Time Checklist for Wedding Preparation

18 MONTHS BEFORE
[   ] Set wedding date. Pick a few dates, just in case your desired venues are not available.

[   ] Discuss with parents and future in-laws on the wedding style, guest list and dinner menu.

[   ] Get recommendations for wedding sites and service providers. Start attending wedding shows and scouting for locations.

[   ] Book venue. Some months are very popular (e.g. August - Jnauary), so you will need to book way in advance.

[   ] Begin a diet/exercise regime and sart getting into shape.

[   ] Start a folder with sections for dresses, suits, flowers etc to file away ideas. Make a checklist and tick off as items get done. Organise and file all important documents in a systematic order. Keep a separate file for payments and receipts. This will help you keep track of what has been done, what needs to be done and also, manage all your expenses.

[   ] Start reading bridal magazines and check out bridal salons.

12 MONTHS TO GO
[   ] Book a wedding planner if you need/want help.

[   ] Shop for your wedding bands.

[   ] Select your bridal party attendants - bridesmaids, groomsmen, ring bearer, flower girls etc. Assign them their duties.

[   ] Shop for florists, makeup artists, planners, favours etc.

[   ] Settle your wedding stationery design if yours is custom made.

9 MONTHS TO GO
[   ] Book a wedding date with ROMM, church or alternative venue.

[   ] Choose your Justice of Peace (JP) if you will be holding your solemnisation outside ROMM.

[   ] Confirm venue and discuss menu.

[   ] Buy wedding bands.

[   ] Organise your entertainment. Plan your CD music selection or ask for quotes, if you are planning to hire a band or string quartet to provide entertainment.

[   ] Confirm salon, dresses and suits. Book hair and makeup. Ask friends for recommendations.

[   ] Shop for bridesmaids' and groomsmen's outfits, and your accessories such as heels and jewellery.

[   ] Compile the guest list with your fiance/fiancee and both parents.

[   ] Enquire about wedding car rentals.

[   ] If you are having a church wedding, plan the programme and get quotations from vendors.

6 MONTHS TO GO
[   ] Confirm all vendors for music, invitations, flowers etc.

[   ] Reserve rooms for overseas guests.

[   ] Confirm menus and liquor list.

3 MONTHS TO GO
[   ] Finalise guest list and start planning seating arrangements.

[   ] Confirm transportation for yourself and out-of-town guests.

[   ] Send reminders for venues and solemnisation officiant.

[   ] Research and book photography/videography packages. Ask friends for recommendations.

[   ] Confirm all wedding decor ideas, bouquets, centerpieces.

[   ] Send out invitations for out-of-town guests.

[   ] Discuss different looks with hair and makeup artists and go for trials. Confirm looks.

2 MONTHS TO GO
[   ] Send out local invitations.

[   ] Cofirm out-of-town guests have received invitations and settled accomodations details.

[   ] Choose thank-you gifts for attendants.

[   ] Organise seating arrangements.

1 MONTH TO GO
[   ] Chase late RSVPs, finalise guest list and seating arrangements.

[   ] Confirm that your gowns and those of your bridesmaids will be ready on time.

[   ] Prepare fees or hongbao where applicable, e.g. for officiant, and your bridesmaids and groomsmen.

[   ] Start breaking in your shoes so they won't pinch on the day.

[   ] Fix a day for church rehearsal two weeks before the wedding. Notify attendants.

[   ] Confirm all other arrangements that have not been finalised.

2 WEEKS TO GO
[   ] Have your church rehearsal or run through the day's duties with attendants.

[   ] Collect dresses.

[   ] Enjoy your hen and stag dos.

[   ] Arrange for bridal flowers to be sent to your home early on the day.

1 WEEK TO GO
[   ] Finalise all minor arrangements that haven't been doen.

[   ] Arrange for a bridesmaid to accompany and help you on the day.

[   ] Give all payments to best man; leave him to pay the respective people.

[   ] See if your and your fiance/finacee can get away for a day spa.

[   ] Rest and relax so you will both look great on your big day.

ON THE DAY
[   ] Let your chief bridesmaid or planner take charge of everything which includes reminding the other attendants of their duties.

[   ] Relax and enjoy your wedding day !