Use this To-do list to help you plan your wedding from up to a year out. Give yourelf more than enough time to make sure you have all your plans finalised and to make your day everything you want it to be.
More than a year out
- Set up a Pinterest board to envision your wedding. From flowers to dresses - get excited!
- Draw up a rough budget for everything except the honeymoon.
- Create your dream team - hire a wedding planner if you’re using one.
- Pick a date - have a few options - and time then check with anyone involved if it suits them.
- With the venue and date sorted - plan your guest list and book ceremony and reception site.
- Choose your wedding party - friends and relatives you want to share this with.
- Have an engagement party - if it’s what you want.
Eight to ten months out
- Start shopping for your wedding dress - gives you alteration time.
- Start thinking about your food choices for your reception.
- Plan the entertainment you would like to have - violinist during predrinks, DJ, band, etc.
- Do some research on vendors (photographers, florists, videographer, etc) and make a list.
- Do some research on a wedding insurance policy.
- Book accommodation for your guests who will need somewhere to stay over.
- Make contact with the rental companies to hire anything like chairs, tables, a tent, etc.
- Send out your save-the-date cards to all your guests.
Six to eight months out
- Order thee attire for your wedding party & book your ceremony musicians.
Four to six months out
- Order your wedding stationery & wedding rings.
- Sort out your passports if your honeymoon is abroad & plan and book your wedding cake.
Three months out
- Order your wedding cake & book all transport you will require on the day.
Two months out
- Send out all your invitations & start writing your vows if need be.
- Book a hair and makeup trial run with your stylists.
One month out
- Apply for a marriage license at the local bureau in the town where you’ll be getting married.
- Arrange your final dress fitting & set up a day-of plan so your guests can refer to it upon arrival.
Two weeks out
- Go through your RSVP list and check with those who haven’t gotten back to you yet.
- Email a list of songs to play to your DJ or band if you have any of those.
- Have your final hairdresser appointment before the big day.
One week out
- Send your final guest amount through to your caterer and venue - include any extras who need food.
- Send the venue manager a list of extras needed like a DJ table, display tables, etc.
- Plan your seating charts and get stationery designs printed by designer.
- Send a document with everyones numbers as well as a day-of timeline to anyone involved.
- Attend your bachelor or bachelorette parties.
Three days out
- Get your dress steamed or pressed & make sure your wedding party have their attire.
- Call your car services and confirm times and routes.
One day out
- Rehearse your ceremony with all involved - finalise all details.
- Bring any extras needed for the ceremony & give your marriage license to your officiant.
Wedding day!
- Give out all necessary gifts & provide the maid of honor and best man with wedding bands.
Postwedding
- Return any rentals & write and send all thank you notes to anyone you see fit.