Wedding Tips | Checklist

Jan 5, 2019

We’re engaged, now what?

Planning a wedding should be one of the most exciting times in your life.  We share some tips and the following checklist to assist you with the planning process!Sixteen to nine months prior;

    • Start a wedding folder and/or Pinterest board to collate your ideas.
    • Work out your budget. Determine how much you have to spend based on your families contributions and your own.
    • Choose your wedding party.  Now you’re engaged, friends will be wondering whether they will be your Bridesmaid and/or Groomsmen.
    • Start a guest list so you know your numbers. This will assist with finding the perfect venue.  You may find the perfect venue is a little over your budget so may need to reduce your guest list OR you may prefer to hold a larger wedding and opt for a more traditional venue which offers more inclusions in their wedding package.
    • Engage a wedding planner.  A wedding planner will help you find the perfect venue and assist with guest lists, keep your wedding plans on track and within budget.
    • Reserve your date and venue.  Decide whether you would like to hold your ceremony and reception at one location or separate locations and factor in the travel time between each location.  Once your date and venue has been secured, the real planning process can begin!
    • Book your celebrant.  Decide whether you would like a male or female celebrant and the style of ceremony.
    • Research wedding suppliers from photographers to stylists and florists who are local to your wedding location. A wedding planner can provide a list of suppliers who are known and trusted in the industry, that will reflect your wedding style and budget.
  • Throw an engagement party! Remember, that your invitees should be on your wedding guest list as well.  Unless you plan to elope…to the Scenic Rim of course!

Eight months prior;

  • Hire your photographer and videographer. Be sure the photographer is open to capturing the shots you really want.
  • Book entertainment.  Make sure you hear and/or see the style of music before booking, most entertainers have a Youtube channel or videos of them performing on their website.
  • Meet with caterers. If your venue does not provide an in house catering service.
  • Purchase a dress.  It’s ideal to schedule at least two fittings.
  • Reserve a block of accomodation for traveling guests.  Pick at least three accommodation venues with different price points close to your venue and/or can provide transport to and from your venue for your guests.
  • Bridal registry, if required.  A selection of three is ideal.
  • Launch a wedding website, if required.

Seven to six months prior;

  • Book invitations.  Allow extra time for special print invitations such as letterpress, foil print and calligraphy.
  • Start planning for your honeymoon. Make sure your passports are up to date and schedule an appointment with your Dr for any shots that maybe required.
  • Shop for bridal party fashion.  Allow at least six months for the bridesmaid dresses to be ordered and sized.
  • Meet with your celebrant.  Map out the ceremony and make sure you have all the required documents.
  • Send out Save the Date cards.
  • Reserve structural and electrical necessities.  Book portable toilets, lighting and extra chairs/furniture if required.
  • Book a florist. At this point in time you will know what your wedding palette will be.
  • Arrange transportation. Consider limousines, vintage cars, horse drawn carts to arrival by helicopter.
  • Start composing a day of timeline. Draft up a schedule for the running of your day from time of arrival to ceremony to the first dance.

Four to five months prior;

  • Book the ceremony rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.  Confirm cost and menu.  If you’re planning to host a day after brunch, now is a good time to book that too.
  • Follow up on wedding invitations.  Ask to see a final draft to ensure all details are correct prior to the print stage.
  • Select and order the cake. Some cake bakers require a long lead time. Arrange a cake tasting session with your cake maker, if required.
  • Share your guest list with the host of your bridal shower.
  • Purchase wedding shoes and arrange dress fittings. Take your shoes to your first dress fitting so your dress maker can adjust the length of the gown if needed.
  • Schedule Hair & Makeup.  It’s a good idea to have a trial prior to your big day.
  • Choose your music. Think about the style of music you would like played during dinner and music that will have your guests up onto the dance floor.  It’s a good idea to make a list of music you do not want played also.

Three months prior;

  • Finalise the menu and wedding flowers.
  • Order wedding favours, if desired.
  • Make a list of the guests giving toasts during your reception.
  • Finalise the readings.
  • Purchase your under garments.
  • Finalise the order of the ceremony and reception.
  • Organise menu cards and order of services books, if required.
  • Purchase the rings.
  • Send your event schedule to your list of suppliers.

Two months prior;

  • Touch base with all your wedding suppliers.
  • Meet with your photographer, if desired.
  • Review your playlist with the band, DJ and/or entertainment.
  • Send out the invitations.
  • Enjoy your pre wedding celebrations, bachelor / bachelorette party.

One month prior;

  • Enter RSVP’s into your guest list wedding database.
  • Organise your marriage license
  • Send out details for the wedding rehearsal dinner
  • Meet with your dress maker for the final fitting.
  • Stock the bar.
  • Finalise as many payments as possible.
  • Confirm time for hair and makeup and with all your wedding suppliers.
  • Assign seating.
  • Purchase Bridal party gifts.
  • Write your vows.
  • Organise hair and beauty treatments.

Week of the wedding;

  • Reconfirm arrival times with vendors.
  • Delegate small wedding tasks.
  • Send a timeline to the bridal ;party.
  • Pick up your dress.
  • Check in one last time with the photographer.
  • Set aside payments for on the day vendors.
  • Book spa treatment.
  • Send your final guest list to the caterer and all venues hosting your wedding day celebration.
  • Break in your shoes.
  • Assemble and distribute welcome baskets
  • Pack for your honeymoon

Note – In demand suppliers from photographers to florists can be booked up to 12 months in advance.  If your sights are set on engaging a high profile supplier, we recommend getting in touch with them in the initial stages of the planning process.

Planning a wedding involves endless details, deadlines, sometimes a little family drama, and far too often enough stress to make you want to just elope.

Use our free planning checklist to help you get started and consider the services of personal wedding planner to help you pull it all together. It’s your special day and our team of wedding professionals at Scenic Rim Bride are here to help.

Start your wedding planning by getting in touch with us HERE!