Planning a wedding is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. To help you stay organized and stress-free, we’ve created an essential wedding checklist. Whether you’re in Sydney or anywhere else, this guide will ensure you cover all your bases before the big day.
Wedding Checklist: 12 Months Before
Set Your Budget
Decide how much you can spend and allocate funds to different aspects of the wedding, such as the venue, catering, and attire. Or you can find a venue that in all inclusive such as: Mystwood
Create a Guest List
Compile a preliminary guest list to get an idea of how many people you want to invite. The earlier you do this will help you manage whether you need to evaluate it closer to the wedding or gives you time to add or remove as needed.
Choose your date
Select a wedding date and consider the season, venue availability, and any important dates to avoid. In Australia weather can play a key role in your wedding day. Make sure to choose your date so it falls on your perfect season.
Book Your Venue
Visit potential venues and secure your booking. This is one of the most crucial steps, as it sets the tone for your wedding. Doing this as soon as possible is always smart because some of the best wedding venues fill up very quickly!
Hire a Wedding Planner (Optional)
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a wedding planner to help with the details. This can always be so helpful and take so much stress off your plate. We know that our bride and grooms really appreciate the full service that comes with a wedding at Mystwood!
Wedding Checklist: 9 Months Before
Choose Your Vendors
Start researching and booking key vendors such as:
- Photographer
- Videographer
- Caterer
- Florist
- Entertainment (DJ/band)
Again, some venue plan this for you!
Wedding Attire
Begin shopping for your wedding dress or suit. Allow time for fittings and alterations.
Send Save-the-Dates
Once your venue and date are confirmed, send out save-the-date cards to your guests. Make sure it give your guests plenty of notice so they can respond to as soon as possible.
Wedding Checklist: 6 Months Before
Finalize Your Guest List
Refine your guest list and collect addresses for your invitations. Double check you have added everyone you want there with you on your wedding day.
Order Invitations
Choose and order your wedding invitations, ensuring they match your wedding theme. This will be your guests first peek as the mood and feel of your wedding.
Plan Your Honeymoon
Start researching and booking your honeymoon destination. Consider travel arrangements and accommodations. Maybe it is a massive trip around the world or a romantic staycation!
Wedding Checklist: 3 Months Before
Finalize Details with Vendors
Confirm details with your vendors, including timelines, setup, and special requests. Or if you are using a wedding planner, they will handle this for you.
Organize Transportation
Arrange transportation for you and your wedding party to the venue, and consider transportation for guests if needed.
Schedule Hair and Makeup Trials
Book trials for hair and makeup to find the perfect look for your big day. This is a great opportunity for you to pick your style and be confident that your stylist understand your brief.
Purchase Wedding Rings
Choose and purchase your wedding bands. Confirm your sizing and leave time for them to adjust if needed.
Wedding Checklist: 1 Month Before
Send Invitations
Mail out your wedding invitations and include RSVP details.
Create a Wedding Day Timeline
Draft a timeline for the day, including when vendors will arrive, the ceremony schedule, and reception details.
Confirm RSVPs
Follow up with guests who haven’t responded to your invitations. Confirming your RSVPs will ensure you do not overestimate on what you need for your guests at the wedding.
Final Dress Fitting
Schedule your final dress fitting and ensure all alterations are complete.
Wedding Checklist: 2 Weeks Before
Confirm Details with Vendors
Touch base with all your vendors to confirm logistics and details. *If you are using a wedding planner they will handle this for you!
Create Place Cards and Seating Chart
Finalize your seating arrangements and create place cards for the reception.
Pack for Your Honeymoon
Start packing for your honeymoon, ensuring you have everything you need. Get excited, it is almost here!!
Wedding Checklist: 1 Week Before
Rehearsal
Hold a rehearsal with your wedding party to go through the ceremony details. Work out any last minute details.
Final Payments
Ensure all vendor payments are scheduled or made. Take time to relax and enjoy the final days leading up to your wedding. Consider a spa day or some quality time with your partner.
Wedding Checklist: The Day Before
Set Up Venue
If you’re doing any DIY decor, set it up at the venue with the help of friends or family. If you have chosen a venue with a coordinator you will not need to worry about this!
Pack an Emergency Kit
Prepare a wedding day emergency kit with essentials like a sewing kit, pain relievers, snacks, and makeup for touch-ups.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Try to get plenty of rest so you’re refreshed and ready for your big day!
By following this wedding checklist, you’ll be well-prepared and can focus on enjoying your special day. Remember, every couple is different, so feel free to tailor this checklist to fit your unique needs and style. Happy planning!
