WEDDING PLANNING CHECKLIST

Choose a date (or up to 4 so you can beflexible)
Talk budget and decide who will be contributing to what.
Discuss prenuptial agreement (marriage contract)
Start compiling a guest list
Choose your weddingparty:maid of honor, bridesmaids, best man, groomsmen, flower girl and ring bearer.
Start to explore ceremony and reception venue options after you’ve established an estimate budget and guest list.
It’s important to have an idea of budget and your guest list as this will largely determine the venue you choose
Start doing research on wedding pros: planner, photographer, bridal designers, videographer, caterer, florist, and
Browse wedding designers, dress and veil styles
Create mood and style boards on Pinterest
Follow The Wedding Gateway Sa and online bridal magazines for inspiration and ideas.
Make a shortlist of venues to visit and appointments to visit them.
Get engagement photos taken If you want them on your wedding invites or save the dates
Start browsing save the date designs to find your favorite type and style. Decide between sending online or postal.
Start browsing photographers and decide on photography styles that you like the most, documentary style, journalistic, lifestyle etc.

Reserve ceremony and reception venues and make deposit payments to secure booking
After your venue is confirmed book your wedding photographer, videographer, makeup artist and hairstylists as soon as possible, this is important as quality vendors are usually booked months in advance.
Book Officiant
Refine your guest list
Browse designs for wedding invitations and stationary
Browse programs, menu cards, guest books and favors.
It’s usually much easier if you use the same person for all of your stationary requirements
Consider using wedding websites and digital invitations, they are great if you don’t want to go the traditional route
Search for accommodation for you and your guests
Prepare a music playlist for JD/Band
Establish a beauty and skincare routine
Establish fitness routine
Set appointments to do fittings for wedding dresses, veils and shoes
Hire caterer, florist and wedding coordinator, ask your venue which services are included in your venue hire
Send your save the dates

Finalize honeymoon plans and ensure all documents are in order
Plan ceremony and reception seating
Experiment with hair styles and veil with your stylist
Finalize readings and speeches
Purchase garter x 2 (one for throwing & one to keep)
Purchase flower basket, ring pillow, knife for cutting the cake, photo booth props or any other additional items
Purchase wedding shoes, earrings and hairpieces
Order guest wedding favors or start making if handmade items

Review ceremony details with officiant
Go for marital preparation classes if this is part of your officiants marriage requirements
Begin writing vows if you’re writing your own
Go for dance classes if you’re in need
Lay out the content for wedding programs.
Apply for a marriage license if your officiant does not do this for you
Finalize seating arrangements
Finalize playlists with musicians
Arrange fittings for wedding party and parents
Create wedding day timeline and send to your vendors, officiant MC and wedding party
Finalize bridal party attire
Finalize bridesmaids & flower girl dresses
Decide on “something old, new, borrowed, and blue”
Book spa and beauty treatments for you and your bridal party
Purchase bridal robes & slippers
Purchase gifts for bridesmaids
Ensure marriage contracts are finalized

Ensure tuxes and rentals have been returned
Get wedding dress to cleaners or return if hired
Send out thank you cards or messages to your guests
Write down guest names for all gifts received so you can thank them for your gift
Freeze left over wedding cake and have a piece on your first wedding anniversary
Preserve your bridal bouquet or some wedding flowers as a keepsake

~ The Wedding Gateway ~

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