So… You’re planning a wedding: exciting but equally terrifying! There’s so much involved in a wedding and because for most it’s a first-time experience, you may be worried that there could be something you have left out. Well, fear not! Here is a definitive wedding checklist of everything you will need for your big day.
Just After Engagement or Once You Start Planning
- Celebrate!
- Decide what your dream day would be like as a couple (casual, traditional, intimate etc).
- Make a budget and look at your savings so far.
- Make a wedding checklist!
- Decide what you would like to splash out on and what you don’t mind saving on.
- Make a Pinterest account or scrapbook and fill it with research for your dress, venue, décor.
- Form a bridal party.
- Recruit your Best Man/Maid of Honour.
12 Months + to go
- Choose a date and some back-up dates.
- Narrow down a list of venue options.
- Enquire with your favourites and book an appointment with each.
- Research other wedding suppliers and maybe a planner.
- Consider wedding insurance.
- Book your photographer/videographer.
- Head to Pinterest for décor inspiration!
- Do the same for wedding dresses.
- Send any save the date cards (optional).
- Book your ceremony (if it’s a church wedding, book as early as possible).
8+ Months to go
- Nail down your ceremony and reception music.
- Research accommodation for guests.
- Have a cake tasting and make your final order.
- Book hair and makeup as well as trials.
- Confirm guest list.
- Research Stationery.
Just 6 months left!
- Proof invites and send them out to guests.
- Order dresses for your bridesmaids.
- Buy your wedding dress.
- Purchase wedding rings.
- Decide on your wedding dress.
4 months to go
- Buy groomsmen attire.
- Confirm wedding suppliers and any special requests.
- Fitting for wedding dress.
2 months
- Confirm final guest list.
- Write any vows or speeches.
- Buy any accessories (shoes, headpiece etc).
- Book transportation.
- Have a hen or sten night.
Eeeep! 1 Month
- Confirm any last details with your venue/suppliers.
- Final fitting for wedding dress.
Just 3 weeks Left
- Give your photographer a list of shots you would like taken.
- Confirm any seating arrangements with wedding team.
- Review set list with band/DJ.
2 Weeks
- Get any facials or waxings – beauty treatments can often cause breakouts, so leave at least one week recovery time to give your skin a chance to settle. Plus, you will need time between a wax if you are getting a spray tan done.
During the week before
- Get your tan done – Not everyone will want this but if you do, your trial should tell you how long it will last for and how intense you will want it to look.
- Nails – Get this done as close to the wedding as possible so it will look fresh.
- Wrap any bridal part gifts.
- Make any final payments or arrangements with your venue/suppliers.
The day before the big day
- Keep Calm!
- Relax with a bath – if you’re planning an up-do, it may be an idea to not wash your hair as it will be more likely to hold.
- Get your emergency bridal kit ready.
- Go to sleep early!
The Big Day
- Start the day with a hearty breakfast – hard boiled eggs are perfect as they provide slow releasing energy.
- Get your wedding dress on before your hair and make-up – this will be easier than trying to lift the dress over a big head of hair and a freshly made-up face!
- Ask your wedding team to keep some appetizers back for you while you take wedding photos. Trust us, you will be starving!
- Enjoy it! It goes by quickly and only happens once.
Image via Grey Likes Weddings
