It takes a day to get married, but a year to get your plans just right. Stay on track with our step-by-step checklist
Illustration: Barbara Spoettel
A year before
Estimate numbers and calculate budgets
Choose the style of your wedding
Pick a date
Make a shortlist and recce venues
Confirm your venue
Book in caterer tastings
Make a guest list Appoint key personnel
Nine months before
Start shopping for your dress
Decide on colour and style themes
Start finalising your guest list
Research photographers and book one
Book a caterer
Organise entertainment
Six months before
Send out ‘save the date’ cards
Choose your dress and arrange fittings
Plan your order of service
Order your invitations
Choose a gift list
Meet with your florist
Meet suppliers and put down deposits
Order your wedding cake
Begin honeymoon preparations
Three months before
Send out invitations
Arrange final dress fittings
Choose your wedding rings
Order favours and bridal party gifts
Finalise menu and wine with your caterer
Arrange transport for the wedding party
Go over song lists and requests with your reception band or DJ
One month before
Chase up RSVPs from guests who have not yet responded
Draw up a seating plan for the meal
Order/make place cards for the tables
Arrange a hair and make-up run-through
Final dress fitting and accessory choices
Confirm the final guest list
One week before
Double-check numbers
Confirm special meals
Reconfirm all suppliers
Compile a detailed shot list and brief your photographer
Produce a final seating plan for the venue
Check you have all necessary documents for your honeymoon
A day before
Double-check wedding favours and bridal party gifts
Make payment envelopes to pay each supplier on the day
Visit the venue and make sure food and drink orders match final numbers
Check the weather forecast
This article was first printed in Square Meal Weddings, 2014