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Your Ultimate Wedding List To-Do [A Step-by-Step Guide]

Planning a wedding might be a little stressful for most people. You need to track countless tasks and details! So, what’s the best way of handling a wedding prep?

We have an easy wedding list to-do for you! From booking vendors to choosing your attire, the list covers everything. Start early planning with budgets, dates, venues, and guests. Don’t let the numbers overwhelm you! A wedding list will keep you organised and stress-free. 

Make sure there’s some room for last-minute rescheduling. For more pro tips on wedding planning, keep reading!

Wedding List To-Do: What and How You Should Plan

Overwhelmed by all the things you have to do before your wedding? No worries!

Let us walk you through the basics -

12-18 Months Before the Wedding

Set a Budget

Don’t just jump straight into the planning! Sit down with your partner and decide how much you're willing to spend. 

This will help guide your decisions for venues, vendors, and other wedding elements. You should also keep an amount for unexpected expenses!

Create a Guest List

Do you want a small or big wedding? Decide how many people you’d like to invite!

Your guest list will determine the size of your venue, catering choices, and your overall budget. 

Talk to both sets of families to make sure nobody misses the invite!
 

Wedding planning checklist on a clipboard labeled 'Wedding Day' next to a pen and open laptop, set on a marble surface, ukliveentertainment

Choose a Date

Picking your wedding date is a big decision. Don’t rush it! Consider the season and significant dates for you and your partner.

Try to make sure the date is convenient for the close ones too! Once the date is set, everything else can fall into place.

 Book Your Venue

Venues can get booked quicker than you think! So decide on the place as soon as you can.

 Want a beachside ceremony or a rustic barn wedding? First, make sure the venue is available on your chosen date!

Hire a Wedding Planner

If your budget allows, consider hiring a wedding planner! A professional can be of huge help.

They’ll help you organise and offer vendor recommendations too!

9-12 Months Before the Wedding

Book Key Vendors

At this stage, start booking important vendors such as:

  • Photographer/Videographer: Hire someone who can perfectly capture the memories of your special day.

  • Caterer: Decide on the type of meal and catering style. It can be buffet, plated, or family-style!

  • Florist: Think about the flowers and arrangements that match your theme!

  • Entertainment: Book wedding musicians who will keep your guests dancing all night! 

Shop for Your Wedding Dress

No wedding is complete without the perfect dress! Start early so that you have time for fittings, alterations, and customisations. 

You can browse online or visit bridal shops for different styles!

Decide on a Theme

What kind of vibe do you want for your wedding? Try a rustic outdoor celebration, a classic black-tie event, or a whimsical garden party!

The theme will help you decide on the décor, attire, and even food.

Send Save-the-Dates

Ready with the guest list and venue? Now it's time to send out save-the-dates!

Do this early for the guests who will need to travel or book accommodations.

6-9 Months Before Your Wedding

Choose Bridesmaids' Dresses and Groomsmen's Attire

Time to pick out attire for the bridesmaids and groomsmen! Make sure the outfits complement your wedding theme and colour palette.

Always keep some time for alterations!

 Plan Your Honeymoon

While wedding planning is in full swing, don't forget about your honeymoon!

Discuss destinations and budgets with your partner. Book the accommodations and flights early to avoid any last-minute stress!

Book Hair and Makeup Artists

Hiring a professional for hair and makeup is always a good idea!

Discuss your budget and the look you want. You can check out reviews online for the best deal!

Professional makeup artist applying makeup to a seated woman with blonde curls in a studio, ukliveentertainment

3-6 Months Before the Wedding

Order Invitations

Have your guest list and dates ready? Now start ordering your wedding invitations!

Include all the necessary details like date, time, venue, dress code, and RSVP information.

Plan Your Ceremony

Create a ceremony that reflects your and your partner's personalities and values!

It can be a traditional religious ceremony or a custom script! Make sure every detail matches your and your partner’s wishes.

Choose Wedding Rings

Wedding rings last for a lifetime! So, take your time finding the perfect ones!

The rings should match your style and budget.

Final Touches on the Guest List

At this point, you should have a nearly complete guest list!

