Your Wedding Timeline

Got twelve months till ‘I do’? Congratulations!

To help you along, we’ve put together our guideline for perfect wedding planning:

12 Months to go

■ Set the date, and make your announcement to family and friends.

■ Start a binder or folder, and start a Pinterest board to collect all your ideas and inspiration.

■ Work out your budget, how much you can spend including your families’ contributions.

■ Choose your bridesmaids and your maid of honour.

■ Draw up guest list of who to invite… and who to leave off.

■ Hire a wedding planner, if you are able to afford the additional cost.

11 Months to go

■ Decide on guest numbers and if children will be invited.

■ Reserve your venues for the ceremony and reception.

■ Send out your Save The Date cards or emails.

■ Choose your photographer, and videographer; the good ones get booked up quickly.

■ Start look at wedding gowns online and in magazines.

10 Months to go

■ What you have been waiting for: wedding dress shopping! Now is a good time to make this important decision and order your gown.

■ Reserve your wedding date with your officiant, whether it is your church minister or a civil service officiant.

■ Start planning (and saving for) your honeymoon.

■ Book your wedding entertainment: live music and/or DJ.

9 Months to go

■ Book a florist according to your colour theme, venue and season.

■ Speak to your caterer, and decide on the menu.

■ Take your bridesmaids dress shopping! Have a budget plan and agree on who is paying for your maids’ outfits.

8 Months to go

■ Meet with your officiant and plan your ceremony, taking into account your choice of readings and music, and also what the church or venue will allow.

■ Order your wedding stationery. This includes invites, envelopes, place cards, menus and the seating plan.

■ Register with your Gift Registry service of choice.

7 Months to go

■ Consider and plan transport logistics for the bridal party and out of town guests.

■ Choose and order your cake.

■ Order your guest favours.

6 Months to go

■ Send the men suit shopping.

■ Buy your wedding rings.

■ Confirm the order of service with your minister or registrar.

5 Months to go

■ Book your trial make-up session.

■ Decide on your bridal fragrance.

4 Months to go

■ Overseas honeymoon? Check that your passports are valid, and book your visas.

■ Bachelorette party planning…

…for that final night out as a single gal!

3 Months to go

■ Organise a wedding rehearsal for the day before.

■ Book your facial, fake tan, mani and pedi.

2 Months to go

■ Check that your bridal party is on track with their pre-wedding prep, and that any tasks you have delegated are underway.

■ Get your bridal glow on and go for your facial. Drink plenty of water and eat a healthy diet.

■ Follow up with late RSVP-ers.

■ Assign your table seating plan for the reception.

1 Month to go

■ Final dress fitting. Shoes, jewellery and all accessories chosen.

■ Finalise deposit payments with all vendors and ensure they know their expected time of arrival.

■ Notify your venue and caterer of the final guest numbers.

■ Hairdressing trial with your stylist, taking into account any hair accessories you’ve chosen.

■ Bachelorette party time! Gather your girls, and let your hair down.

2 Weeks to go

■ Pack your honeymoon bags.

1 Week to go

■ Have your last beauty treatments, including facial, mani and pedi.

■ Wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner with your bridal party.

Post-Honeymoon

■ Send out your Thank You notes no later than three months after your wedding day.

You may also like