The Wedding Planner Countdown Checklist...

TWELVE MONTHS OR MORE TO THE WEDDING…
 Meet the folks and family.
 Pick a theme.
 Decide on the type of wedding you want. Formal or informal.
 Set a date. Select backup dates in case the site or church you want is already booked.
 Agree on the budget and how to split cost.
 Compile guest list.
 Shop for ceremony, reception and dinner venue.
 Meet with suppliers such as photographers, florist, gown designers and so on, or start looking for a wedding planner who will take care of all these details.
 Start flipping through magazines for ideas.
 Assemble bridal party.


SIX MONTHS OR MORE BEFORE THE WEDDING…
 Reserve venues and pay deposits.
 Book caterers for reception.
 Confirm suppliers for the wedding and pay the required deposits. This would include wedding planner, photographer, florist, wedding cake, entertainers or sound system rental, among others.
 Order bride’s gowns and dresses, groom’s suites, shoes and others accessories. If you are not getting them custom made, then make reservations for the rental pieces you want and start window shopping for accessories.
 Organise attire for bridal party (especially if you want a specific design or colour theme) and important family members such as the mothers of the bride and groom.
 Design and order invitations but do not print them too early in case there are any last minute changes.
 Shop for wedding bands.
 Plan honeymoon.
 Start a beauty regimen.
 Get registered or inform your place of worship that you would like to hold your religious ceremony and register your marriage on that day.


THREE MONTHS OR MORE TO THE WEDDING…
 Decide on favours.
 Finalise wedding invitation details.
 Finalise guest list.
 Choose gifts for wedding party.
 Book make-up artist and hairstylist.
 Book a room for wedding night if it does not already come with your wedding package.
 Make travel and accommodation plans for out of town guest, if necessary.
 Sample dinner menu at hotel or restaurant, and confirm reception menu with caterers.
 Buy accessories, lingerie and other items you will need.
 Have your first gown fitting.
 Start a draft seating plan.
 Pick out ceremony, reception, dinner and dance music. Start compiling into CDs.
 Plan the days programme.
 Draw up a duties chart if you are getting friends to coordinate your wedding. If you have a wedding planner, get him or her to outline the duties and help needed for that day.


TWO MONTHS TO THE WEDDING…
 Approach friends for help. You will need ushers, emcees, guest registrars, decoration crew, clean-up crew and so on including people responsible for minor details like handing out corsages.
 Mail invitations.
 Order other wedding stationery such as programme, menu card, guest book and so on.
 Run through your seating plan with the folks.
 Start work on any special presentations like home videos and slide shows. Let friends and family know if you would like them to make speeches and toast.


ONE MONTH TO THE WEDDING…
 Call guest for RSVP.
 Have a second gown fitting.
 Meet with officiant (e.g. your priest) to run through the details of the ceremony.
 Schedule a briefing meeting for attendants and helpers.
 Run through your checklist and make sure all the details have been taken care of.
 Start drafting your vows.
 Find a bridal car.
 Meet with photographer and florist to finalise the details of what you would like for that day.


TWO WEEKS TO THE WEDDING…
 Inform caterers and hotel/restaurant of the final guest count.
 Have a final dress fitting with accessories and lingerie.
 Break in wedding and dinner reception shoes at home.
 Run through the reception programme with your emcee.
 Introduce your wedding coordinator to the venue organiser. If you are using a wedding planner, you can do this even earlier.
 Buy any items needed for religious or cultural ceremonies.


ONE WEEK TO THE WEDDING…
 Collect bride’s gown and groom’s suits.
 Finalise guest list and seating plan.
 Schedule a rehearsal with all relevant parties.
 Prepare red packets, payments and money gifts for those involved in the ceremony. Start gift wrapping thank you presents.
 Prepare a detailed programme, duties list and contact list.
 Finalise your honeymoon travel arrangements, and pack for honeymoon.
 Call suppliers to reconfirm details of the wedding.


ONE DAY TO THE WEDDING…
 Have a manicure and pedicure.
 Decorate bridal car.
 Relax!