Many couples feel like a 12 month build-up is just too long, and they also tend to change their minds too often. So if you are extremely organised, and prepared to work non-stop, you can still have the time of your life! (And let’s be honest – most of us already have quite an extensive set of ideas what we want from our wedding, long before we have even met The One!)
Week 12:
Get and set a date ; establish a budget; get ideas and referrals for your site, food, honeymoon from bridal magazines and friends; set up appointments with potential vendors and ceremony and reception sites for the next two weeks; make up your mind about your gown. E-mail or phone guests, to save the date. Tip: If you can, book a venue for a Friday night or a Sunday – the Saturdays are usually booked months in advance.
Week 11:
Book your ceremony and reception venues and as many service providers / vendors as you can; ask people to be in your bridal party; order invitations and rings; book hotel rooms for out-of-town guests; book your honeymoon trip, book your photographer and caterer.
Week 10:
Hire any remaining vendors; buy / rent dress; buy accessories; book appointments for a manicure and pedicure for the day before the wedding and a hair and makeup stylist for the big day.
Week 9:
Send invitations with an RSVP date for 4 weeks before wedding; find bridesmaid dresses; send your fiancé to sort out his and his groomsmen’s outfits. Give him a list of responsibilities.
Week 8:
Start with any DIY projects you may have. Finalise where you and the groom will be getting dressed.
Week 7:
Meet with the minister / priest to plan the ceremony. Confirm everything in writing. Finalise your marriage contract. Tie up with your fiancé to keep him on track.
Week 6: Meet with the caterer to taste foods and plan the menu; book vehicles. Confirm everything booked in writing. Make sure about contracts with vendors.
Be married by april!
The full 12 month checklist is available for download and printing, as a PDF, on our homepage