Wedding Planning Checklist

Wedding Planning BudgetChecklist - The Budget

A large part of your cost will depend on the number of people attending the ceremony. Draw up a preliminary list at the outset to give you some idea of numbers. Decide who will be paying for what. It will save a lot of heartache later on if you get this step right!!

Wedding Checklist - Insurance

if you have not already done so we strongly recommend that you take out a Wedding Insurance package. For a small sum you can insure your arrangements against any cancellation or change. You can then continue arranging a wedding with confidence.

Booking the Wedding Ceremony

Book the civil / church ceremony venue as soon as you agree on a date. You will need to meet either the church minister or the registrar so that arrangements can be made and the "notice of intention to marry" can be issued.

For a church wedding discuss the order of service with the minister. Find out whether photos may be taken in the church and if confetti is acceptable in the church grounds afterwards. For a civil wedding ceremony see the local Registrar who will inform you of the legal formalities andoffer advice on the number of guests that can be accommodated at the ceremony if held in a Registry Office. If you are having the wedding at a hotel or other venue then this will need to be booked very early on.

Wedding Checklist Book Wedding Reception Venue

Most civil wedding and reception venues will have their own planner who will be an expert in arranging venues and will be able to offer you plenty of advice. Here is a quick list of things to think about.

If you are thinking of spending your honeymoon night there ask if they have a suite available and if so can you see it.
Many hotels will offer a special price on rooms to guests travelling to the reception and some will offer free accommodation to the Bride and Groom.
Make sure you see the function room where the reception will take place and ask what the hotel / venue provides in the way of table linen, decoration, flowers etc.
A buffet meal usually works out less expensive than a formal sit down meal. Many couples decide on a small formal reception for a few close family and friends followed by an evening buffet / entertainment to include additional guests.
Make sure you are aware as to what drinks (if any) are included in the quoted price.
Music for reception; your reception venue may be able to recommend a local disco / entertainment or some larger hotels may have their own regular entertainers. Remember, if you book a live band that they need breaks and you may need a facility to play music during the breaks
Spend time considering each venue and package offered. Once decided book and send written confirmation regarding date, time and the reception room you require. A deposit is usually required at this time.

Wedding Flowers

Plan to visit various florists, and ask their advice on colours and types of bouquets to match the wedding outfits. You may also like the florist to provide church flowers and flowers for the reception on the same colour scheme.

Should you not be using a professional florist, you will still need to order several weeks in advance, especially if you are choosing out of season flowers. More detailed information on Wedding bouquets and the meanings of flowers.

Wedding Music

Choose you Wedding Music We have selected a number of Wedding Music CDs for you to choose from.

Wedding Photographs / video

Contact local photographers and ask to see examples of their work and prices. You will need to agree before the ceremony any specific photographs you require taking. If you require photographs inside the church / ceremony venue you will need permission.

Wedding Invitations

Decide on who you would like to be the Best Man, Bridesmaids and Ushers. Order your Wedding Stationary. Send out invitations to guests along with a wedding gift list, and how to reach the church and reception.

It is also a good idea to include details of local accommodation and perhaps the phone number or email of the local tourist information centre.

Wedding Checklist - Outfits.

Groom's outfit - in most cases this is hired. Be sure this is done well in advance. The Best Man and Ushers also may wish to hire outfits.

Bridesmaids. Try to choose a colour that will not only complement the Bride's Dress, but will look good on each of them.

Wedding Dress. Try on as many styles as you can to get a feel, and try ivory as an alternative to white as it may suit your complexion better. As this is a large expense consider hiring. Some department stores now offer suitable bridal / bridesmaid dresses at reasonable prices. With outfits for the Bride and bridesmaids ask how near to the Wedding Day you can leave it before ordering to allow for losing / gaining weight.

Read our Wedding Dress Buying Tips for more advice.

Wedding Checklist - The cake

Visit local bakeries to get styles and quotes. Most bakeries have photographs of the cakes they provide. Alternatively some large stores stock suitable cakes for Weddings which will just require additional decorations. Don't forget to ask if stands are provided.

Wedding Checklist - Rings and Gift Registry

Shop together for Wedding rings and choose small presents for your attendants. You may find our article on the origin and tradition of wedding rings an interesting read!

Wedding Lists / Registry. Many couples find it easier to choose one or two large national department stores for their guests to select items from.

Wedding Checklist - Transport

Arrange your Wedding transport, either by hiring transport or by using reliable cars from family / guests.