Check through the list below for important reminders for the countdown to your wedding day:
Now you’re engaged!
Pick a date or at least a month!
If you have a dream venue in mind get it booked. (There are only a finite amount of dates available and you don't want to miss out.)
Get the engagement ring fitted and insured
Create a budget
12 months before
Visit and book your reception venue and ceremony location
Research potential wedding services and suppliers - photographer, florist, invitations, cake, decor, music, hair and make up
Book your photographer as soon as you find the one you like
(The most popular ones book up their diaries months in advance)
The same goes for the wedding cake if you want a prestigious designer to create it
Consider and review wedding insurance options
Decide what type of entertainment you want for the ceremony, drinks reception and dancing
Book your caterers and decide on your menu
Send Save-The-Date cards - important if you're getting married abroad, or during a very busy time of year
Choose your bridesmaids and groomsmen
6-9 months before
Research and consider options for your venue and ceremony decor
Start your wedding dress research and find your perfect dress
Buy wedding rings
Register/create gift list
Book ceremony music, band and DJ for reception (If you have a fabulous band in mind this needs to be booked at the same time as the venue in case you need to compromise on the date)
Send invitations to guests
Research and reserve accommodations for guests
Contact decor hire companies if you need to rent anything for ceremony/reception, such as chairs, tables, and tent
3-6 months before
Choose bridesmaids' dresses
Choose groom, best man and ushers' Suits
Book transport
Book honeymoon- ensure passports are in date for honeymoon - order new ones if necessary (You now need 6 months on your passport to leave the country)
Choose readings, poems and hymns
0-3 Months
Write speeches, thank yous and vows
Do a trial of your make up/hair
if you require a dress fitting, now is a good time
Give venue/caterer final guest head count
Create or finalise your table plan
Print place cards
Break in your shoes!
1 week before!
Confirm timings with all suppliers and either settle all accounts or organise any monies that need to be paid on the day
Create a schedule for the day and give it to your wedding co-ordinator (if you are using one or a family member) along with a list of supplier requests so they can take care of things while you are getting ready
Give ceremony and reception site managers a schedule of vendor delivery and set up times, plus contact numbers
Get manicure, massage, waxing & all your beauty prep done
Do full wedding dress rehearsal i.e. practise putting it all on from underwear to veil
Pack an overnight bag for the reception
Pack for the honeymoon
Get your travel money and insurance
After your Wedding
Pre-arrange for someone to return any rentals.
Pre-plan for someone to take your wedding dress to the dry cleaners and return the groom's tux to the rental shop.
Write and send thank you notes to guests and vendors who were especially helpful.
