Are you newly engaged? If so, congrats are in order. Secondly, it is time to be putting checkmarks to all the many items you have been dreaming about for your big day. After all, you likely have a long list of things you want to be included in your wedding. That wedding checklist – though exciting- can often be overwhelming.
But your wedding checklist doesn’t have to be a cause for anxiety or stress. This is where making full use of working with a skilled event coordinator such as our Gala Events Facility planners can make planning your dream day perfect.
Must-Haves for Your Wedding Checklist
If you are like most brides, you have been planning your dream wedding since you were a youngster. This is helpful, as this will help you make your decisions now that planning that event is a reality. And, while an engagement period can be as long or short as you want it, many wedding planners recommend a 12 to a 14-month timeline. As such, here are key monthly items to have on your wedding checklist – you might find it helpful to get a notebook especially for wedding planning. Here is a suggested wedding checklist to help you plan.
12 Months Out
- Set your wedding budget
- Create your guest list
- Hire wedding planner
- Choose venue – Gala Facility would love to get your wedding day on the calendar. Give us a call to schedule a visit.
11 Months Out
- Determine wedding theme
- Choose wedding hashtag
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Hire essential wedding vendors
9 Months Out
- Get wedding dress
- Send out Save-the-dates
- Book rehearsal dinner venue
- Meet with florists; select one
- Block out hotel rooms for guests
8 Months Out
- Take engagement photos
- Begin looking at invitations
- Choose bridesmaid dresses
- Register for gifts
7 Months Out
- Hire ceremony musicians
- Order rental items – chairs, linens, draping, dance floor, etc.
- Hire an officiant
6 Months Out
- Hire lighting technician
- Book transportation for guests, if needed
- Reserve newlywed’s transportation
- Book honeymoon
5 Months Out
- Buy/rent groom’s tuxedo
- Begin premarital counseling
4 Months Out
- Have final tasting with the caterer and plan your menu
- Choose your wedding cake
- Buy wedding bands
- Choose groomsmen’s attire and schedule fittings
- Hair and makeup trial; bring photos and be specific as possible
3 Months Out
- Order invitations and hire a calligrapher
- Brainstorm guests favors
- Write your vows
- Meet with officiant; be sure they are invited to the rehearsal dinner
- If taking a DIY approach, then start crafting and items
2 Months Out
- Have your florist do a mock-up
- Get song selections to the DJ and musicians
- Buy small items – table toppers, toasting flutes, cake topper, etc.
1 Month Out
- Pay vendors in full
- Create a seating chart
- Final walk-through at venue
- Break-in your wedding shoes
1 Week Out
- Hair, nails, eyebrows done
- Final dress fitting
- Pack for honeymoon
- Get your engagement ring cleaned
- Get final headcount to caterer
T-24 Hours
- Eat healthily
- Get some rest
- Take dress and veil out of their bag and have them steamed if necessary
- Lay out all items (rings, invitations, mementos, etc.) that you want photographed
- Drink plenty of water
- Stay off your feet as much as possible
Every wedding is different, so your wedding checklist will vary from the next couple. However, regardless of the size or type of wedding, you plan to have, a wedding checklist will make planning your special day easier. Create your list, and talk to one of the Gala Event Facility professionals today to learn how we can help make your big day everything you dreamed and planned for it to be.