Wedding Checklist for the Newly Engaged - What's Next?

I thought I would put together articles for all of you that have recently become newly engaged!!! Firstly, CONGRATULATIONS!! It is very exciting and wonderful news, but you may be thinking what now??? Once the excitement of the proposal has calmed down, reality sets in for the bride-to-be that they now have a wedding to plan. Well I want to help. That's why I'm preparing a list of everything that needs to be decided and sourced from flowers to venues, dresses to the bridal party.

Taken from my blog, this is an ongoing series of articles created over the period of a few weeks and re-posted here for everyone to veiw whenever needed throughout the planning process. The articles go into further detail about each of the items on the list. Hopefully it will help and give you some wonderful ideas that perhaps you have not previously thought of, showing images and focusing on alternatives for planing a wedding your way.

THE WEDDING CHECKLIST

The Engagement

• Announce your engagement
• Arrange your engagement party

After The Engagement

• Set a wedding date
• Set a wedding budget and who is contributing financially?
• Will you plan the wedding yourself, or use a wedding planner?
• Write a guest list and establish numbers (this is a rough estimate for searching for venues)
• Search for a ceremony venue that suits your needs
• Select where the reception is to be held (discuss what they can offer and any additional extras you may need)
• Decide on the style of wedding you would like, religious, themed, etc
• Choose a minister or celebrant to perform your ceremony
• Select your bridal party, how many bridesmaids and groomsmen and who (not forgetting all the other important roles)
• Send out your Save the Dates

Wedding Style

• Keep a scrapbook, diary, wedding planning book, folder on your computer to keep track of your ideas and planning
• Search for wedding and bridesmaids dress styles (or dress maker) - (have fittings for bride & bridal party)
• Search for all matching accessories for the girls (bride & bridal party)
• Search for suits and accessories for groom and groomsmen (have fittings for groom & bridal party)
• Search for a photographer and videographer that suits your style
• Search for flowers or alternatives for the bridal party
• Plan the reception and define your wedding style
• Organise wedding stationery design (as part of this, decide on a gift registry or gift list. Finalise guest list and send out invitations at least 8 weeks prior)
• Organise bonbonnieres and other thank you gifts
• Search for a wedding cake style and design, decide on a cake maker
• Search for a hair and makeup artist (and find inspiration images)
• Decide transport for the wedding day
• Decide on decorations and any extras to make your wedding your way (guest book, pew decorations, center pieces, etc)
• Finalise all other items and book everything you haven't already confirmed

1 to 3 Months Out

• Make appointment with minister/celebrant, complete "notice of intended marriage" and discuss the ceremony making all final decisions (vows, pre-marital counselling, etc)
• Organise wedding rings
• Select wedding music and complete the order of service (ensure you have oraganised all readings, hymns, master of ceremony, etc)
• Plan and book wedding night (if you are staying elsewhere other than your home, also organise locations for getting dressed and ready on the wedding day)
• Plan and book your honeymoon, organising leave from work (if going overseas arrange passports, visas, vaccinations, etc)

4 Weeks Out

• Arrange all pre wedding events, bucks, hens, bridal shower/kitchen tea
• Beauty Trials: Book Hair and Make-up Trial
• Confirm RSVPs and numbers for the wedding with the venues

3 Weeks Out

• Ensure the bridal party and all involved know what is required of them and where they have to be

2 Weeks Out

• Final Fittings for bride, groom and bridal party
• Confirm all wedding accessories are in order and where they need to be
• Have wedding rehearsal and confirm all legal paperwork is complete

1 Week Out

• Pack luggage for honeymoon
• Collect all wedding attire for the big day
• Confirm roles and responsibilities of all involved (all speeches, readings, etc organised)
• Contact all suppliers for the day (including the venues, photographer, cake maker/decorator, etc)

Day Before the Wedding

• Have nails done, massages, relax, unwind and enjoy

Wedding Day

• Everyone around you will complete their role and allow you to relax and enjoy your wedding day