The Wedding Checklist.
‘It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan’
- Eleanor Roosevelt
Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life.
You want to feel organised, relaxed and that every little detail has been taken care of.
Looking back on your wedding day you want to remember is for what it was; a beautiful, elegant and timeless affair that your guests will remember for years to come. You want to be able to enjoy every little aspect.
With so many little details to think of during the planning process, it can often become a little overwhelming.
We’ve put together a checklist of all of the different elements that you need to consider to make sure that your day runs smoothly.
We want to share it with you to help you to bring your dream to life.
General Administration & Planning.
TASK SUGGESTED TIMEFRAME DUE DATE STATUS
DECIDE ON YOUR WEDDING BUDGEt 12 MONTHS
START YOUR GUEST LIST (ARE YOU GOING TO 12 MONTHS
INVITE SEPARATE EVENING GUESTS AND ARE
CHILDREN INVITED?
SEARCH FOR A CEREMONY VENUE 12 MONTHS
SEARCH FOR A RECEPTION VENUE (REMEMBER 12 MONTHS
TO LOOK INTO THINGS SUCH AS HEATING ETC. IF
HAVING A MARQUEE)
BOOK YOUR CEREMONY VENUE – NOTE/DIARISE 11 MONTHS
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
BOOK YOUR RECEPTION VENUE – NOTE/DIARISE 11 MONTHS
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
CHOOSE THE MEMBERS OF YOUR WEDDING PARTY 11 MONTHS
– MAID OF HONOUR & BEST MAN, BRIDESMAID(S),
USHER(S), FLOWER GIRL(S) & PAGE BOY(S) – AND
INVITE THEM TO TAKE THESE ROLES
BOOK ACCOMMODATION FOR YOUR WEDDING NIGHT 10 MONTHS
(IF NOT INCLUDED WITH VENUE) – ALSO CONSIDER
BOOKING ACCOMMODATION FOR THE EVE OF YOUR
WEDDING IF NECESSARY
DISCUSS & CONFIRM PLANS FOR YOUR HEN DO & 10 MONTHS
STAG DO’S WITH YOUR MAID OF HONOUR & BEST
MAN
SEARCH FOR A TRANSPORTATION SUPPLIER - 8 MONTHS
BRIDAL CAR, BRIDESMAIDS CAR & GUEST
TRANSPORTATION (IF NECESSARY)
BOOK YOUR TRANSPORTATION SUPPLIER – 7 MONTHS
NOTE/DIARISE PAYMENT SCHEDULE
SHOP FOR YOUR WEDDING RINGS 6 MONTHS
MAKE PLANS FOR THE EVE OF YOUR WEDDING 6 MONTHS
E.G. DINNER WITH FRIENDS/FAMILY OR A
QUITE NIGHT IN
ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE ARRANGED FOR SOMEONE 5 MONTHS
TO LOOK AFTER YOUR PETS DURING YOUR WEDDING
DAY (IF NECESSARY)
PURCHASE YOUR WEDDING RINGS – 3 MONTHS
ENSURE THAT THEY ARE THE CORRECT FIT ETC.
PURCHASE OR MAKE GIFTS FOR YOUR BRIDAL 2 MONTHS
PARTY & CLOSE FAMILY – DON’T FORGET ANY
USHERS, FLOWER GIRLS & READERS
CREATE A WEDDING DAY SCHEDULE & SEND IT TO 1 MONTH
YOUR WEDDING PARTY/SUPPLIERS
PICK UP YOUR WEDDING RINGS (MAKE SURE TO 1 MONTH
CHECK ANY INSCRIPTIONS BEFORE LEAVING
THE JEWELLERS)
SEND YOUR TRANSPORTATION SUPPLIER YOUR 1 MONTH
WEDDING DAY SCHEDULE, ADDRESSES &
CONTACT PHONE NUMBERS
CONFIRM ALL FINAL PAYMENT AMOUNTS WITH 1 MONTH
YOUR SUPPLIERS – MAKE ANY ONLINE TRANSFERS,
POST CHEQUES OR MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR
ON THE WEDDING DAY
Styling & Decoration.
