So you are newly engaged, now what? Whether you are thinking of a wedding in 3 months or 3 years, now is the time to start the event planning process. When it comes to weddings, the list of things to do is never-ending, but that shouldn’t mean planning the big day has to be stressful. At Barlens, we are the event hire experts and we specialise in bespoke furniture and décor rentals for weddings across the ACT and NSW. We know every bride-to-be is pressed for time so here’s our handy wedding checklist that will help you to plan the day of your dreams.
The First Things You Need to Consider
- Sit down with your partner and determine your budget
- Start planning the guest list and settle on an approximate number of guests - this may impact your choice of venues
- Decide on whether you are having a wedding close to home or a destination wedding
- Pick potential wedding dates
- Research potential wedding venues and ceremony locations
- Determine who will be in your bridal party and ask those you have chosen
- If you want to use a wedding planner to organise your entire wedding, book your wedding planner now
12 Months Before the Big Day
There are some wedding services you should book sooner rather than later, and that’s not because they're any more important but because these providers usually book out up to a year in advance.
- Book your reception venue and ceremony location. If you are planning an outdoor event make sure you have shelter if needed, wedding marquees are a great option for this
- Book your photographer, videographer, and music/entertainment
- If you are set on a particular wedding car, marriage celebrant or hair and make-up artist then book them immediately to avoid disappointment
- Research invitations, cake and décor options
- Start your wedding dress search
- Send ‘Save the Date’ cards – especially important if you're getting married abroad, or during a very busy time of year
6-9 Months Before
- Book the celebrant or chaplain and discuss your requirements with them
- Decide on a theme and colours you would like to follow
- Research and reserve accommodations for guests if required
- If hire equipment is needed, find a reputable and reliable hire company and book whatever you need - tables, chairs, marquee etc
- Book your honeymoon, particularly if you planning to go overseas
- Order your wedding cake
4-6 Months Before
- Choose bridesmaids’ dresses
- Choose your wedding invitations and stationery (thank you notes, place cards, registry cards) and organise to have them printed ready to send 6-8 weeks in advance or 12 weeks for guests coming from overseas
- Meet with your florist to discuss your bridal bouquets, button holes, wedding ceremony and wedding reception flowers
- Secure the suits for the groom and groomsmen
- Organise the legalities — give at least 3 months’ notice to your registrar or priest/religious celebrant
- Organise wedding transport
- Organise a hair and makeup trial
2-3 Months Before
- Send invitations to guests
- Attend dress fittings
- Choose and order wedding rings
- Buy shoes, accessories, hair-pieces, bow ties etc - allow for longer if you're ordering online
- Finalise the menu with the wedding venue or wedding caterer, and select the wines and champagnes
- Order your bomboniere and other wedding day extras such as confetti, wedding bubbles, rose petals etc
- Appoint your MC either a reliable friend or a professional
4 Weeks Before
- Have a final wedding dress fitting
- Make any last-minute adjustments with suppliers
- Determine the running sheet - the order of toasts and speeches
- Keep your guest list and rsvp's up to date using a spreadsheet or event planning App
The 2 Weeks Before
- Confirm final numbers with your venue
- Create your table plan
- Call all wedding suppliers to confirm arrangements
- Give ceremony and reception site managers a schedule of vendor delivery and setup times, plus contact numbers
- Have your waxing and other beauty treatments at the salon
- Do a full wedding dress rehearsal and ceremony rehearsal with the complete bridal party
- Drop off place cards, table cards, menus, favours, table plan to reception coordinator
The Day Before
- Sort out payment (write cheques/organise cash) for any final balances to be paid at the end of the reception.
- Relax and get a good nights’ sleep!
Finally, when the day arrives – enjoy it! You have spent months, if not years planning this event so relax and forget about the weather, go with the flow and have a fantastic and memorable day celebrating your love in front of all of your family and friends.
If you are planning a wedding and are looking for marquees, furniture or décor pieces to complement your big day, contact the team at Barlens today. With over 50 years’ experience in the event hire industry, we know what makes a great wedding. Browse our range online or call us to discuss your event planning needs.
