1st article - A Wedding Checklist

Hello,

As this is my first foray into the world of wedding-related blogging I am going to start with probably the first serious job you will face in preparing for your wedding: your check list. There is always the worry that something is missed out or not given the right priority.

I will be using parts of this list as a basis for my upcoming articles and the list itself will be updated on a regular basis.

So here is the checklist I used for my own wedding in 2005 which seemed to work pretty well:

6 to 12 months prior to the wedding
… … Set the date
… … Work out your budget
… … Write your guest list
… … Book the ceremony venue
… … Book the reception venue
… … Order the groom's clothing
… … Order the wedding dress and accessories
… … Choose your bride's maids and any other attendants
… … Order attendants outfits
… … Announce your engagement through newspapers
… … Book caterer
… … Book florist
… … Book photographer and video photographer
… … Book band and/or DJ
… … Book musicians

3 to 6 months prior to the wedding
… … Complete your guest list
… … Order invitations
… … Get yourselves on a guest list
… … Order wedding rings
… … Order hairdresser and makeup artist
… … Order wedding cake
… … Make honeymoon reservations
… … Book honeymoon night accommodation
… … Book accommodation for guests (if necessary)
… … Purchase gifts for attendants
… … Purchase favours for guests
… … Reserve tent (if necessary)
… … Reserve lighting equipment
… … Confirm wedding dress delivery date

2 to 3 Months prior to the wedding
… … Post the invitations
… … Meet with the priest or officiant to discuss the ceremony
… … Organise the menu and agree with caterer
… … Agree final floral arrangements with the florist
… … Select song list and agree with the band
… … Select music for the ceremony and agree with the officiant
… … Agree schedule and checklist of portraits with the photographer
… … Schedule and agree beauty treatments
… … Reserve any rented equipment for the ceremony or reception (speakers, PA equipment etc.)
… … Organise day-after gathering
… … Schedule physical and blood tests

1 to 2 Months prior to the wedding
… … Write your vows (if you are using your own)
… … Purchase guest book
… … Send wedding announcement to newspapers
… … Collect or check wedding dress and bridesmaid's dresses and accessories
… … Collect wedding rings
… … Finalise ceremony schedule
… … Finalise reception schedule

2 to 4 weeks prior to the wedding
… … Arrange seating with the reception and agree with venue operators
… … Review ceremony and reception arrangements with all services
… … Rehearse personal vows
… … Practice makeup and hair
… … Pick up marriage license

1 to 2 weeks prior to the wedding
… … Confirm final seating numbers with the caterer
… … Arrange writing of place cards
… … Address wedding announcements
… … Pack for honeymoon

The day before
… … Post the wedding announcements
… … Give the attendants their gifts
… … Rehearse ceremony
… … Rehearsal dinner

The Wedding Day
… … Run through personal vows
… … Schedule plenty of time to get ready
… … Don't panic!