Planning your wedding day

Just got engaged but not quite sure where to start? Planning your wedding day should be fun and exciting, but sometimes it’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the different options out there and when to do what. Take a look at our calendar and plan with ease.

12 – 18 moths to go

• Envision what type of  wedding you want and draw up a budget
• Pick a wedding date and time. Select several options, then check with your venues, officiant and important guests before finalising the date
• Hire wedding co-ordinator/planner if needed
• Research & visit venues and then make your final choice & book
• Notify registrar and obtain marriage licence
• Start planning the guest list
• Ask friends and relatives to be in the wedding party
• Take out wedding insurance
• If you don’t have one already – set up a wedding Pinterest board and make sure to follow us here>

 

 

10 – 12 months to go

•  Start the search for your designer wedding gown – think about what bride you want to be seen as, shop and order your wedding dress
• Finalise the guest list. Can guests bring children? What about plus ones?
• Save the Date – get your date in guests’ diaries now
• Book your photographer and videographer. The best ones get snapped up quickly. Make it a priority to let them get to know you; it’ll help them perform better for you on the day
• Decide what type of entertainment you want. A pianist for the cocktail hour, strolling violinists, a DJ or band?
• Book your caterers and decide on your menu

 

 

9 months to go

• Choose and book your florist – think about your bridal bouquet and reception decor
• Firm up your menu and drinks with your caterer, think about guest with special dietary requirements
• Shop for bridesmaids dresses!
• Register for gifts

8 moths to go

• Choose your readings and music
• Book ceremony musicians
• Start planning your honeymoon

7 months to go

• Choose and pick your cakemaker
• Ensure passports are in date for honeymoon
• Contact rental companies if you need to rent anything for the ceremony or reception, such as chairs, tables and a tent

 

 

6 months to go

• Order the stationery! Invites, envelopes, place cards and menu
• Book suits for your future husband, groomsmen and ushers
• Pick your wedding rings
• Pick your bridal accessories – read our article here for more tips>

5 months to go

• Decide on your wedding make-up. If you are hiring a make-up artist, book in your make-up trial.
• Book hairdresser and organise hair trial
• Book your wedding night accommodation

 

 

4 months to go

• Attend pre-marriage counselling, if required
• Arrange travel vaccinations if necessary
• Organise wedding transport
• Hen and stag do planning (by the Maid of Honour and Best Man of course)

3 months to go

• Give notice. It may be unromantic, but – regardless of religion or culture – this is a legal requirement that formalises your intent to marry
• Send out your formal invites – not sure what to include? Read our tips here > 
• Book beauty treatments

 

 

2 months to go

•  If you’ve delegated tasks to family and friends check how they’re getting on
• Write your vows.
• Purchase gifts for parents, attendants and each other
• Start wearing in your shoes at home

1 month to go

• Dress fittings
• Make last-minute adjustments with vendors
• Write speeches and thank you’s 

 

 

1 week to go

• Give reception site/caterer final guest head count –  include vendors, such as the photographer who will expect a meal
• Call all wedding vendors and confirm arrangements

2-3 days before

• Pick up your designer wedding dress
• Get a manicure and a pedicure
• Hand off place cards, table cards, menus, disposable cameras, favors and any other items for setting the tables to the caterer and/or reception site manager
• Brief your bridesmaids, ushers and best man on your plans and give them emergency numbers

The night before

• Get a good nights sleep and ask family and bridesmaids to help with any outstanding tasks

For more wedding inspiration take a look on our Pinterest boards >