TASK SUGGESTED TIMEFRAME DUE DATE STATUS
START THINKING ABOUT YOUR DESIRED WEDDING 10 MONTHS
STYLE & AESTHETIC DESIGN
DECIDE ON YOUR WEDDING STYLE 11 MONTHS
SEARCH FOR A FLORIST (ENSURE THAT THEY 9 MONTHS
UNDERSTAND YOUR CHOSEN STYLE AND THAT
THIS IS SOMETHING THAT THEY ARE ABLE TO DO
I.E. LOOK AT PREVIOUS WORK IF POSSIBLE)
DETERMINE WHAT FLOWERS YOU NEED I.E. 9 MONTHS
CEREMONY VENUE, RECEPTION VENUE, CENTRE
PIECES, BOUQUETS AND BOUTONNIERES ETC. &
GATHER ESTIMATES/QUOTES FROM FLORIST
BOOK CHOSEN FLORIST – 9 MONTHS
NOTE/DIARISE PAYMENT SCHEDULE
RESEARCH ANY ADDITIONAL DECORATING FEATURES 4 MONTHS
E.G. HANGING FEATURES, LIGHTING, CANDLES,
BANNERS, CHALKBOARDS, OLD PHOTOS,
FLORAL SWING ETC.
DESIGN AND START CREATION OF YOUR 4 MONTHS
WEDDING FAVOURS
FINALISE YOUR FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS/DESIGNS 3 MONTHS
WITH YOUR FLORIST
DECIDE ON YOUR TABLE NAMES & 3 MONTHS
DESIGN/CREATE SIGNS – PERHAPS USE A
SPECIFIC THEME THAT MEANS SOMETHING
TO YOU E.G. PREVIOUS HOLIDAY
LOCATIONS/FAVOURITE PLACES ETC.
ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE ORDERED/PURCHASED 2 MONTHS
ANY ADDITIONAL DECORATING FEATURES
CONFIRM DELIVERY LOCATIONS, TIMES AND 1-2 MONTHS
FINAL ARRANGEMENTS WITH YOUR FLORIST –
MAKE A LIST OF WHO WILL BE GIVEN BOUQUETS
AND BOUTONNIERES & ASSIGN THIS TO SOMEONE
TO OVERSEE ON THE WEDDING DAY
COMPLETE THE CREATION OF FAVOURS 1 MONTH
RECONFIRM THE NUMBER OF BOUQUETS, 1 MONTH
BOUTONNIERES & CENTRE PIECES WITH
YOUR FLORIST (SEND THEM A COPY OF THE
TABLE PLAN IF NECESSARY)
TAKE FAVOURS, PLACE CARDS, 0-1 WEEK
GUEST BOOKS, PENS & ALL OTHER
RECEPTION ITEMS AT THE RECEPTION VENUe
Wedding Dress, Wedding Party Attire & Accessories.
TASK SUGGESTED TIMEFRAME DUE DATE STATUS
DECIDE ON YOUR DRESS BUDGET 12 MONTHS
RESEARCH POTENTIAL STYLES (THIS WILL LARGELY 11 MONTHS
BE INFLUENCED BY THE STYLE OF YOUR VENUE)
RESEARCH POTENTIAL BRIDAL SHOPS 11 MONTHS
BOOK BRIDAL SHOP APPOINTMENTS (IF NECESSARY) 10 MONTHS
– WHO IS GOING TO GO WITH YOU – MOTHER, FATHER,
MAID OF HONOUR, BRIDESMAIDS, FRIENDS,
FUTURE FAMILY-IN-LAW?
ATTEND BRIDAL SHOP APPOINTMENTS 9 MONTHS
SEARCH FOR YOUR MAKEUP ARTIST/ 9 MONTHS
HAIRSTYLIST OR BEAUTICIAN (FOR
ANY PRE-WEDDING PAMPERING) – BOOK
HAIR/MAKEUP TRIALS TO HELP YOU WITH YOUR
SELECTION
SELECT YOUR DRESS & PLACE ORDER – 8 MONTHS
NOTE/DIARISE PAYMENT SCHEDULE
RESEARCH POTENTIAL BRIDESMAID(S) & 8 MONTHS
FLOWER GIRL(S) DRESSES (REMEMBER TO
LOOK FOR SOMETHING THAT WILL COMPLEMENT
THE STYLE/COLOUR OF YOUR WEDDING DRESS)
INVITE YOUR BRIDESMAID(S) & FLOWER 8 MONTHS
GIRL(S) TO DRESS SHOPPING
DETERMINE WHETHER YOU ARE HAVING A 8 MONTHS
DRESS CODE E.G. HATS, MORNING SUITS ETC.
(REMEMBER TO INFORM GUESTS IN YOUR
INVITATIONS)
BOOK YOUR MAKEUP ARTIST/HAIRSTYLIST 8 MONTHS
OR BEAUTICIAN – DO YOU WANT TO INCLUDE
THE MOTHER-OF-THE-BRIDE/BRIDESMAID(S)/
MOTHER-OF-THE-GROOM? – NOTE/DIARISE
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
BOOK YOUR MAKEUP/HAIR TRIAL (USUALLY 8 MONTHS
FOR ONE MONTH PRIOR TO THE WEDDING) –
INVITE THE MOTHER-OF-THE-BRIDE/BRIDESMAID(S)/
MOTHER-OF-THE-GROOM (IF INCLUDED)
SELECT YOUR BRIDESMAID(S) & FLOWER GIRL(S) 7 MONTHS
DRESSES - PURCHASE/PASS ALONG THE
PURCHASING INFORMATION & SCHEDULE FITTINGS
SHOP FOR YOUR GROOM, USHER(S) & PAGE BOY 6 MONTHS
ATTIRE (IF NECESSARY) – DETERMINE WHETHER
THEY ARE RENTING/PURCHASING?
