Are you planning your wedding? Do you have a year between your fiancee announcement and the wedding date? Whether you have a year or two or just three months, wedding planning can be confusing and stressful. If your idea is to make a complete list of your requirements before the wedding, it may confuse you further, so how about a curated wedding checklist for that once-in-a-lifetime moment?
From the time you get announce each other’s entry to the families through a ‘roka’ or informal engagement till the time you reach the day of exchanging the vows, you need to begin with the below:
- Sit down with your fiancee and discuss your ideal of the wedding to come to a common page.
- Plan a budget. This would help in at least knowing the estimates.
- Plan your guest list, remember this needs to be thoughtfully planned keeping the venue size and budget in mind.
- Shortlist the potential wedding dates – here you may want to check with a few special people.
- Shortlist the potential wedding venues and locations for the ceremonies if not the same as the wedding venue.
When you have a year before the wedding, here are the things to keep in mind.
- Visit the venues and book them.
- Do a sound research of the wedding services required as well as the vendors – florist, photographer, caterer, decor, music, makeup, mehandi, etc.
- Considering a wedding insurance could be easy for you.
- Decide on the type of ceremonies you plan to host – cocktails, reception, bachelor party or bachelorette, dance performances, etc.
- Book your photographer and videographer – same or separate.
- Plan the decor internally for the venues and ceremonies before meeting the decorators.
- Search for the dress options for each ceremony – synchronised or separate.
- Start sending Save The Date messages to your guests on their mobiles.
- Discuss the details with your families and baes.
- Make a list of guests who can be given responsibilities during the ceremonies.
Now, comes the next stage when you are are about 8 to 10 months from the date.
- Book the band of DJ for your functions.
- Research and reserve accommodations for guests.
- Research about any decor rental companies for items such as chairs, tables, or a tent.
- Plan and book your honeymoon – flights, accommodation, and other activities.
6 to 8 months before the wedding
- Order your wedding dress.
- Ensure the passports are in date for the honeymoon to avoid last minute rush and stress.
- Start planning the hen/stag parties.
4 to 6 months before the wedding
- Choose the dress codes or themes for the immediate relatives.
- Choose and place order for the wedding invitations and props.
- This is the right time to seek pre-marriage counselling.
- Meet the florist and discuss your options.
- Shop for the groom’s clothes.
- Plan the legalities for marriage certificate and other essentials.
- Organise the wedding transport.
- Organise a make up and hair trial and book the artist.
- Book your pre-bridal packages.
2 to 3 months left
- Start sending invitations to guests and if needed, start visiting to distribute the cards.
- Schedule dress trials.
- Order the engagement rings.
- Plan the gifts for both families to be given on various occasions and start buying them.
- By accessories for the ceremonies to match with your dresses.
- Plan a menu tasting at the ceremony venues or with the caterer and book.
- If a choreographer has been booked for performances, begin the rehearsals.
- Begin your pre-bridal services.
1 month to go
- Have the final dress fitting.
- Plan the last-minute amendments with the vendors.
- Review the RSVP list and call guests who are yet to respond.
- Finalise details for the ceremonies.
- Another round of pre-bridal services would be required here.
Just 2 more weeks
- Plan a must-have list of pictures for your album and discuss with your photographer and videographers, and if possible also the backdrops and selfie corners if you are planning any.
- Give the caterer and the venue manager the final guest count.
1 week left
- Hand over a list of essential items required to your wedding coordinator such as tables, selfie corner, bride-groom entry tracks, and others.
- Call and confirm the arrangements with all wedding vendors for smooth flow of ceremonies.
- Get a pre-bridal package and visit the salon for pedicure, manicure, waxing, facial, hair spa, and whatever else required.
- Do a complete dress rehearsal from the under garments to the main dress and footwear.
- Keep an overnight bag ready for the reception.
- Pack for your honeymoon.
- Assign responsibilities for friends and relatives for functions.
2 to 3 days more
- Make any last minute changes to table plan if required.
- Grooms should go for their final fitting of the clothes.
- Confirm the pick-up time with the car rental company for the wedding day.
- Keep a print-out of the running flow of the day from entry to finishing.
- Hand over all important vendor contacts to relatives and friends for coordination.
If you thought, the list is done, the day before the wedding is left
- Provide all essential details of guests, menu, table arrangements, and others to the reception coordination.
- Give an emergency contact number to all the vendors required and booked by you.
- Sort out the payment for any balances pending and clear it or those that need to be cleared after the functions.
- Get a good night’s rest to be cheerful and glowing on the wedding day!