wedding CHECKLIST
hot tips to help you plan a wedding that’s good for your mental health
COVID-19
COVID-19 has changed the world, and has changed how we do weddings. Your local state government will be your best point of contact for specific restrictions and requirements, but here’s a quick list to get your brain thinking about ways you can get on top things quickly:
Identify the COVID Safety Officer at your venue, and check what they need from you
Offer masks and hand sanitiser to guests on arrival
Keep a record of who attended your wedding, including contact details
Provides guests with clear social distancing options
Ask your celebrant to announce your attitude towards hugs and kisses i.e. “the couple would like everyone to know that you are welcome to hug them, but they fully respect anyone’s decision to remain physically distant”
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phase 1
(12 - 18 months out)
Choose your ideal dates - have a few dates up your sleeve so you can be flexible when you find your perfect venue
Talk budget and decide who’s contributing what Book your venue
See at least 3 venues prior to making your choice
We might be able to assist with over 25 years experience So call us prior to paying a deposit
Book your photographer and Videographer
Research styling options
Choose your wedding party
Screw gender norms! Want a bridesman or best woman? Go for it!
Begin assembling your team of vendors: photographer, caterer, DJ/band, florist, stylist, hair, makeup
Choose Your Engagement Ring
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phase 2 (12 months out)
Celebrate your engagement - woop woop!
Book your celebrant / Church
Get engagement photos taken
Begin compiling a guest list with addresses
Send out your Save the Dates
Keeping stationery like Save the Dates and Invitations
online and paperless will reduce your wedding waste
Research honeymoon destinations
Book your catering
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phase 3 (8 months out)
Find accomodation for out-of-town guests
Browse Wedding Invitation designs
Shop for bride and groom attire
Vintage Aisle and Still White are two great sources of pre-loved wedding dresses. Also, if you’re wearing a suit, consider a rental or buying something you will wear again
Sign up for premarital counselling
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phase 4
(6 months out)
Explore wedding day hair and makeup styles
Reserve rentals: chairs, linens, lighting, décor, etc
Schedule menu tastings
Choose wedding party attire and accessories
Consider allowing your wedding party to source their own clothes, rather the prescribing a single style. You can encourage them to wear something they already own, or borrow from a friend. If you do ask them to purchase something new, it’s best to make sure it’s something they’ll likely get future uses out of.
Hire ceremony musicians
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Place your full wedding invitation order
Meet with your celebrant to discuss plans for the ceremony
Discuss style options with your florist
Choosing flowers that are local to the region and in season will reduce the carbon footprint of your bouquets.
Schedule dress & suit fittings.
Book honeymoon flights and hotels
Book room for wedding night
Order wedding dessert/cake
Write song list for DJ/band
Finalise wedding guest list
Select wines & other beverages to be served on the day
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phase 5
Finalise honeymoon plans and ensure passports, visas and other documents are in order
Formalise all necessary documentation for marriage license
Plan reception seating
Experiment with hair and veil with stylist
Finalise readers, readings, and music for the ceremony
Organise guestbook
Finalise reception menu
Send out wedding invites
Begin writing vows
Review ceremony details with celebrant
Finalise playlists with musicians
Book spa and beauty treatments for you and your wedding party
Book wedding day transportation
Purchase wedding favours
Write out honeymoon itinerary for family at home
Do makeup trial
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(2 months out)
phase 6 (1 month out)
Follow up with guests who have not RSVP’d Create wedding day timeline and email it to your vendors, celebrant and wedding party
Confirm honeymoon reservations
Pick up wedding rings
Confirm final plans with wedding celebrant
Attend Bucks Party/Hens Night
Final dress fitting (with shoes & undergarments)
Look for pet/house sitter while you’re away
Begin breaking in wedding shoes
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phase 7 (1 week out)
Delegate wedding day duties: gift table, guestbook, etc
Ensure all payments to vendors have been made
Give readers their scripts
Lay out wedding clothes
Prepare wedding day emergency kit (tissues, band-aids, breath
mints, sewing kit etc)
Get spa treatments for you and the wedding party
Pack for honeymoon
Get a massage - you deserve it!
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phase 8
(after the wedding)
Ensure suits and rental furniture have all been returned
Pay it forward and sell/donate your wedding dress
Send thank you cards to your guests and vendors
Design your wedding album with your photographer
Donate your leftover food
There are charities around Australia who will happily take your leftover wedding food and drink.
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