FIND OUT WHETHER THE MOTHER-OF-THE-BRIDE 6 MONTHS
WOULD LIKE SOME HELP SHOPPING FOR HER
OUTFIT – IF SO HELP HER TO RESEARCH POTENTIAL
STYLES/SHOPS
SHOP FOR YOUR BRIDAL UNDERWEAR, SHOES, 4 MONTHS
VEIL, GARTER, JEWELLERY, CLUTCH/HANDBAG
(MAKE SURE THAT THEY ARE SUITABLE FOR WITH
YOUR DRESS)
CONFIRM WITH YOUR BRIDESMAID(S) & FLOWER 4 MONTHS
GIRL(S) WHETHER THEY HAVE PURCHASED THEIR
DRESSES (IF THEY ARE PURCHASING)
SELECT YOUR GROOM, USHER(S) & PAGE BOY 4 MONTHS
ATTIRE – FINALISE FITTINGS & PURCHASE/PASS
ALONG THE PURCHASING INFORMATION
SCHEDULE YOUR DRESS FITTING APPOINTMENTS 3 MONTHS
(AT LEAST THREE FITTINGS ARE USUALLY
RECOMMENDED) – WHO IS GOING TO GO WITH
YOU TO EACH FITTING?
SHOP FOR BRIDESMAID ACCESSORIES (SHOES, 3 MONTHS
JEWELLERY ETC.) – PURCHASE/PASS ALONG THE
PURCHASING INFORMATION
ASK YOUR MAID OF HONOUR, MOTHER OR 3 MONTHS
BRIDESMAID(S) TO ATTEND YOUR FINAL
DRESS FITTING – ENSURE THAT THEY ARE
INFORMED OF ANY IMPORTANT ELEMENTS OF
THE DRESS THAT YOU WILL NEED ASSISTANCE WITH
HELP THE MOTHER-OF-THE-BRIDE TO SELECT 3 MONTHS
& ORDER HER OUTFIT (IF NECESSARY) –
SCHEDULE FITTINGS IF IT IS BEING CUSTOM
MADE/TAILORED ETC.
DECIDE WHETHER YOU WILL WANT TO CHANGE 3 MONTHS
INTO AN EVENING DRESS (PERHAPS SOMETHING
MORE COMFORTABLE/PRACTICAL FOR DANCING
ETC.) – IF SO LOOK INTO POTENTIAL OPTIONS
AND PURCHASE
CONFIRM WHETHER YOUR USHER(S) & 3 MONTHS
PAGE BOY(S) HAVE PURCHASED THEIR
ATTIRE (IF THEY ARE PURCHASING)
DECIDE ON YOUR SOMETHING OLD, 6 WEEKS
NEW, BORROWED & BLUE
ATTEND YOUR FIRST DRESS FITTING 6 WEEKS
APPOINTMENT (REMEMBER TO TAKE ALONG
BRIDAL UNDERWEAR AND SHOES)
ATTEND YOUR SECOND DRESS FITTING 1 MONTH
APPOINTMENT (REMEMBER TO TAKE ALONG
BRIDAL UNDERWEAR AND SHOES)
BRIDESMAID’S TO ATTEND DRESS FITTING 1 MONTH
APPOINTMENT (REMEMBER TO TAKE ALONG
UNDERWEAR AND SHOES)
MOTHER-OF-THE-BRIDE TO ATTEND OUTFIT 1 MONTH
FITTING APPOINTMENT (REMEMBER TO TAKE
ALONG UNDERWEAR AND SHOES)
ATTEND HAIR & MAKEUP TRIAL (INCLUDE 1 MONTH
MOTHER-OF-THE-BRIDE/BRIDESMAID(S)/
MOTHER-OF-THE-GROOM IF APPLICABLE)
TAKE YOUR ENGAGEMENT RING TO BE CLEANED 2-4 WEEKS
& POLISHED (ALLOW TIME FOR ANY REPAIRS IF
NECESSARY)
ATTEND YOUR FINAL DRESS FITTING 3 WEEKS
APPOINTMENT (REMEMBER TO TAKE ALONG
YOUR BRIDAL UNDERWEAR AND SHOES)
– ENSURE THAT YOUR MAID OF HONOUR,
MOTHER OR BRIDESMAID(S) ARE INFORMED
OF ANY IMPORTANT ELEMENTS OF THE DRESS
THAT YOU WILL NEED ASSISTANCE WITH E.G.
