A comprehensive list of everything you need to keep
in mind when planning your special day.
Take a look and print it out - it will be invaluable!
Twelve to six months ahead
- Confirm date, wedding style and budget
- Decide on site or venue for ceremony
- Select venue for your reception
- Make booking and pay deposit
- Arrange appointment with marriage celebrant or clergyman and book church/place of worship
- Draw up tentative guest list
- Choose bridesmaids, best man and other attendants
- Start shopping for a wedding dress
- Arrange wedding rings
- Book musicians or other entertainment
- Book photographer and videographer
- Book florist
- Book wedding transport
- Start planning your honeymoon and make travel arrangements
Three to four months ahead
- Finalise guest list
- Choose and buy bridesmaids' dresses
- Prepare bridal gift list and register with a department store
- Order invitations, place cards and any other stationery
- Select outfits for groom and his party
- Arrange hire for rental of all necessary equipment in garden ceremony
Six to Eight Weeks Ahead
- Complete Notice of Intended Marriage form
- Post invitations
- Choose gifts for attendants
- Order the wedding cake
- Practise your makeup. Or make an appointment with a hair/makeup artist for the wedding day
- Make hair and manicure appointments for the wedding day
Four weeks ahead
- Plan pre-wedding parties
- Begin thank you notes as gifts arrive
- Finalise rehearsal arrangements
- Schedule final dress fittings
- Arrange seating for the reception
Two Weeks Ahead
- Confirm guest list and give final numbers and seating arrangements to your reception venue/caterer
- Reconfirm all details with the florist, photographer, car hire, musicians,
marquee hire and any other service providers you'll need on the
day
One week ahead
- Hold a rehearsal
- Make sure the groom and best man have speeches prepared
- Check the bridal party's outfits for correct fit
- Arrange post reception party venue for guests
- Pack for the honeymoon
