A GUIDE TO PLANNING YOUR DAY. The following list and time scale is intended as a guide only and based on pre-covid wedding planning. Not everything will be appropriate for your wedding day. Pick and choose as you see helpful…or even add to the list!
12+ MONTHS
Choose a date (or a variety of options).
Talk budget and decide - try to allow for some flexibility.
Think about your wedding style.
Choose wedding party:
Maid of Honour and Bridesmaids, Best Man and Groomsmen, Flower Girl and Ring Bearer.
Consider purchasing wedding insurance.
Explore/Book ceremony and reception venue options.
Book room for wedding night.
Start assembling/booking a team of wedding pros:
planner, photographer, videographer, caterer, florist, and DJ/musicians.
Begin compiling a guest list.
Browse wedding dress and veil styles.
Create wedding and style boards on Pinterest or start collecting images on phone/PC.
Get engagement photos taken by Adore.
Start browsing Save the Date card designs
Order your Save the Date cards.
10-11 MONTHS
Choose bridal party attire and accessories.
Book officiant.
Mail your Save the Dates.
Purchase wedding dress, veil and undergarments.
Book wedding day transportation.
8-9 MONTHS
Find 3 hotels (at different price points) for out-of-town guests.
Refine guest list.
Create gift registries at 3 national retailers.
Browse Wedding Invitation designs and coordinating stationery
Begin planning/book honeymoon
6-7 MONTHS
Explore wedding day hair and makeup styles.
Meet with officiant to discuss plans for ceremony.
Reserve rentals: chairs, linens, lighting, décor, etc.
Choose cake style and schedule tastings.
Decide on groomsmen attire.
Personalise & order Wedding Invitation.
Purchase wedding bands.
Order Thank You Cards (for gifts that arrive early).
4-5 MONTHS
Choose flowers for:
wedding party, venues, etc.
Schedule dress fittings.
Order wedding cake.
Prepare {play/do not play} lists for DJ/band.
Finalise wedding guest list.
3 MONTHS
Finalise honeymoon plans and ensure all documents are in order.
Plan ceremony and reception seating.
Experiment with hair and veil with stylist.
Finalise readers and readings.
Purchase smaller personalised items such as toasting flutes, guestbook, ring bearer pillow, etc.
Finalise reception menu.
Order Menu Cards (Venue may provide).
Order Wedding Favors.
2 MONTHS
Mail Wedding Invitations.
Develop system for organising RSVPs.
Begin writing vows.
Review ceremony details with officiant.
Lay out the content for Wedding Programs.
Apply for marriage license.
Finalise seating arrangements.
Finalise playlists with musicians.
Finalise fittings for wedding party.
Create wedding day timeline in conjunction with your photographer and wedding venue - send to your vendors, officiant and wedding party.
Decide “Something Old, New, Borrowed, Blue.”
Book spa and beauty treatments for you and your bridal party.
Purchase gifts for attendants.
1 MONTH
Call vendors to confirm date, times and location.
Confirm honeymoon reservations.
Pick up wedding rings.
Pick up marriage license
Order Wedding Programs.
Final dress fitting (with shoes & undergarments).
Write Thank You notes as gifts are received.
2 WEEKS
Follow up with guests who have not RSVP’d.
Give final count to caterer.
Begin breaking in wedding shoes.
Make arrangements for the caring of pets while on honeymoon.
Send playlists to DJ/band/ceremony musicians.
Get final haircut and colour.
Delegate wedding day duties: gift table, guestbook, etc.
Prepare final payments to vendors.
Send directions to wedding day limo/transportation driver.
1 WEEK
Give readers their scripts.
Lay out wedding clothes.
Prepare wedding day emergency kit.
THE DAY BEFORE
RELAX
Get to bed at a decent hour!
WEDDING DAY
Can you believe it! Enjoy every moment.
Please get in touch to discuss your wedding day.