FASTENINGS,CORSET ETC.
ARRANGE YOUR DRESS COLLECTION 3 WEEKS
APPOINTMENT (ALLOW TIME FOR ANY
LAST MINUTE ALTERATIONS NEEDED)
DECIDE ON WHERE YOU WILL STORE YOUR 3 WEEKS
DRESS – YOUR HOUSE, FAMILY, FRIENDS?
(MAKE SURE THAT THERE IS A SUITABLE
HANGING SPACE/HOOK AVAILABLE)
COLLECT YOUR DRESS (TRY IT ON BEFORE 1-2 WEEKS
LEAVING THE SHOP TO MAKE SURE THAT
THERE ARE NOT ANY ADDITIONAL
ALTERATIONS TO BE MADE)
COLLECT BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES/CONFIRM 1-2 WEEKS
DELIVERY
COLLECT MOTHER-OF-THE-BRIDE OUTFIT/ 1-2 WEEKS
CONFIRM DELIVERY
PULL TOGETHER WEDDING DRESS, VEIL, 1-2 WEEKS
WEDDING SHOES, STOCKINGS AND A
LAST MINUTE EMERGENCY KIT (PAIN KILLERS,
MAKEUP, HAIRSPRAY, SAFETY PINS,
MINTS ETC.)
COLLECT GROOM, USHER(S) & PAGE BOY 1 WEEK
ATTIRE – ENSURE THAT THE FIT IS
CORRECT BEFORE LEAVING THE SHOP
Guest Invitations, Stationery & Wedding Website.
TASK SUGGESTED TIMEFRAME DUE DATE STATUS
SEARCH FOR A WEDDING STATIONER FOR 11 MONTHS
YOUR SAVE-THE-DATE CARDS, INVITATIONS,
PLACE CARDS, MENUS& ANNOUNCEMENTS
(IF YOU’LL USE THEM) AND THANK YOU
STATIONARY
ORDER YOUR SAVE-THE-DATE CARDS 10 MONTHS
CREATE YOUR WEDDING WEBSITE 10 MONTHS
RESERVE BLOCKS OF HOTEL ROOMS 10 MONTHS
FOR GUESTS WHO WILL BE TRAVELLING
ADD ACCOMMODATION & LOCATION DETAILS 10 MONTHS
TO YOUR WEBSITE (SO YOUR GUESTS KNOW
WHAT TO EXPECT)
SEND SAVE-THE-DATE CARDS (BE SURE 9 MONTHS
YOUR GUEST LIST IS FINALISED FIRST) -
INCLUDE WEDDING WEBSITE ADDRESS &
HOTEL INFORMATION FOR GUESTS WHO
WILL BE TRAVELLING
SET UP YOUR GIFT/HONEYMOON REGISTRY – 7 MONTHS
ADD THE REGISTRY INFORMATION TO YOUR
WEDDING WEBSITE
FINALISE THE TEXT FOR YOUR INVITATIONS 6 MONTHS
& PLACE THE ORDER – ALSO CONSIDER
PURCHASING THANK YOU NOTES AND
WEDDING ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE
SAME SUPPLIER ONCE YOUR GUEST NUMBERS
ARE CONFIRMED
SEND OUT WEDDING INVITATIONS INCLUDING: 4 MONTHS
MENU OPTIONS (IF APPLICABLE) & REQUESTS
FOR ANY SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION
(INCLUDE LOCAL TAXI COMPANY DETAILS IF
RELEVANT)
TIME OF CARRIAGES
DRESS CODE E.G. HATS, MORNING SUITS ETC.
