Congratulations on your upcoming marriage. No doubt you are starting to think about the list of things that you will need to do to get organised. I always cope better when I feel like I'm organised and a list helps me do that. I've pulled together this checklist which I hope will help you with the initial planning for your wedding. The timeframe is indicative as a general guide. Some couples arrange everything in just a few months.
About 9 - 12 months before:
Set the date and time
Choose your wedding party
Estimate your budget
Agree on the number of guests
Decide on your ceremony venue and book it
Decide on your Marriage Celebrant, meet with your Celebrant and confirm your booking. This is where I can help and now you can relax about your wedding ceremony.
Decide on and book your reception venue
Decide on your menu and book a caterer (if required)
Agree on and book your music for the ceremony and reception
Book any equipment hire that you will need
Decide on and book photographer and videographer (if decide to have one)
Book transport for the wedding party
Decide on style and colour scheme
Choose and order your wedding outfits, bridal gown and grooms attire
Choose and order wedding party attire
Organise gift register (if you decide to have one)
Finalise your guest list
Send out a save the date
About 3 - 6 months before:
Order your invitations
Choose your hairdresser and beautician. Book in for hair, makeup and nails (if required)
Order your wedding cake
Book your florist
Book decorator (if required)
Choose and order wedding rings
Hair and makeup trials
Book wedding night accommodation
Order your Bonbonniere
Purchase gifts for your wedding party
About 2 months before:
Write your wedding vows
Post your wedding invitations
Meet with your Marriage Celebrant, finalise the wedding ceremony and any official documents
Have your bridal shower (if you want one)
Have a final fitting for your gown
Finalise your menu
Agree on who will be your MC discuss and finalise the order of ceremony for the reception
Confirm your final numbers to the reception venue and caterer
Finalise a seating plan and make place cards
About 2 weeks before:
Pick up wedding gown, grooms attire and wedding party outfits
Pick up rings
Have a wedding rehearsal (if required)
1 day before:
Have your nails done
On the day:
Make sure you have some breakfast.
You'll be super busy getting ready and having photos taken before you head off to your wedding.
Relax and enjoy
It's your special day, I'm here for you. Prepared by Katrina Staples - Marriage Celebrant, Ballarat
Katrina Staples, Marriage Celebrant, Ballarat Commonwealth Registered Marriage Celebrant Member of the Association of Civil Marriage Celebrants Victoria (ACMCV)
