40 Wedding Day Checklist

Firstly congratulations to all you newlyweds! Wedding planning is a really exciting time but can also be stressful, which is why a handy wedding checklist will be the thing you turn to again and again, to help minimize the stress.

This checklist isn't in an order or timeline frame, however, I would consider the first five things on this wedding checklist to be the first five things you should do. If you would like to know some more then check my other blog tips and tricks

The List

01 Budget: the most important thing is to set your budget and if it is a realistic one stick to it

02 Book Your Venue: especially if you have must have that particular venue, then the earlier the better

03 Book The Church or Registrar:  then the rest of the planning can start

04 Photographer: if you like a particular style of photography then get booked in early. As a photographer myself, I turn away so many weddings for the reason that others got there first! Self-plug warning NG Photography (sorry)

05 Videographer

06 Save The Date: send out those invitations

07 Guest List: This can help with the budget

08 Book Your DJ/Band

09 Florist: flowers for your bouquet, buttonholes, table decorations for church and venue

10 Wedding Cake:  choose the style and flavours of cake you want and book in advance as you will be surprised how far in advance some suppliers ask for.

11 Decoration Hire Companies: for things like sign lights, table centrepieces, backdrops, chair covers... (having a wedding theme can help)

12 Wedding Dress:  don't forget your dress fitting appointment, and your bridesmaids and flower girls' dress too.

13 Accessories: hairpieces, shoes, cufflinks, ties, belts, jewellery other than wedding rings of course

14 Grooms and groomsmen:  so what will it be boys, long tails, tweed...

15 Any Readings During The Ceremony,

16 Wedding Cars Camper Vans Or Buses?

17 Hairdresser, Makeup & Nails

18 Tasting Menue

19 Wedding Rings: of course!

20 Flower Girls & Page Boys:  Would you like them to have or carry anything in particular?

21 Table Plan: where will everyone sit and create a board for them to see your seating plan. Let's not forget place cards too

22 Confetti: check with the venue as some may have restrictions ie. and must be biodegradable

23 Pack Overnight Bag:  have you thought about where would you like to be the night of the wedding?

24 Running Order: some like a sign of the day running order for the guest to see

25 Favours: this is normally placed on the table for each guest and can be different for children. Extra gifts to think about like flowers for those who you helped to make this happen (Mums, bridesmaids, best man...)

26 Vows

27 Formal Shot list: for your photographer, this can help the day run a bit smoother, also ask a member of your family to help in advance to gather the family together for the photos. (ie Bride, Groom, mum, dad John & Sarah...)

28 Entertainment:  such as magicians, caricature artists... (this is not for everyone but is becoming very popular)

29 Speeches

30 Rehearsal: if needed and also to check if any alterations need doing to any of the wedding party outfits

31 Dates: have a list of any dates that are important ie to pick up the wedding dress, and suits... don't forget anything you are hiring and that will need to be returned 

32 Tradition: something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue

33 Stag/Hen:  Normally best to do it in advance and not too close to the wedding (just in case?!)

34 Time Off: book time off at work and give yourself plenty of time on the build-up so you can enjoy every minute of your hard work coming together.

35 Passport: whether you are going abroad for your wedding or just the honeymoon check your passport expiry date

36 First Dance Song:  also if you want a father-daughter dance, choose the song too

37 Witnesses: signing the registrar you will need 2 witnesses  

38 Sweet Table: not for everyone but something to think about

39 Magic Mirror: or other late-night entertainment, again not for everyone

40 Tipi Weddings:  for outdoor weddings, such as tipi, marquee... you may need to think of outdoor catering, bar and in some cases, toilets 

This list is a guide to help you get started and to get you on the right track, but everyone is different and you should not feel pressured into doing some of the things just because it's on this or any other list! We all have a different wedding in mind for each other so make yours special for you.

Bonus Tip

Now don't forget to plan and book your HONEYMOON!

Now go and enjoy your beautiful wedding day, which you wanted and beautifully created.