RSVP DEADLINE (AT LEAST SIX WEEKS PRIOR
TO WEDDING IS RECOMMENDED)
GIFT/HONEYMOON REGISTRY INFORMATION
EVENING GUEST INVITATIONS
CHECK ON YOUR HOTEL ROOM BLOCKS (TO 4 MONTHS
ENSURE THAT YOUR IMPORTANT GUESTS HAVE
MADE THEIR TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS)
DESIGN YOUR ORDER OF SERVICE & 3 MONTHS
ORDER FROM YOUR STATIONER (UNLESS
PRINTING THEM YOURSELF)
DECIDE ON YOUR GUEST BOOK OPTION & 2 MONTHS
PURCHASE
CHECK YOUR RSVP’S (CONTACT GUESTS WHO 2 MONTHS
HAVE NOT YET REPLIED TO GET THE FINAL
HEADCOUNT AND MENU CHOICES/SPECIAL
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS IF APPLICABLE)
CREATE YOUR TABLE PLAN – MAKE PLACE 2 MONTHS
CARDS OR SEND TYPED NAMES TO YOUR
STATIONER (INCLUDE MENU CHOICES ON
INSIDE/BACK OF PLACE CARD IF APPLICABLE)
ORDER MENUS FOR RECEPTION TABLES & 2 MONTHS
THANK YOU NOTES (IF REQUIRED)
CHECK YOUR GIFT/HONEYMOON REGISTRY – 6 WEEKS
IF ANY ITEMS ON YOUR LIST HAVE BEEN
DISCONTINUED YOU MAY WANT TO UPDATE
THE REGISTRY
ORGANISE PLACE CARDS ACCORDING TO 1 MONTH
TABLE NUMBER AND POSITIONING (TO
MAKE THINGS EASIER FOR SETTING UP ON
THE DAY/DAY BEFORE
PRINT CEREMONY PROGRAMMES (IF 2 WEEKS
NOT ORDERED FROM STATIONER)
Legal Documentation & Paperwork.
TASK SUGGESTED TIMEFRAME DUE DATe STATUS
CONFIRM THE COST/FEE TO REGISTER 11 MONTHS
UK MARRIAGE OR CIVIL PARTNERSHIP
(DIFFERENT FEES MAY APPLY ABROAD)
CHECK ANY LOCAL MARRIAGE REQUIREMENTS 11 MONTHS
E.G CHURCH ATTENDANCE TO CREATE A
QUALIFYING CONNECTION
CHOOSE WITNESSES FOR THE SIGNING 3 MONTH
OF THE REGISTER (AT LEAST TWO REQUIRED)
FOR UK CIVIL CEREMONY MARRIAGES 1 MONTH
GIVE NOTICE AT YOUR LOCAL
REGISTRY OFFICE INCLUDING WHEN
AND WHERE YOU PLAN TO GET MARRIED
Wedding Ceremony.
TASK SUGGESTED TIMEFRAME DUE DATe STATUS
SEARCH FOR AN OFFICIANT E.G. VICAR, 10 MONTHS
PRIEST OR REGISTRAR (IF NOT PROVIDED
BY CEREMONY VENUE)
BOOK YOUR OFFICIANT – NOTE/DIARISE 9 MONTHS
PAYMENT SCHEDULE (IF APPLICABLE)
DISCUSS YOUR STYLING OPTIONS WITH 9 MONTHS
YOUR CEREMONY VENUE E.G. FLOWERS –
IF IN A CHURCH ARE YOU ALLOWED YOUR
OWN FLOWERS OR WILL YOU BE SHARING
WITH ANOTHER COUPLE/CHRISTENING ETC.?
SEARCH FOR A CEREMONY MUSICIAN E.G. 9 MONTHS
ORGANIST, ORCHESTRA, CHOIR, SINGER
(IF NOT PROVIDED)
BOOK YOUR CEREMONY MUSICIAN (IF 8 MONTHS
NOT PROVIDED ALREADY BY VENUE)
ASK YOUR READERS TO BE A PART OF YOUR 5 MONTHS
CEREMONY – BEGIN A SEARCH FOR
READINGS (DISCUSS THEM WITH YOUR
OFFICIANT IF YOU ARE UNSURE)
DETERMINE WHETHER YOU REQUIRE ANY 5 MONTHS
MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT WHILST YOU ARE
SIGNING THE REGISTER E.G. READINGS,
SINGING ETC.
CONFIRM WHETHER CONFETTI IS PERMITTED 4 MONTHS
AT YOUR CEREMONY VENUE
DETERMINE WHETHER YOU WILL PROVIDE 4 MONTHS
SPECIAL CONFETTI FOR GUESTS
I.E. WILL YOU BE MAKING YOUR OWN? –
LOOK INTO POTENTIAL OPTIONS/IDEAS
CONFIRM YOUR CEREMONY REHEARSAL 4 MONTHS
DETAILS WITH YOUR OFFICIANT AND INVITE
YOUR WEDDING PARTY (USUALLY SCHEDULED
FOR 1-2 WEEKS PRIOR TO THE WEDDING)
DECIDE IF YOU NEED/WOULD LIKE A 3 MONTHS
CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA (IF CHILDREN ARE
ATTENDING) - IS THIS PROVIDED BY THE
VENUE OR WILL YOU NEED TO PROVIDE
SOMETHING?
