26/03/2013
Hi happy couple well this is what it is all about. This is my 12 month check list and this is what i will go through with you step by step.
12 Months or More Before the Wedding
Announce your engagement
Choose your engagement ring
Determine the style and theme of your wedding whether this be (formal, semi-formal,informal)
Make a list of what is important to you for a wedding this will help determine your budget
Discuss the wedding budget and who will pay for what
Decide on a wedding date and start searching wedding venues
Find a wedding officiant (the person who will marry you) and apply for the necessary licence's
9 To 11 Months Before the Wedding
Begin your search for vendors:
Bridal Gown
Formal Suit Hire
Photographer
Videographer
Live Music, Disco, Entertainers or bands (if needed)
Caterer (if needed)
Florist
Wedding Transport
Hair and Beauty Stylist
Bridesmaid Dresses
Wedding Cake
Shoes and Accessories
Wedding Lingerie
Venue Decoration/Chair Covers
If you the vendor is available on your chosen date book them IMMEDIATELY!
Compile a preliminary guest list
Visit wedding fayres/look through bridal magazines, search the internet to gain ideas and inspiration for your big day
Finalise your wedding colours, theme and style
Choose your bridesmaids, groomsmen, ushers, flower girl and ring bearer and ensure they are aware of what their duties are
Choose and purchase your wedding rings
Begin looking at honeymoon options and discuss where you both would like to go
6 To 8 Months Before the wedding
Start planning ceremony and reception music choices
Start looking at invitation designs
If you haven't already, purchase your wedding gown, veil and accessories
Finalise and order/purchase attire for your attendants
Sign up for your gift registry/honeymoon donation
4 To 5 Months Before the Wedding
Contact your florist and finalise your arrangements
Order Wedding stationery(invitations, envelopes, order of service etc)
Book you wedding transport
Arrange accommodation for out of town guests (book blocks of hotel rooms)
Choose your wedding cake
Decide on your wedding decorations including favours
3 Months Before The Wedding
Order your wedding cake
Finalise your guest list
Meet with your wedding officiant to discuss details of the ceremony
Choose gifts for your attendants and parents
Groom and male members of the wedding party to arrange for a suit fitting
Reconfirm honeymoon arrangements
Start writing your wedding vows, if you are doing them yourself
2 Months Before The Wedding
Send out your invitations
Meet with vendors to finalise arrangements
Schedule a hair and makeup trial with a consultant
Start making/buying wedding favours
Finalise music selections for the ceremony and reception
If changing your name, complete the proper documents
Meet with officiant to finalise ceremony details
Reserve room for wedding night if not already done so
1 Month Before the Wedding
Meet with your photographer and provide a list of required shots
Start working on your seating plan
Decide and confirm your wedding vows and ensure your officiant has been sent copies
Confirm all final payment amounts with your vendors as well as dates, times etc
Collect marriage licence
Confirm Honeymoon reservations
Arrange for a final wedding dress fitting
2 Weeks Before the Wedding
Finalise Seating chart
Confirm delivery time and locations with florist
Contact any guests you have not received an acceptance from
1 Week Before the Wedding
Collect wedding gown, bridesmaid, flower girl dresses and accessories
Give final guest numbers to venue/receptions/caterer
Make sure the men have their final suit fitting
Reconfirm everything with vendors one last time
1 Day Before
Attend rehearsal (if you are having one)
Have a manicure/pedicure
Confirm wedding day transportation
Reconfirm hair and make appointments for the wedding day
Confirm all duties required with the wedding party
Try to get an early night and relax!
Your Wedding Day
Try to eat breakfast, even if you think you aren't hungry
Have your hair and makeup done
Begin dressing two hours before ceremony is scheduled to begin
Take a deep breath, relax and most importantly enjoy your big day!
Post Wedding Day
If you are due to leave for honeymoon straight after the wedding day you need to ensure the following:
Any formal attire such as suits that have been hired for the day are returned the next working day in good order to the vendor. (Perhaps delegate this task to the best man or a member of the wedding party)
Ensure the venue is aware of any table decorations or chair covers that have been hired for the wedding from florists or venue decoration companies are stored safely for collection to ensure any refundable deposits are returned.
Ensure thank you notes for any gifts or donations are sent out no later than 3 months after your wedding date
