How To Create The Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist And Timeline: What Needs To Be Done And When?

There’s no denying that wedding planning can be a stressful, time-consuming process. Make it that bit simpler by putting together a comprehensive plan early on to ensure you don’t miss a thing. To help you out in your time of need, here’s a comprehensive wedding planning checklist including everything that needs to be done as well as when it needs to be done by.

 

9-12 months before the wedding

• Create your checklist!

Using this guide, create a comprehensive checklist with corresponding timeline that will guide you through your wedding planning. Some brides like to start a binder or folder so they can collect receipts and other information as they go.

• Determine your budget

This will affect every part of your wedding planning so make sure you get the numbers sorted upfront.

• Pick and book a venue 

Another thing that will have an impact on other decisions, so best to get it locked in early. It also means that you won’t miss out on your dream venue and will have an official date!

• Select your bridal party

As a couple, choose if you want a bridal party and, if so, who will they be. Once you have decided, it’s best to ask them to be a part of your special day with plenty of notice. 

• Begin putting together a guest list

Creating a guest list can be a challenge so start early to give you plenty of time to adjust the list.

• Book a celebrant/officiant

You need somebody to officiate your wedding. Once you have your date and venue finalised, get somebody booked to ensure you have somebody that you feel comfortable with and aren’t trying to find somebody at the last minute.

• Book a photographer/videographer

These are photos that you will be looking back on forever so make sure you get the right photographer. Booking a photographer in early will ensure you get the one you want. It’s also a good time to book a videographer if you are having one.

 

6-9 months before the wedding

• Buy the dress!

A huge task on any bride’s list, now is the time to start looking for your dream gown.

• Book catering (if it isn’t included with the venue)

If you need to book a caterer, consider what type of reception you will be having and what food is required. Seek out some quotes, meet with potential caterers and select the one that is best suited to you and your wedding.

• Book a florist

If you are having a florist organise the flower arrangements for the day, get them booked in. Popular florists can be booked out months in advance for wedding season.

• Send save-the-dates

Let your guests know that you’ve set a date so they can put it in their calendars.

• Start booking your honeymoon

Don’t forget to begin making arrangements for after the wedding!

 

3-6 months before the wedding

• Organise transport for the day of the wedding

Always wanted to arrive in a limousine? Horse and cart? Mustang convertible? Now is the time to get it booked in.

• Book hair and make-up artists

Have a trial and book your preferred hair and make-up artists. If your bridesmaids are getting their hair and make-up done as well, make sure you book for them too.

• Choose the bridal party outfits

It’s time to start looking at dresses for your bridesmaids and thinking about what groomsmen outfits will complement them and match the wedding theme.

• Buy your rings

Tick another thing off the list by purchasing your wedding bands.

• Buy your shoes and other accessories

You have the dress, but what do you need to complete your wedding day outfit?

 

1-3 months before the wedding

 

• Choose your playlist

 

Decide on the music for your wedding – aisle song, reception entry song, first dance as well as the party playlist.

 

• Attend fittings as required

 

If your dress needs any adjustments, make sure to schedule them.

 

• Purchase favours

 

If you have decided to provide small favours to your guests, now is the time to buy them.

• Send the invitations

Let your guests know all the details.

• Have your bachelor and bachelorette parties!

 

Last few weeks before the wedding

• Finalise your vows

An important part of any wedding ceremony, so take some time to develop something from the heart.

• Meet with your vendors

Confirm final numbers, times and any other details to ensure things run smoothly.

• Final beauty appointments

Get your hair cut/coloured, nails done and any other preparation required.

• Enjoy yourself!

Many brides get caught up in the wedding planning process and forget to enjoy the time and sometimes even the wedding. Make sure you take the chance to breathe and remember this special time.