DECIDE ON YOUR CEREMONY READINGS 3 MONTHS
– SEND THEM TO YOUR STATIONER,
OFFICIANT AND READERS (IN WRITING)
DECIDE ON YOUR CEREMONY MUSIC 3 MONTHS
SELECTIONS E.G. PROCESSIONAL &
RECESSIONAL SONGS, HYMNS ETC. –
SEND THEM TO YOUR STATIONER
OFFICIANT AND MUSICIANS
(IN WRITING)
WRITE YOUR VOWS & SEND A COPY TO 2 MONTHS
YOUR OFFICIANT (IF YOU HAVE CHOSEN
TO PERSONALISE THEM)
MAKE/PURCHASE CONFETTI & CONFETTI 1-2 MONTHS
HOLDERS (IF YOU ARE PROVIDING
CONFETTI)
REMIND YOUR WEDDING PARTY ABOUT 1 MONTH
THE CEREMONY REHEARSAL
ATTEND YOUR CEREMONY REHEARSAL 0-1 WEEK
Catering.
TASK SUGGESTED TIMEFRAMe DUE DATE STATUS
DECIDE ON THE STYLE OF FOOD THAT 11 MONTHS
YOU WOULD LIKE AND WHETHER YOU ARE
HAVING AN EVENING BUFFET (IN ADDITION
TO A WEDDING BREAKFAST) ETC.
SEARCH FOR A CATERER (UNLESS YOUR 10 MONTHS
VENUE PROVIDES CATERING)
CONFIRM CATERER ACCESS/FACILITIES 9 MONTHS
WITH VENUE
DETERMINE WHETHER YOU WOULD PREFER 9 MONTHS
TO HAVE A SET MENU OR CHOICES FOR
GUESTS - BEAR IN MIND THAT THIS WILL
LIKELY DETERMINE PRICE PER HEAD
DETERMINE WHETHER YOU WOULD LIKE 9 MONTHS
CANAPÉS ON GUEST ARRIVAL AT YOUR
RECEPTION – IF SO, HOW MANY WOULD
YOU LIKE TO HAVE PER GUEST? THIS
AGAIN WILL LIKELY DETERMINE PRICE
CHECK ANY CORKAGE CHARGES, 9 MONTHS
LIMITATIONS ETC. WITH VENUE &
CATERER - BEAR IN MIND THAT THIS
CAN LARGELY INFLUENCE YOUR
BUDGET
BOOK CHOSEN CATERER – NOTE/DIARISE 9 MONTHS
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
SCHEDULE TASTINGS WITH POTENTIAL 9 MONTHS
CATERERS - PERHAPS ARRANGE AN
ON-SITE VENUE VISIT WITH YOUR
CATERER FOR THE SAME DATE TO
FINALISE DETAILS ETC.
SEARCH FOR A BAR HIRE SERVICE 9 MONTHS
(UNLESS PROVIDED BY YOUR VENUE/
CATERER)
BOOK YOUR CHOSEN BAR HIRE – NOTE/ 8 MONTHS
DIARISE PAYMENT SCHEDULE
SCHEDULE WINE & CHAMPAGNE 8 MONTHS
TASTINGS WITH YOUR BAR HIRE/
CATERER OR A WINE MERCHANT -
IT IS OFTEN GOOD TO DO THIS
ALONGSIDE YOUR FOOD TASTING
FOR PAIRING PURPOSES ETC.
DETERMINE WHETHER THE EVENING 8 MONTHS
RECEPTION BAR WILL BE AN OPEN/
PAID OR CASH BAR - THIS WILL
LARGELY IMPACT YOUR BUDGET
SEARCH FOR A WEDDING CAKE 7 MONTHS
DECORATOR/BAKER
SCHEDULE TASTINGS WITH POTENTIAL 7 MONTHS
CAKE DECORATORS/BAKERS (IF
OFFERED)
SELECT YOUR TASTING MENU OPTIONS 7 MONTHS
WITH YOUR CATERER – INCORPORATING
AT LEAST ONE VEGETARIAN OPTION
ATTEND FOOD (& WINE) TASTING WITH 6 MONTHS
YOUR CATERER (& BAR/WINE MERCHANT)
FINALISE MENU OPTIONS WITH CATERER 6 MONTHS
FOLLOWING ON FROM YOUR TASTING SO
THAT THESE ARE READY TO INCLUDE IN
THE INVITATIONS (IF OFFERING CHOICES
TO GUESTS)
ORDER YOUR WEDDING CAKE – NOTE/ 6 MONTHS
DIARISE PAYMENT SCHEDULE
SELECT WINE FOR TABLES (RED, 6 MONTHS
WHITE & ROSÉ?)
