Orgainsing – Now it Starts to Come Together
- Organise current passports if your honeymoon is overseas
- Find and order bridesmaids dresses, shoes and jewellery
- Let the mothers of the bride and groom know the bridesmaid colours so they can coordinate with the bridal party
- Decide if you are purchasing or hiring suits. Book the suits for the groom and groomsmen
- Organise bridal registry for gifts
- Select invitations and organise invitation wording – send out invitations 6-8 weeks prior to the event
- Start looking and booking your hair and makeup artist
- Book Wedding Night accommodation
- Fill out Notice of Intention to Marry, no more than 6 months before but no less than 1 month and a day
- Purchase wedding bands
Getting Close – Adding Those Special Touches
- Finalise the menu with venue
- Organise the guest floor plan
- Order your bombonieres
- Purchase wedding favors e.g. disposable cameras, confetti, guest book
- Plan the order of your service for the wedding ceremony and select relevant music
- Make service booklets – the general rule of thumb is to make enough booklets for all your female guests
- Buy your gifts for the bridal party and parents
- Purchase your jewellery
- Get documentation from the celebrant/church/synagogue/temple and fill in necessary forms
- Organise your Master of ceremonies, which can be a friend or professional MC
- Organise dance lessons for your bridal dance
Almost There ……. Now it’s Getting Exciting
- Put together a schedule for the wedding and give the relevant sections to all the people involved
- Write the running sheet, give a copy to the MC. Decide the order of toasts and speeches make sure you notify the people speaking
- Book a hair and make up trial
- Buy your wedding lingerie
- Reconfirm all of your suppliers
- Plan the rehearsal dinner
- Get photography permit, if needed
- Have your final wedding dress fitting
- Have the final fittings for your bridesmaids and groomsmen
Nearly Time – Last Moments of Single Life
- Have your engagement ring cleaned
- Finalise guest list and seating arrangements
- Display guest list so your guests can see where their tables and also give a copy to the venue
- Wear your wedding shoes around the house so that they are more comfortable – purchase some flat shoes in case you get sore feet
- Book into a beautician for nails, spray tan, waxing etc
- Pick up wedding gown. Make sure you have something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue
- Make a list of all the wedding suppliers addresses and phone numbers in case of an emergency
- Confirm final numbers with your venue
- Make a list of all the people you want photos with so you can hand it to the photographer or a responsible bridesmaid to avoid leaving important people out of photos
- Pack your overnight bag
- Pack an esky for the bridal party between ceremony and reception
- Pack bridal emergency kit just in case
- Give the best man any cheques or money that need to be given out on the day
Have the most memorable day of your life
