Creating Your Wedding Planning Checklist

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Why is a wedding planning checklist a necessity?

Why do you need a wedding planning checklist?

According to Hallmark, exceeding a budget is the single biggest worry for marrying couples. It's been estimated that about 80% of couples go over their wedding budget. Forgetting something important and having a boring wedding are the next biggest worrying issues.

A wedding planning checklist is an essential part of planning a wedding if you do not want to forget something. A checklist therefore makes up an integral part of the wedding planning process and needs to be updated on a daily basis as you proceed towards the big day.

What should be on a wedding planning checklist? 

Note that a wedding planning checklist should extend to after the wedding date for things like remembering to send out the thank you cards. A wedding planning checklist should contain items similar to the following (note that this checklist also includes a handy wedding planning timeline):

The checklist: 12 - 6 months before the big day
Set your wedding date
Draw up your budget
Draw up your guest list
Select your best man, ushers and bridesmaids
Arrange a first meeting with your minister
Book ceremony venue / registrar
Choose your dress
Start making or order your stationery
Choose the bridesmaids' dresses
Arrange for leave from work
Plan and book your honeymoon
Reserve a reception venue

The checklist: 6 - 4 months before the big day
Arrange a master of ceremonies
Book transport, photography and videography
Book musicians, i.e. band, choir or DJ
Arrange for church organist
Choose florist
Buy wedding rings
Order wedding cake
Choose your gift list company
Groom to organize tuxedo/suit hire
Select caterers
Reserve rental equipment i.e chairs, tables, crockery, etc
Reserve your stylist

The checklist: 4 - 2 months before the big day
Send out invitations with gift list
Write your wedding vows
Schedule rehearsal time and dinner
Book first-night accommodation
Get passports, visas, etc. in order

The checklist: 2 - 1 months before the big day
Follow up all outstanding RSVPs and draw up the final guest list
Draw up a seating plan
Have a final dress fitting with lingerie and shoes
Write up all the place cards
Book travel insurance and buy currency
Organize stag and hen parties
Pay for marriage license and certificates

The checklist: One week before the big day
Confirm photographer, videographer, musicians, flowers and transport
Arrange for cake to be delivered
Pack for your honeymoon
Hold ceremony rehearsal
Groom to have a final trim at the hairdressers
Wear in your wedding shoes
Attend any beauty appointments i.e. wax, tan

The checklist: The day before the big day
Have a manicure and pedicure
Decorate the venue

The checklist: On the big day
Ensure that the best man has the rings
Get makeup and hair done

The checklist: After the big day
Return hired items to relevant stores
Open wedding presents and make list of presents and who gave them
Send out thank you cards for wedding presents
Send out wedding cake to those unable to attend

How do I use the wedding planning checklist? 

Ideally, the checklist should be used in conjunction with your budget and your wedding planning timeline. Then you can control the time when things get done, as well as the money spent on it. This should ensure that you get the most out of your wedding planning checklist.

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