Wedding Checklist

This checklist will enable you to plan your perfect wedding. It will assist you through the busy months ahead. Please remember that not all aspects of this checklist may apply to the style of your wedding.

AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
Select a wedding date and time.
Gather information from bridal books and other resources.
Discuss a budget and how expenses will be shared. Open a separate bank account for the wedding fund.
Discuss the formality, size and location of the ceremony and reception with both families.
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.
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.
Select colour scheme and theme of your wedding.
Start looking for and order the bridal gown & accessories – schedule the fittings and delivery date.
Select dresses for bridesmaids’ – schedule the fittings and delivery date.
Select and book a wedding consultant, photographer, videographer, florists and musicians, DJ & MC.
Organise your engagement announcement in the newspaper.
Begin planning a honeymoon destination.
Select and order wedding rings and arrange for engraving.
Choose wedding attendants for both bride and groom. Find out their sizes.
Schedule appointment for bridal portrait.
Choose a caterer and plan the menu.
Plan the music for the ceremony and reception.
Order attendant’s gowns and schedule the fittings and delivery date.
Book wedding cars for bridal party.
Order invitations, napkins and personal stationary, monogrammed favours for reception & thank-you notes.
TWO MONTHS AHEAD
Plan wedding decorations.
Finalize the guest list.
Pay all deposits for any services reserved and get all contracts signed.
Order & Reserve all rental equipment needed for reception and wedding. Example: marquee or tents, tables, chairs, etc.
Meet the caterers, florists, photographers & videographers, etc.
Select and order the wedding cake as per your theme & colour.
Sign up for your bridal registry and select gift options.
Buy or hire the formal wear for the groom and his attendants.
Check on marriage license; sometimes there are requirements.
Inform attendants of fitting schedules and of any accessories they may need to buy.
Shop for trousseau.
Make 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.
Arrange a marriage registrar and execute all legal formalities for the marriage registration process, like pre marital notice etc.
Plan the ceremony rehearsal & the rehearsal dinner & notify everyone involved.
Ensure all official wedding documentation is in order. Organise & make necessary changes on all personal documentation the bride be taking the groom’s name (Ex: PAN Card, Passport, Bank Accounts etc).
Confirm final fitting and delivery date for dresses and gown.
Select hair and makeup stylist.
Select going-away outfit.
Schedule a wedding portrait.
Arrange transportation for the wedding day.
Send thank-you notes for any gifts received early and/or bridal showers.
Finish personal shopping.
Finalise honeymoon plans.
Plan bridesmaids’ luncheon.
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 lingerie, eye drops, headache pills and Band-Aids.
Finalise seating arrangements for the reception.
Confirm honeymoon bookings and have ready 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 want 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.
ONE DAY AHEAD
Place payments for DJ, florist, caterer, etc.
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!
Good Luck & Congratulations!
Team Touchstone