Wedding Check List

AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
	Select a wedding date and time.
	Discuss a budget and how expenses will be shared. Open a separate bank account for the wedding fund.
	Agree on the size and how formal the wedding will be.
	Call clergyman/officiator to confirm date and schedule appointment to discuss ceremony.
	Select location for the ceremony and reception. Remember to pay deposits in order to secure your booking.
	Select a wedding photographer.
	Schedule appointment for bridal portrait.
	Start drafting your guest list. Inform bride and groom’s family of the number they can invite and by which date you need their list.
	Organise your engagement announcement in the newspaper.
	Begin planning a honeymoon destination.
	Select colour scheme and theme of your wedding.
	Order invitations, personal stationary and monogrammed favours for reception.
	Choose wedding attendants for both bride and groom. Find out their sizes.
	Organise the master of ceremonies for your reception.
	Start looking for and order the bridal gown – schedule the fittings and delivery date.
	Choose a caterer and plan the menu.
	Choose a florist that best suits your floral design requirements.
	Select music/musicians/DJ for the ceremony and/or reception.
	Order attendant’s gowns and schedule the fittings and delivery date.
	Book wedding cars for bridal party.
TWO MONTHS AHEAD
	Address and mail invitations.
	Sign up for your bridal registry and select gift options.
	Order your wedding cake.
	Buy or hire the formal wear for the groom and his attendants.
	Order rental equipment: eg. marquee, tables, chairs etc.
	Inform attendants of fitting schedules and of any accessories they may need to buy.
	Begin making transportation and accommodation arrangements for out of town guests and the wedding party.
	Begin personal shopping for clothes needed for pre-wedding parties or honeymoon.
	Make any necessary personal appointments – bank, solicitor, health check-up, beauty, hairdresser, etc.

ONE MONTH AHEAD
	Confirm details with all wedding suppliers that all arrangements are proceeding smoothly, i.e. caterer, florist, photographer, videographer, musicians, car hire specialists, hotel/reception manager, etc.
	Buy wedding rings.
	Ensure all official wedding documentation is in order.
	Schedule wedding rehearsal and notify everyone involved.
	Begin organising any necessary changes on all personal documentation the bride be taking the groom’s name.
	Confirm your total wedding look - ensure you have all necessary accessories for your wedding gown and for your attendants.
	Finish personal shopping.
	Finalise honeymoon plans.
	Plan bridesmaids’ luncheon.
	Buy bridesmaids’ and other special gifts.
ONE TO TWO WEEKS AHEAD
	Arrange for final fitting and delivery of all wedding attire.
	Arrange a trial hair and make-up day. Be sure to try your hair style with your veil.
	Confirm final guest count and inform caterer, reception venue.
	Have final consultation with florist, photographer, musicians, etc.
	Finalise transportation and accommodation arrangements for out of town guests and wedding party.
	Pack an “emergency kit” for the wedding day which may include: safety pins, tissues, cosmetics, hairspray, needle and cotton, extra pantyhose, extra lingerie, eye drops, headache pills and bandaids.
	Finalise seating arrangements for the reception.
	Confirm honeymoon bookings and have reading all necessary documentation: tickets, passports, traveller’s cheques, etc.
	Pack for honeymoon.
	If you choose to speak at your reception start deciding on what you wan to say.
	Arrange with your reception to have a table available for last minute gifts. Ask family members to move gifts home after wedding.
	If you are having an envelope box request a table for it with the gift table. Ask a close family member to be responsible for it.
	Sit down and organise the actual wedding day into some sort of time schedule. Provide the wedding party with the schedule – include maps if necessary.
	Wear your wedding shoes around the house until they are comfortable.
	Keep writing thank you notes and relax whenever possible !

ONE DAY AHEAD
	Place payments for DJ, florist, caterer, etc. into envelopes and give to groom’s Best man to take care of.
	Lay out everything you will need on the wedding day, right down to the smallest detail. Place everything in a convenient place so that it is easily accessible on the big day.
	If a hairdresser and/or make-up artist is to attend to you on the day, confirm appointment.
	Prepare going-away outfit.
	Confirm that all members of the wedding party are organised and well prepared.
	Prepare what you will have as a good healthy breakfast on your wedding day. This is important and often overlooked. A good breakfast will provide you with the energy you will need to get through the day.
	Have a massage, manicure and pedicure and relax.
	Before going to bed take a warm (not hot) fragrant bath.
	Complete your evening skin routine so that your skin is moist for your wedding day make-up.
	Relax!
	Get to bed early.
THIS IS IT !
	Relax and pamper yourself.
	Be at the ceremony at least five minutes early
	Smile and enjoy – this is your special day !