Countdown To The Big Day
Just got engaged? Congratulations! Now there’s just the small matter of planning the happiest day of your life. No big deal, right? We asked a professional wedding planner what you should do and when, to ensure it all goes without a hitch.
12 months
- Set a budget. Put a budget in place early on so you’re less likely to get carried away with table decorations and wedding favours. I said less.
- Pick a date. Choose several options so you’re not left disappointed and check with the venues to see what’s available. Don’t forget to make sure your important guests are available too.
- Book a venue and contact the registrar if necessary
9 months
- Research and book wedding professionals, photographer, caterers, music, entertainment, room decoration
- Start making a guest list
- Decide on your best man, bridesmaids, ushers, canine and so on
- Think about, shop for and order your dress and your bridesmaid dresses
- Take out and confirm insurance
- Book your honeymoon or a romantic mini-moon while you save for the big getaway
6 months
- Book transport to the church and/or venue. You might want to look into this sooner if you really want to travel in style
- Register your gift list, if applicable
- Choose a florist and place your order
4 months
- Research and order your cake
- Choose the menu for the reception
- Order wedding stationary
- Shop for and buy the rings
3 months
- Send out wedding invitations, with a list of nearby accommodation for guests who might need it
2 months
- Chase up guests who have not RSVP’d and give a final guest list to the caterers or venue
- Finalise your table plan, making sure to avoid any family feuds
- Arrange your hen do (the Maid of Honour may have already taken care of this for you)
- Book your hair stylist and make-up artist – and go for a trial run
- Buy gifts for your attendants, your family and each other
1 month
- Have a final dress fitting, take your Maid of Honour along with you and make sure the bridesmaids have their dresses
- Book in final meeting with your suppliers and venue to make sure the day goes without a hitch
2 weeks
- Get your last haircut/colour before the big day
- Organise a ‘must-have’ shot list for the photographer and videographer and a song list for the DJ or band. Make sure to highlight the special songs and include any absolute no-gos.
1 week
- Plan your journey to make sure you’ll get to the church on time
- Call all wedding professionals to confirm and then give a final list of arrangements to the venue
2 days
- Give name cards, menus, wedding favors and any other items for the table settings to the caterer or venue manager
- Have your dress pressed or steamed if necessary
- Don’t forget to pack for the honeymoon
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