Make sure you've received RSVPs from as many guests as possible, and follow up if necessary. Finalise the seating arrangements too!

Order Cake

Book your cake tasting and choose the wedding cake design!

Do you want a multi-tiered traditional cake or something more modern and unique? Make sure the flavour and design fit your theme!

2-3 Months Before the Wedding

Send Invitations

Send out your formal invitations now! Set the RSVP deadline for about a month before the wedding date. 

This will give you enough time to finalise your guest count. Don’t forget to communicate with your caterer and venue!

Create a Day-Of Timeline

Start planning a detailed timeline for the wedding day. This includes when the ceremony starts and when vendors arrive.

Make sure you know the timing for key events like the first dance, speeches, and cake cutting. Try to include fun songs to dance to!

Finally,  share this timeline with your vendors and wedding party!

Final Dress Fitting

Schedule your final dress fitting to make sure everything is perfect. 

Bring your bridal shoes and any accessories you'll be wearing on the day! This way you’ll get a complete picture of the final look.

Buy Wedding Party Gifts

Want to give your loved ones a token of appreciation? Now is the time to decide!

Choose meaningful gifts that express your gratitude for their support during the wedding process.

Prepare for Marriage Licence

Now the important part! Research the requirements for getting a marriage licence in your area.

Make sure you and your partner meet all the legal obligations! Usually, marriage licences are issued a month before the wedding.

1 Month Before the Wedding

Confirm Vendors

Reach out to all your vendors to confirm timing, logistics, and any last-minute details. 

Contact your photographer too! Discuss and make a short list of must-have moments from the day.

Create a Seating Chart

Now that RSVPs have come in, you can create a seating chart for the reception!

Think about your guests' comfort. Try to group people based on common interests or mutual acquaintances!

Finalise Music Playlist

Make sure the music reflects the vibe you want. The ceremony music should match with the reception dance party. 

Avoid any music mistakes for an engaging event!

Prepare an Emergency Kit

As your big day approaches, it's smart to have an emergency kit on hand!

This can include items like band-aids, stain remover, sewing kit, and safety pins. Keep everything that you might need if there’s a mishap!

1-2 Weeks Before the Wedding

Delegate Tasks

Weddings come with a lot of work, but you don’t need to handle it all. 

In the days leading up to the big event, pass some tasks to your trusted friends or family. For example, you can ask someone to manage the vendors, while a close relative can be in charge of the guest book. 

Remember, you don’t have to do everything yourself!

Get Your Marriage Licence

Don’t forget to have your marriage licence ready. The officiant will need it to sign on your wedding day. Without this document, your marriage won’t be official, so make sure it’s ready to go!

Pack for Your Honeymoon

If you're heading straight to your honeymoon after the wedding, it’s time to pack. Avoid last-minute stress by getting everything together now. 

Double-check your passports, tickets, and itinerary, and pack according to the climate and activities you’ve planned.

Elegant couple in wedding attire walking along a serene beach at sunset, with vibrant clouds, ukliveentertainment

The Day Before

Attend the Rehearsal and Dinner

The rehearsal is your chance to walk through the ceremony. You can also make sure everyone knows their roles. 

Afterwards, enjoy the rehearsal dinner with close friends and family! 

This is a great opportunity to relax and reflect on the journey leading up to the big day.

Relax

Feeling anxious before your big day? It’s completely natural! 

But try to take some time to relax. Take a bath, meditate, or watch a movie.

Don’t forget to get a good night’s sleep!

Wedding Day

 Enjoy Every Moment

The big day has finally arrived! Trust that you’ve done all the planning and preparation possible,

Now it’s time to enjoy your wedding day. Surround yourself with loved ones, and celebrate with your partner. Most importantly, have fun!

Final Words

Remember, weddings are a big event in your life. So, don’t let the stress take over!

Follow our easy wedding list to-do for a great ceremony. Always plan ahead! Be it your invitation, marriage licence, or wedding cake - be prepared. Talk to close married friends and family for recommendations and advice.

Stay organised and give yourself plenty of time to complete each task. Don’t be overwhelmed and enjoy the prep time before your special day!