What do you need to know before planning you wedding day?
Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and you want it to be perfect. However, planning a wedding can be a daunting task, with so many details to keep track of. To help you stay organised and ensure that everything runs smoothly, we have put together a complete wedding day checklist. This checklist covers everything from the months leading up to your wedding day to the moment you say “I do.”
Before the Wedding Day
- Hire a Wedding Planner
If you have a busy schedule or just want to ensure that your wedding runs smoothly, hiring a wedding planner is a great idea. They can help you with everything from selecting a venue to coordinating vendors on the day of the wedding.
- Set the Date and Choose a Venue
Before you can begin planning the details of your wedding day, you need to set the date and choose a venue. Make sure that the venue can accommodate your guest list and fits your overall wedding theme.
- Create a Guest List
Your guest list will determine the size of your wedding and help you determine your budget. Start by making a list of all the people you want to invite, and then prioritize based on your budget and venue capacity.
- Send Out Save the Dates
Once you have set the date and chosen a venue, it’s time to send out save the dates to your guests. This will give them plenty of notice to make travel arrangements and request time off from work.
- Create a Wedding Website
A wedding website is a great way to keep your guests informed about the details of your wedding day. Include information about the wedding venue, travel accommodations, and any other important details.
- Select Your Wedding Party
Choose your bridesmaids and groomsmen and ask them to be a part of your wedding party. They will help you with wedding planning tasks and be there to support you on your big day.
- Schedule Engagement Photos
Engagement photos are a great way to capture the excitement leading up to your wedding day. Schedule a photo shoot with a professional photographer and use the photos for your save the dates and wedding website.
- Hire Vendors
From caterers to photographers, there are many vendors that you will need to hire for your wedding day. Make sure to research and interview potential vendors to find the best fit for your wedding.
- Purchase Wedding Attire
Start shopping for your wedding dress, as well as bridesmaid dresses and tuxedos for the groom and groomsmen. Give yourself plenty of time to find the perfect outfits and schedule any necessary alterations.
- Choose Your Wedding Rings
Your wedding rings are a symbol of your love and commitment to each other. Take the time to select the perfect rings that you will cherish for a lifetime.
The Week of the Wedding
- Confirm Details with Vendors
Confirm all the details with your vendors, including delivery times and locations. Make sure that everyone is on the same page to ensure a smooth wedding day.
- Pack for Your Honeymoon
If you’re leaving for your honeymoon immediately after your wedding, make sure to pack all the essentials. Don’t forget your passports, travel documents, and any necessary medications.
- Get a Manicure and Pedicure
Make sure that your nails are clean and polished for your wedding day. Schedule a manicure and pedicure for yourself and your bridesmaids.
- Finalize Seating Arrangements
Finalize the seating arrangements for your wedding reception. Make sure that guests with special needs or dietary restrictions are accommodated.
- Practice Your Wedding Vows
If you are writing your own wedding vows, practice them in advance. This will help you feel confident and prepared on your wedding day.
- Confirm Wedding Day Timeline
Confirm the timeline for your wedding day with your wedding planner or day-of coordinator. This will help ensure that everyone is on the same page and that everything runs smoothly.
- Pack a Wedding Day Emergency Kit
Prepare a wedding day emergency kit with items such as extra bobby pins, stain remover, and tissues. You never know when something unexpected might happen, so it’s best to be prepared.
- Rehearse Ceremony and Reception
Schedule a rehearsal with your wedding party and officiant to practice the ceremony and reception. This will help everyone feel more comfortable and confident on the wedding day.
- Confirm Transportation
Confirm transportation arrangements for you and your wedding party. This includes transportation to and from the ceremony and reception, as well as any other locations you may need to travel to.
- Relax and Enjoy the Moment
In the days leading up to your wedding day, it’s important to take some time for yourself to relax and de-stress. Take a bubble bath, go for a walk, or do something else that helps you unwind.
On the Wedding Day
- Get Plenty of Rest
Make sure to get plenty of rest the night before your wedding day. This will help you feel refreshed and energized for your big day.
- Eat a Nutritious Breakfast
Start your day off with a nutritious breakfast to help you maintain your energy throughout the day. Make sure to eat something that won’t upset your stomach.
- Get Hair and Makeup Done
Schedule hair and makeup appointments for yourself and your bridesmaids. Make sure to leave plenty of time for everyone to get ready.
- Dress in Wedding Attire
Put on your wedding attire, including your wedding dress, shoes, and accessories. Make sure everything fits correctly and feels comfortable.
- Take Photos
Take photos with your wedding party and family before the ceremony. This will help capture the excitement and anticipation of the day.
- Exchange Wedding Gifts
Exchange wedding gifts with your partner before the ceremony. This is a special moment that you will both remember for years to come.
- Walk Down the Aisle
Walk down the aisle with your father or another special person in your life. Take a deep breath and savor the moment.
- Say Your Vows
Say your wedding vows and exchange rings with your partner. This is the moment that you have been waiting for, so make sure to enjoy it.
- Enjoy the Reception
Enjoy your wedding reception with your guests. Dance, eat, and have fun celebrating your love.
- Say Goodbye to Guests
Say goodbye to your guests and thank them for being a part of your special day. Make sure to take a moment to reflect on the day and all the memories that you have created.
In Conclusion
Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but with a complete wedding day checklist, you can stay organised and ensure that everything runs smoothly. From the months leading up to your wedding day to the moment you say “I do,” this checklist covers everything that you need to know. Remember to take some time to relax and enjoy the moment, and most importantly, cherish the memories that you have created with your partner and loved ones.