The To-do List

Ever y good act ion plan starts with a li st .

GETTING STARTED

If your fiancé proposed with an engagement ring, check it’s covered by insurance.

Need to go ring shopping? Visit a variety of stores and compare quotes.

Work out a big- day budget and savings plan.

Are any family members contributing financially to the wedding? Talk with them to see exactly what they would like to contribute.

Think about what season you’d like to get married in and an approximate date.

Draft up an approximate guest list.

Decide on your bridal party, then ask the appropriate friends.

Decide what style of wedding you’d like, and brainstorm venues.

Make contact with a few dream venues, pay a visit, and collect quotes.

Ask for a written venue contract and pay them the deposit.

Decide what kind of ceremony you want. If religious, find a suitable venue.

Contact different celebrants to find an appropriate choice.

Collect and/or order any necessary paperwork ( such as birth certificates).

Establish a short list of photographers you like and request quotes.

Check what your chosen photographer’s contract covers, and if you’re happy then pay them a deposit.

Start saving clippings of décor that you love.

If you’re having a destination wedding or have lots of overseas guests, write a save the date.

SIX MONTHS TO GO

Make a decision on your wedding theme.

Get quotes from florists and stylists.

Get quotes for invitations.

Collect images of cakes you love.

Order your wedding gown, and consider what type of accessories you want to keep an eye out for that will suit the style.

Talk to your bridal party about outfits so everyone is on the lookout.

Book reception catering, and any hire companies – i.e. your marquee.

Choose a reception MC.

Research music options – a band or DJ, for example – and make a deposit.

Consider how your bridal party will get around on the day, and research transport options. Pay a deposit on your preferred option and get everything in writing.

Start collecting images of hair styles and makeup you like.

Get quotes from makeup artists and hair stylists you like.

Research the different options available to you for gift registries.

Start compiling a list of all the items you’ll add to your registry.

Make a decision on your honeymoon and book the travel and accommodation.

Check passport expiry dates, and any visas you may need to get.

Research what vaccinations you’ll need, and when you’ll need to get them.

THREE MONTHS TO GO

Send wedding invitations (with RSVPS due six weeks before the wedding).

Think about your vows – would you like to write your own?

Plan roughly what your ceremony will look like with your celebrant.

Book wedding night accommodation.

Order your wedding bands.

Buy or order bridesmaid dresses, and decide on any accessories.

Choose groom’s and groomsmen’s outfits and place an order.

Organise your bridal shower, if you’ve decided to have one.

Take your flowergirls shopping for outfits.

Help your mum and dad with their attire.

Order and pay for wedding bands.

Select a hair stylist and makeup artist, and pay a deposit.

If you’re thinking about getting a new hair cut or colour, do it early so you can change it if you’re unhappy.

Book a boot camp if you’re struggling to commit to your health goals.

Settle on a gift registry and set it up.

Decide how you’re going to circulate gift registry information to guests.

Decide on a cake and pay a deposit.

Kick off any DIY projects so you’re not rushed at the end.

Choose a florist and pay a deposit.

Decide whether you want to provide wedding favours, and brainstorm what they could be.

SIX WEEKS TO GO

Select any readings you’d like to include, and decide who will deliver them.

Check your celebrant has everything they need.

Print your order of service cards.

Confirm final guest numbers.

Draw up your seating plan.

Finalise your menu.

Confirm with anyone who is making reception speeches that they are happy to do so.

Write up a song list for the reception.

Have your final dress fittings and confirm delivery time.

Pick up the bridal party outfits.

Confirm and collect your accessories and bridal party accessories.

Confirm the flowers for the ceremony, reception and bridal party.

Arrange DIY sessions for décor.

Organise a cake knife, and be sure there is room at the venue for the caker to do any lastminute assembling.

Give the day’s running order to the photographer and videographer. Provide and shoot list, if necessary.

Do a hair and makeup trial.

Treat yourself to a facial.

Book in any extra appointments – spray tans or manicures.

Check up on your registry and see if you need to add more items.

Check the items will be covered by insurance.

Organise your thank-you cards so you can write them soon after the wedding.

TWO WEEKS TO GO

Confirm timings with the ceremony venue.

Have your final dress fitting. Get a bridesmaid to come with you so she can help dress you on the day, if necessary.

Pay your vendors in full.

Make sure all place cards are written and packed to be taken to the venue.

Finalise the seating chart.

Confirm florist delivery times.

Confirm cake delivery.

Confirm delivery and set up time of any hired items, for instance, your marquee.

Finish crafting any favours.

Have your engagement ring polished.

Confirm band or DJ timing.

Arrange your marriage certificate.

ONE WEEK TO GO

Hold a ceremony rehearsal.

Pick up any hired attire.

Gather together every aspect of your attire – including underwear and shoes – so you have everything ready for the big day. Get your groom to do the same.

Break in your wedding shoes.

If necessary, test equipment at the venue to be sure you can play your own music.

Touch base with the venue to check they have everything they need.

Provide the event manager with a running order, and put them in touch with a family member for any on-the- day liaising.

Confirm delivery arrangements with the venue.

Confirm dietary requirements with caterers.

Run through the reception schedule with your MC.

Confirm hair and makeup booking times.

Get your bridal beauty bag sorted.

Indulge in a manicure/pedicure.

Have your spray tan.

Pack for the wedding night.

If you’re leaving straight after the big day, pack

for the honeymoon.