What should be on our wedding checklist?

Planning for your wedding can be an exciting yet overwhelming task. To help you navigate the process smoothly, here's a comprehensive wedding checklist with examples to guide you through each step:

6-12 Months Before the Wedding

Establish a Budget and Priorities:

1. Discuss and determine a realistic budget for your wedding, considering venue costs, catering, attire, décor, and other expenses.
2. Prioritize the elements that are most important to you and your partner, ensuring your budget aligns with your priorities.

Choose a Date and Venue:

1. Select a date that works for both families and consider the season, venue availability, and your personal preferences.
2. Research and visit potential venues that match your desired style, capacity, and location preferences.

Secure Vendors:

1. Book your photographer and videographer to capture the special moments of your wedding day.
2. Hire a caterer who can provide a menu that suits your taste and dietary needs.
3. Engage a florist to create beautiful floral arrangements for your ceremony, reception, and bouquet.
4. Choose an officiant who will perform the wedding ceremony, ensuring their beliefs and style align with your preferences.

Send Save-the-Dates:

1. Design and order save-the-dates to inform guests of the wedding date, location, and website.
2. Mail save-the-dates well in advance to allow guests to plan their schedules and make travel arrangements.

Wedding Dress Search:

1. Begin researching bridal salons and designers that cater to your style and budget.
2. Schedule appointments for dress fittings, allowing ample time to find the perfect dress.

Pre-Marital Counseling:

1. Attend pre-marital counseling sessions to strengthen your relationship, build communication skills, and address any potential concerns.

3-6 Months Before the Wedding

Wedding signage can be a fun and stylish way to add personality to your big day. Here are some ideas for wedding signs, along with examples:

Welcome Signs and Banners:

• "Welcome to Our Wedding!"
• "Celebrate with Us!"
• "Love is in the Air!"

Ceremony Signs:

• "Unplug Your Hearts and Cameras" (encourage guests to be present in the moment)
• "Please Find a Seat"
• "Please Rise for the Bride"

Reception Signs:

• "Cheers to the Happy Couple!"
• "Find Your Seat"
• "Dinner is Served"
• "Let's Dance!"
• "Favours Await"

Additional Signs:

• "Food and Drinks This Way"
• "Restrooms"
• "Gifts"
• "Thank You for Celebrating with Us!"

Here are some tips for using wedding signs:

• Keep it simple and elegant: Use clean lines and fonts that are easy to read.
• Choose a theme: Select signs that reflect the overall theme of your wedding.
• Be mindful of placement: Position signs in visible locations without obstructing important areas or views.
• Personalize it: Add a touch of personalization with your names, date, or a special message.
• Have fun with it: Let your creativity shine through and use signs to add a unique touch to your wedding.

Here are some examples of personalized wedding signs:

• "Welcome to the [Your Last Name] Wedding"
• "Find Your Seat: [Table Name]"
• "Cocktails and Conversation: This Way"
• "Let's Dance the Night Away: [Your Names]"
• "Thank You for Sharing Our Special Day"

Finalizing Wedding Attire:

1. Order your wedding dress and accessories, considering alterations and delivery timelines.
2. Select groom's attire, including suits, tuxedos, or formalwear, ensuring proper tailoring and fit.

Invitations and RSVPs:

1. Design and order wedding invitations that reflect your style and theme.
2. Include clear RSVP instructions and deadlines to manage guest count and catering arrangements.

Honeymoon Planning:

1. Research and book your honeymoon destination, considering your interests, budget, and travel preferences.
2. Make arrangements for flights, accommodations, and activities to create a memorable post-wedding getaway.

Ceremony and Reception Planning:

1. Collaborate with your officiant to finalize the ceremony script, vows, and music selections.
2. Plan the reception flow, including the timeline, dinner, entertainment, and any special traditions or activities.

Wedding Cake and Favors:

1. Choose a bakery with a speciality in wedding cakes and order your cake considering your flavor preferences and design style.
2. Select wedding favors that reflect your theme and provide a thoughtful memento for your guests.

Transportation Arrangements:

1. Arrange transportation for yourself, your partner, and the bridal party for the wedding day.
2. Consider transportation options for guests, such as shuttles or carpooling, to facilitate their arrival and departure.

1-3 Months Before the Wedding

Wedding Dress Fittings:

1. Attend final fittings for your wedding dress to ensure proper fit, alterations, and adjustments.
2. Coordinate with your florist to ensure the bouquet and accessories complement the dress.

Obtaining Marriage License:

1. Research and apply for a marriage license at the appropriate county or city clerk's office.
2. Provide the required documentation and fees to obtain the license in advance of the wedding date.

Rehearsal Dinner Planning:

1. Plan a rehearsal dinner to gather close family and friends for a pre-wedding celebration.
2. Select a restaurant or venue, choose a menu, and send invitations to the rehearsal dinner guests.

Writing Vows:

1. Dedicate time to write personal and heartfelt vows that express your love and commitment to your partner.
2. Practice your vows aloud to ensure they are delivered with confidence and emotion.

Seating Arrangements:

1. Create a seating chart for the reception, considering family dynamics, guest preferences, and table arrangements.
2. Assign table numbers or names to guide guests to their designated seats.

Wedding Gifts:

1. Establish a system for receiving and tracking wedding gifts, including a registry or preferred gift list.
2. Send thank-you notes to guests who generously gift you wedding presents.

1-2 Weeks Before the Wedding

Hair and Makeup Arrangements:

1. Book appointments with your hairstylist and makeup artist for your wedding day preparations.
2. Discuss your desired style and preferences to ensure they align with your overall look and theme.