12+ Months Before 

• Set a Date: Choose a few potential dates for flexibility. 

• Book a Marriage Officer: Set the date, because without this person the marriage will not take place. They will see that the marriage register is signed and ensure that the marriage certificate is signed and approved by the Department of Home Affairs.

• Determine Your Budget: Discuss with your partner and families. 

• Create a Guest List: Start with a rough draft. 

• Book Your Venue: For both ceremony and reception. 

• Wedding Theme: Discover your wedding style and overall theme. 

• Choose Your Wedding Party: Bridesmaids, groomsmen, etc. 

• Set a Budget: Determine your overall budget and allocate funds for different aspects of the wedding. 

• Choose a Date and Venue: Select your preferred wedding date and start researching venues that align with your vision and budget. 

• Guest List: Create a preliminary guest list to estimate the number of attendees. 

• Wedding Party: Choose your bridesmaids, groomsmen, and other important roles. 

• Hire a Wedding Planner (optional): Consider hiring a professional to manage the planning process.  

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9-12 Months Before 

• Finalize wedding date. 

• Send Save-the-Dates: Inform your guests early. 

• Book Vendors: Photographer, videographer, caterer, florist, etc. 

• Plan Your Honeymoon: Decide on a destination and book travel arrangements. 

• Create a Wedding Website: Share details with your guests. 

• Wedding Dress and Groom's Attire: Begin shopping for your wedding dress and groom's attire. 

• Photography and Videography: Book your photographer and videographer. 

• Florist: Select a florist and discuss your floral vision. 

• Caterer: Choose a caterer and finalize your menu. 

• Cake: Order your wedding cake. 

• Music: Book a band, DJ, or other entertainment. 

• Invitations: Design and order your wedding invitations. 

• Wedding Website: Create a wedding website to share details with guests. 

• Wedding Insurance: Consider purchasing wedding insurance to protect your investment.  

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6-9 Months Before 

• Order Invitations: Choose and order your wedding invitations. 

• Select Attire: For wedding party. 

• Register for Gifts: Create your wedding registry. 

• Plan Ceremony Details: Choose readings, music, and officiant. 

• Book Transportation: For the wedding day. 

• Finalized Guest List: Complete your guest list. Confirm details for invitations.

• RSVPs: Send out save-the-dates. 

• Wedding Favors: Choose and order wedding favors. 

• Transportation: Arrange transportation for guests (if necessary). 

• Accommodation: Book hotel blocks for out-of-town guests (if applicable). 

• Wedding Registry: Create a wedding registry. 

• Honeymoon Planning: Start planning your honeymoon. 

• Hair and Makeup: Book hair and makeup artists.  

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3-6 Months Before 

• Guest List:  Send invitations. 

• Plan Reception Details: Menu, seating chart, and decorations. 

• Order Wedding Cake: Choose a design and flavors. 

• Purchase Wedding Rings: Choose and purchase wedding rings. 

• Wedding Attire: Order bridesmaid and groomsmen attire. 

• Wedding Stationery: Order additional wedding stationery (menus, place cards, etc.). 

• Wedding Party Gifts: Purchase gifts for your wedding party. 

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1-3 Months Before 

• Apply for Marriage License: Check local requirements. 

• Confirm Details with Vendors: Ensure everyone is on the same page. 

• Create a Wedding Day Timeline:  Plan and create a detailed time line and schedule for the wedding day. 

• Schedule Hair and Makeup Trials: Find your perfect look.

• Wedding photography pre-shoot: Plan your photoshoot with your Wedding Photographer and discuss the timeline while visiting the venue and planned photoshoot locations. Do a pre-shoot to test the makeup to see how it will look in your photos. A good organized pre-shoot will save you much time on your wedding day.

• Write Vows: If you’re writing your own. 

• Plan Rehearsal Dinner: Book venue and send invitations. 

• Wedding Dress Fittings: Attend final wedding dress fittings. 

• Wedding Cake Tasting: Do a final cake tasting. 

• Menu Tasting: Finalize your wedding menu with the caterer. 

• Wedding Rehearsal: Schedule a wedding rehearsal. 

• Wedding Night Accommodations: Book accommodations for your wedding night.   

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1-4 Weeks Before 

• Final Guest Count: Provide a final guest count to vendors.

• Final Payments: Make final payments to vendors.

• Final Dress Fitting: Ensure your dress fits perfectly. 

• Confirm Guest Count: Provide final numbers to the caterer. 

• Prepare Payments: Organize final payments for vendors. 

• Break in Your Shoes: Wear them around the house. 

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Week of the Wedding 

• Delegate Tasks: Assign responsibilities to your wedding party. 

• Relax and Pamper Yourself: Take some time to unwind. 

• Rehearsal and Dinner: Practice the ceremony and enjoy the dinner. 

• Confirm All Details: Finalize and double-check everything in detail with vendors. 

• Wedding Day Emergency Kit: Prepare a wedding day emergency kit. 

• Pack for Honeymoon: Prepare for your trip. 

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Wedding Day 

• Eat Breakfast: Start your day with a good meal. 

• Get Ready: Hair, makeup, and getting dressed. 

• Enjoy the Moment: Take a deep breath and soak it all in. 

• Celebrate: Have an amazing time with your loved ones! 

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Remember: This checklist is a starting point. Adjust it based on your specific needs and preferences. Enjoy the planning process and create a wedding that reflects your love story!