SELECT CHAMPAGNE FOR CHAMPAGNE 6 MONTHS
RECEPTION & TOASTS (ARE YOU GOING
TO HAVE ANY NON-ALCOHOLIC
OPTIONS/PIMMS ETC.?) – HOW MANY
GLASSES WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE
PER GUEST?
DECIDE ON WHETHER YOU WILL HAVE 6 MONTHS
ANY ADDITIONAL DRINKS E.G.
SIGNATURE EVENING COCKTAILS ETC.
FIND OUT IF CAKE SUPPLIER WILL 3 MONTHS
PROVIDE A CAKE STAND & KNIFE
OR IF YOU NEED TO SOURCE THIS
CHECK FOR ANY SPECIAL DIETARY 2 MONTHS
REQUIREMENTS PROVIDED IN THE
RSVP’S AND LIAISE WITH YOUR
CATERER ON POTENTIAL ALTERNATIVES
ORDER WINE & CHAMPAGNE (USING 2 MONTHS
THE FINAL HEADCOUNT AS A GUIDE)
GIVE THE FINAL HEADCOUNT TO 2 MONTHS
YOUR CATERER – INCLUDING ANY
SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
CONFIRM TIMELINES WITH YOUR 2 MONTHS
CATERER (ARE YOU PLANNING TO DO
SPEECHES BEFORE/AFTER THE
WEDDING BREAKFAST, HOW LONG IS
EACH SPEECH ETC.?)
CONFIRM THE DELIVERY LOCATION, 2 MONTHS
TIME AND FINAL ARRANGEMENTS
(INCLUDING GUEST NUMBERS) WITH
YOUR CAKE DECORATOR/BAKER
SEND A COPY OF YOUR TABLE PLAN 1 MONTH
TO YOUR CATERER
CONFIRM DELIVERY LOCATIONS, 1 MONTH
& ACCESS ARRANGEMENTS
WITH YOUR CATERER/BAR HIRE &
VENUE
Reception & Entertainment.
TASK SUGGESTED TIMEFRAME DUE DATE STATUS
SEARCH FOR A DJ AND/OR BAND 10 MONTHS
CONFIRM START TIME OF DJ AND/ 10 MONTHS
OR BAND – WHAT TIME WILL YOUR
FIRST DANCE/LAST DANCE WILL BE/
WOULD YOU LIKE THE DJ TO PLAY
BACKGROUND MUSIC THROUGHOUT
THE RECEPTION I.E. DURING
CHAMPAGNE/CANAPÉS ON GUEST
ARRIVAL?
CONFIRM WHAT TIME YOUR VENUE 10 MONTHS
WILL ALLOW MUSIC TO BE PLAYED
UNTIL I.E. ARE THERE ANY LOCAL
NEIGHBOURHOOD RESTRICTIONS ETC.
BOOK DJ AND/OR BAND – NOTE/ 10 MONTHS
DIARISE PAYMENT SCHEDULE
DECIDE ON THE DANCE FLOOR TYPE/ 9 MONTHS
STYLE (IF NOT PROVIDED BY VENUE) –
LOOK INTO POTENTIAL SUPPLIERS &
ORDER
THINK ABOUT ANY ADDITIONAL TYPES 8 MONTHS
OF GUEST ENTERTAINMENT E.G.
PHOTO BOOTH, SWEETIE TROLLEY,
CHILDREN’S PARTY BAGS ETC. –
RESEARCH SUPPLIERS ETC.
CONFIRM ANY ADDITIONAL GUEST 6 MONTHS
ENTERTAINMENT – BOOK SUPPLIERS
AND NOTE/DIARISE PAYMENT
SCHEDULES IF NECESSARY
ENSURE THAT THERE IS SOMEWHERE 5 MONTHS
SUITABLE/SHELTERED FOR SMOKERS
AT VENUE (IN CASE OF BAD WEATHER
ETC.)
DETERMINE WHETHER YOU NEED/ 5 MONTHS
WOULD LIKE OUTSIDE SEATING
AREAS FOR GUESTS (IN CASE OF
NICE WEATHER ETC.)
DETERMINE IF YOU NEED/WOULD 4 MONTHS
LIKE TO PROVIDE GUESTS WITH
BLANKETS/UMBRELLAS – LOOK
INTO POTENTIAL SUPPLIERS &
PURCHASE/HIRE
DECIDE ON WHETHER YOU 3 MONTHS
NEED/WOULD LIKE A CHILDREN’S
PLAY AREA (IF CHILDREN ARE
ATTENDING) - IS THIS PROVIDED
BY THE VENUE OR WILL YOU
NEED TO PROVIDE SOME TOYS,
A PLAY AREA OR POSSIBLY A NANNY?
