Wedding is definitely one of the most important chapters in a couple’s life. It is a ceremony that binds two people in love in a lifetime covenant of love and commitment. However, preparing for a wedding can be extremely stressful because there are a lot of things, small and big, that needed to be put into consideration. How you plan your wedding can make or break the success of this momentous event.
Below is a definitive wedding preparation guide to help you ensure that you have carefully and thoroughly you thought about and planned every detail of your upcoming wedding.
AFTER ENGAGEMENT
- Soon after the engagement, it is ideal to discuss your ideal wedding with your fiancée to make sure that both of you are on the same page. You can use bridal blog and magazines for ideas and inspirations.
- Come up with a budget and establish your priorities
- Determine the estimated number of guests
- After planning the guest list, choose potential wedding dates and venues. Make sure that the dates do not clash with the schedule of your important guests.
10-12 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING
- Book an appointment and visit the wedding venue. Click the link to know the questions to ask when assessing a wedding venue.
- Determine if you need a wedding insurance and review your options
- Research and book which wedding services and suppliers to use – florist, photographers, invitations, décor, music, cake, hair and makeup
- Find a wedding dress and accessories
- Choose who your bridesmaids and groomsmen will be
6-9 MONTHS
- Research and book accommodations for out-of-town guests
- Plan honeymoon
- Arrange and book transportation if necessary
- Plan the detail on your stag party and bridal shower and the people who will be attending
- Book a caterer and order your wedding cake
- Have your invitations designed and printed
- Send out save-the-date card
3-5 MONTHS
- Organise legalities, such as notice to registrar or priest
- Shop dresses or reserve rentals for your entourage (bridesmaids, flower girls, groomsmen, etc)
- Attend pre-marriage counselling
- Discuss your options with the florist
- Shop suit for the groom
- Order guest’s wedding favours
- Rehearsal dinner guest list
- Book party rentals and linens
- Find a reputable jeweller for your wedding bands. It is important not to waste time and book an appointment now!
- Finalise ceremony readings and vows, menu, beverage, and catering details, and honeymoon details.
- Shop and purchase your wedding rings. You can look for wedding bands for him at Simon West Jewellery.
- Book a trial with a hair and makeup stylist
1-2 MONTHS
- Meet with the photographer and discuss pre-nuptial photo shoot, specific themes, locations, and shots
- Prepare a playlist you wished to be played by the band or deejay
- Get your marriage license
- Send out rehearsal-dinner invitations
- Send out final payments
- Confirm schedule with all the vendors
- Come up with a seating arrangement
WEEK OF THE WEDDING
- Schedule final dress fitting. Make sure that it fits you perfectly
- Appoint someone to help you will small wedding-day tasks
- Pick up your dress
- Send the final number of guests to the caterer
- Try on your bridal shoes
- Pack for your honeymoon
Do you have more ideas or thoughts you want to share with us? Write them down in the comments!
