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.