DECIDE ON WHETHER YOU NEED/ 3 MONTHS
WOULD LIKE TO PROVIDE A
CLOAKROOM OR HAT STORAGE
AREA (IF NOT PROVIDED
BY VENUE)
PUT TOGETHER A VANITY/ 2 MONTHS
ESSENTIALS KIT FOR THE LADIES
(& GENTS) TOILETS E.G. MINTS,
HAIR SPRAY, DEODORANT, TIGHTS,
HAIR GRIPS/BANDS ETC.
WORK ON A LIST OF MUST PLAY/ 2 MONTHS
DO NOT PLAY SONGS FOR YOUR
DJ AND/OR BAND – BE SURE TO
ALSO SEND THEM SELECTIONS
FOR YOUR INTRODUCTIONS
I.E. FIRST DANCE, CAKE CUTTING,
FATHER-DAUGHTER DANCE,
(ANNIVERSARY DANCE) & LAST
DANCE
DETERMINE THE ORDER OF YOUR 2 MONTHS
RECEIVING LINE (IF APPLICABLE)
DECIDE ON WHAT TIME YOU 2 MONTHS
WOULD LIKE TO LEAVE THE VENUE
FOR WEDDING NIGHT (IF LOCATED
ELSEWHERE) – INFORM
TRANSPORTATION SUPPLIER
OR BOOK A TAXI
PREPARE YOUR TOASTS/SPEECHES 2 MONTHS
I.E. FATHER/MOTHER-OF-THE-BRIDE,
GROOM, BEST MAN, BRIDE? - THE
LENGTHS OF THESE WILL IMPACT
TIMELINES
Honeymoon/Mini-Moon Preparation.
TASK SUGGESTED TIMEFRAMe DUE DATe STATUS
DETERMINE WHEN YOU WOULD 10 MONTHS
LIKE YOUR HONEYMOON/MINI-
MOON TO START E.G. STRAIGHT
AWAY OR A FEW DAYS FOLLOWING
ON FROM THE WEDDING
PLAN & BOOK YOUR 9 MONTHS
HONEYMOON INCLUDING
TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATIONS
& ACTIVITIES
FOR AN INTERNATIONAL 5 MONTHS
HONEYMOON
BEGIN TO GET YOUR PAPERS
IN ORDER
(PASSPORT, VISAS &
VACCINATIONS ETC.)
ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE 5 MONTHS
ARRANGED FOR SOMEONE
TO LOOK AFTER CHILDREN
OR PETS WHILST YOU ARE
AWAY (IF NECESSARY)
CONFIRM ALL YOUR HONEYMOON 2 MONTHS
TRAVEL PLANS – GIVE SOMEONE
A COPY OF YOUR ITINERARY
AND CONTACT INFORMATION
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
CHECK-IN FOR YOUR HONEYMOON 1 MONTH
FLIGHTS & RESERVE SEATS (IF
APPLICABLE)
SHOP FOR YOUR HONEYMOON 1 MONTH
PACK FOR YOUR HONEYMOON 1-2 WEEKS
After The Wedding.
TASK SUGGESTED TIMEFRAME DUE DATE STATUS
TAKE YOUR BRIDAL BOUQUET 1 MONTH
TO BE PRESERVED (IF YOU WISH
TO DO THIS) – IF YOU ARE
PLANNING A LONG HONEYMOON
PERHAPS ASK A FRIEND/FAMILY
MEMBER TO DO THIS FOR YOU
IN ADVANCE
ARRANGE CLEANING & 1 MONTH
PRESERVATION OF YOUR WEDDING
DRESS & VEIL – MAKE SURE THAT
THE PROVIDER IS EXPERIENCED
IN PRESERVING WEDDING
GOWNS ETC.
WRITE THANK YOU NOTES GIFTS 2 MONTHS
RECEIVED (AT & BEFORE WEDDING)
– TRADITIONAL ETIQUETTE GIVES YOU
AN EIGHT WEEK GRACE PERIOD
ORDER WEDDING PHOTO ALBUMS 3 MONTHS
FOR YOURSELF, CLOSE FRIENDS
AND FAMILY & ADD TO YOUR
WEDDING WEBSITE (IF YOU
WISH TO)
ORDER COPIES OF YOUR 3 MONTHS
WEDDING VIDEO FOR YOURSELF,
CLOSE FRIENDS AND FAMILY &
ADD LINK TO YOUR WEDDING
WEBSITE (IF YOU WISH TO)
DO YOUR PAPERWORK FOR 3 MONTHS
OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS IF YOU
ARE CHANGING YOUR NAME
E.G. PASSPORT, DRIVING
LICENCE, UTILITY BILLS,
MORTGAGE ETC.
Fine Art Wedding Planners & Stylists covering The UK & Europe.
2022 Lily & Sage.