Wedding Checklist
Planning your dream wedding can be an exciting yet overwhelming journey. Our comprehensive wedding checklist is here to streamline your planning process and ensure that no detail is overlooked. From setting a budget to booking vendors, selecting attire, and organising the timeline, our checklist provides a step-by-step guide to help you stay organised and stress-free.
1. Establish a Budget
-
Determine how much you are willing to spend overall and allocate funds to different aspects of the wedding such as venue, catering, attire, decorations, etc.
-
Keep track of expenses throughout the planning process to ensure you stay within your budget.
2. Create a Timeline
-
Set a wedding date and create a timeline leading up to the big day. Include milestones such as booking vendors, sending invitations, and finalizing details.
3. Select a Venue
-
Research and visit potential venues that fit your vision and budget. Consider factors such as capacity, location, amenities, and ambiance.
4. Choose a Theme or Style
-
Decide on the overall theme or style of your wedding, whether it's traditional, modern, rustic, vintage, etc. This will guide your decisions regarding décor, attire, and venue.
5. Book Vendors
-
Secure key vendors such as a photographer, videographer, caterer, florist, and entertainment (DJ or band). Be sure to read reviews, ask for referrals, and review contracts carefully.
6. Plan Ceremony and Reception
-
Coordinate with your officiant to plan the ceremony, including vows, readings, and music.
-
Design the layout and décor for both the ceremony and reception spaces, considering seating arrangements, floral arrangements, and lighting.
7. Choose Attire
-
Select wedding attire for yourself and your bridal party, including dresses, suits, shoes, and accessories. Schedule fittings and alterations as needed.
8. Arrange Transportation and Accommodation
-
Arrange transportation for you, your bridal party, and guests to and from the venue if necessary.
-
Reserve hotel accommodations for out-of-town guests and consider providing transportation to and from the hotel and venue.
9. Design Invitations
-
Design and order wedding invitations that reflect your chosen theme or style. Include important details such as date, time, location, dress code, and RSVP instructions.
10. Plan Catering and Menu
-
Finalize the menu with your caterer, taking into account dietary restrictions and preferences of you and your guests. Consider options for cocktail hour, dinner, and dessert.
11. Organize Décor and Rentals
-
Arrange for rentals such as tables, chairs, linens, and tableware if not provided by the venue or caterer.
-
Coordinate with your florist to design and arrange floral decorations for the ceremony and reception.
12. Create a Day-of Timeline
-
Develop a detailed timeline for the wedding day, including hair and makeup appointments, ceremony start time, reception start time, and any other important events or activities.
13. Obtain Marriage License
-
Ensure all procedures have been completed with the Church (Ta' Kana course) or Wedding Registry for civil ceremonies, in order to avoid any last minute hiccups
14. Finalise Details
-
Confirm all vendor bookings and finalize details such as menu choices, seating arrangements, venue layout, and timeline with vendors and the venue.
15. Delegate Tasks
-
Assign specific tasks to trusted friends or family members to help with last-minute details and coordination on the wedding day.
16. Enjoy Your Wedding Day!
-
Take time to relax and enjoy your special day surrounded by loved ones. Trust your planning and preparation, and be present in the moment to create lasting memories.
-
Officiant: The person who will officiate the wedding ceremony/mass.
-
Photographer/Videographer: Professionals to capture photos and/or videos of your wedding day.
-
Caterer: Provides food and beverage services for the reception.
-
Florist: Designs and arranges floral decorations, bouquets, and boutonnieres.
-
Entertainment: DJ, band, or other musicians for music and entertainment during the reception.
-
Wedding Planner/Coordinator: Assists with planning and coordinating various aspects of the wedding.
-
Hair Stylist/Makeup Artist: Provides hair styling and makeup services for the bride and bridal party.
-
Transportation: Cars, limousines, or other transportation services for the wedding party and guests.
-
Wedding Attire: Bridal gown, groom's suit/tuxedo, bridesmaid dresses, groomsmen attire, flower girl dress, ring bearer outfit, etc.
-
Wedding Party Gifts: Gifts for bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girl, ring bearer, and other members of the wedding party.
-
Invitations/Stationery: Wedding invitations, RSVP cards, save-the-dates, programs, place cards, thank-you cards, etc.
-
Wedding Cake/Baker: Designs and bakes the wedding cake and other desserts.
-
Wedding Rings/Jewelry: Engagement ring, wedding bands, and any other jewelry accessories.
-
Wedding Favors: Small gifts or tokens of appreciation for wedding guests.
-
Marriage License: Legal document required to get married.
-
Wedding Venue: Ceremony and reception venues.
-
Accommodation: Hotel rooms or accommodations for out-of-town guests and the wedding night.
-
Wedding Registry: Creates a registry for wedding gifts.
-
Wedding Day Attendants: Ushers, greeters, and other attendants to assist on the wedding day.
-
Wedding Insurance: Optional insurance to protect against unforeseen circumstances.
Who will I need on the day?
What will I need on the day?
-
Décor: Ceremony and reception décor including flowers, centerpieces, linens, signage, etc.
-
Rental Items: Tables, chairs, linens, dinnerware, glassware, etc.
-
Audio/Visual Equipment: Microphones, speakers, lighting, projectors, screens, etc.
-
Wedding Cake Stand/Knife: Specialized equipment for cutting and displaying the wedding cake.
-
Guest Book/Pen: Book or alternative for guests to sign and leave messages.
-
Emergency Kit: Kit with essentials like safety pins, stain remover, Band-Aids, etc.
-
Wedding Programs: Printed programs outlining the order of events for the ceremony.
-
Gift Card Box: Container for guests to place cards and gifts.
-
Wedding Arch/Backdrop: Decorative structure for the ceremony backdrop.
-
Table Numbers/Seating Chart: Displays to indicate seating arrangements for guests for seated weddings.
-
Bridal Accessories: Veil, tiara, hair accessories, shoes, etc.
-
Wedding Bands/Ring Pillow: Items for carrying and presenting wedding rings during the ceremony.
-
Cake Topper: Decorative item placed on top of the wedding cake.
-
Toasting Flutes: Specialized glasses for the wedding toast.
-
Thank-You Gifts: Gifts for parents, vendors, and others who helped with the wedding.
-
Wedding Arch/Backdrop: Decorative structure for the ceremony backdrop.
This list covers a wide range of people and items you may need to book or arrange for your wedding. Depending on your specific preferences and wedding plans, you may not need every item on the list. It's essential to prioritize based on your budget, vision, and personal preferences.