The Countdown Planning Checklist

We have created a FREE download in handy handbag size of the Ultimate Countdown Checklist.   You'll find it at the bottom of this article.  Keep it with you at all times, to keep your wedding planning on track.

There are lots of things to think about when planning your wedding. It is best to start preparing as soon as you get engaged and get yourselves really organised to avoid any panic and more importantly stress.  Where do you start though?  Well, we've taken the hard work out of it and covered absolutely everything you need to plan for your big day as a timeline - so you don't miss anything out.   You can also print if off as a checklist, or share it amongst your family and friends who may be helping you along the way.




12 months + before

Tell friends and family of your engagement
Announce your engagement in the press
Choose the kind of wedding you want - church, registry, civil venue
Discuss budget and who pays for what
Set a provisional date
Arrange the time off work
If you want to hire a wedding planner, start to select one now
For civil weddings - contact local registry office who will give you the available wedding dates
Visit venues for civil weddings, receptions and make a shortlist and provisionally book
Visit the church and reserve the date
If you are having a civil wedding, give notice at all local registered offices
Start looking at wedding dresses
Choose bridesmaids, best man, and ushers
Choose photographers and shortlist the best
Choose videographers and shortlist the best
Choose florists and shortlist the best
Discuss guest list with fiance and both families
Provisionally decide on number of guests to attend wedding ceremony/day/evening
Decide on theme of wedding - colours, styles etc
Start looking at bridesmaids dresses, flowergirls and pageboy outfits
Start looking at wedding cake makers
Any provisional bookings for venues and photographers need to be firmed up and deposits paid if required
Buy a wedding planner folder to store brochures and notes
Develop a record system for invitation acceptances, gifts and thank you notes
Develop an itemised wedding budget spreadsheet to compare actual cost against provisional budget

8 - 6 months

Order wedding dress and accessories
Send out Save the Date cards
Book the Honeymoon
Book accommodation needed for night before wedding
Book hotel accommodation required for wedding guests (if applicable)
Choose and order bridesmaids and attendants outfits and accessories
Order wedding invitations and personal stationery
Choose and book Wedding entertainment, live bands, DJs, string quartets
Order wedding cake

3 months

Choose readings, music and hymns - check with minister or registry that they are suitable
For C of E weddings attend readings of the Banns
Select and register wedding gifts
Order wedding rings
Finalise guest list
Send out wedding intivations
Attend sample tasting of menu and finalise food and drinks
Book wedding transport
Finalise flowers - bride and bridesmaid bouquets, buttonholes, corsages and table flowers
Arrange fittings of wedding dress and bridesmaids
Select and purchase favours for wedding guests
Organise any wedding decorations - chair covers, balloons etc
Book hairdresser and make up artist
Apply for new passport in married name
Organise hen party

1 month

Pay balance on Honeymoon
Confirm all arrangements with suppliers
Try on wedding rings
Have a wedding hair and make-up trial
Purchase guestbook
Write wedding speeches
Order flowers for Mothers of bride and groom
Pay for your wedding licence
Chase any guests who have not responded
Preliminary table plan for wedding breakfast
Keep record of gifts received

2 weeks

Finalise guest list
Write place cards
Produce table plan
Last fitting of wedding dress and all accessories
Give final count to Reception Venue
Pay balance on wedding reception
Confirm timetable for day of wedding with attendants
Attend church rehearsal
Latest time for hen party

1 week

Pack for honeymoon
Have manicure/pedicure (no facials!!)

Day before

Drop off any luggage where you will spend the night
Take cake to wedding venue
Layout all accessories (so no last minute panic)
Have an early supper with mothers and bridesmaids
Pack an emergency kit and give to chief bridesmaid

GET MARRIED !

Just remember - this is your day - so whatever happens make a vow to enjoy every minute.  Little things may not go as planned, but no-one will notice - just smile, look beautiful and make your vows to your fiance.

Handy Handbag Wedding Planner - 331kb Download this file

Wedding Countdown Checklist - 228kb Download this file