The Ultimate Wedding Checklist
When the covid pandemic disrupted my wedding plans, leading to four cancellations and eventually an elopement followed by a vow renewal two years later, I found myself inadvertently experiencing the journey of planning more than one wedding in many different conditions.
From this whirlwind experience emerged the ultimate wedding checklist. It's been a companion to countless brides, continuously refined and updated year after year. Now, it's yours, free of charge, to guide you on your own wedding journey.
Remember this list is only a guide. Think of this list as a place for inspiration. It's filled with ideas and suggestions, but that doesn't mean you have to do everything! Your wedding should be a reflection of you and your partner, so feel free to mix and match, skip what doesn't resonate, and add your own twist. Whether you want to skip the traditional save-the-dates or would prefer a joint "sten" celebration in favour of separate hen and stag celebrations, it's all about making your wedding journey and wedding day authentically yours. So, let your personalities shine, and enjoy the process.
Happy Planning!
Love,
Maisie
Lead Wedding & Event Planner - Blooming Róża
The List:
This list is not chronological, it shows all the elements you may wish to consider. If you would like to see our 12 month wedding planning timeline, you can check out our post about this.
Pre-Wedding Elements
Save the dates
Bridesmaids ‘will you be’ Invitations
Groomsmen ‘will you be’ Invitations
Flower Girl ‘will you be’ Invitations
Page Boy ‘will you be’ Invitations
Invitations
Main Invite
Map/Directions
Hotels/Accommodation
Menu
RSVP
Wedding website information
Hen Plans
Stag Plans
Decide if you would like to do pre-wedding drinks and/or post-wedding breakfast
Wedding Elements
General
Set a wedding budget
Think about your wedding style (some people call this a theme)
Pick your Venue(s)
Ceremony
Wedding Breakfast (the meal after your wedding)
Reception
Marriage Licence/Booking Your Registrar
Booking your celebrant if you prefer a personalised ceremony
Guests
Ceremony + Wedding Breakfast
Evening
Bridal Party
Bridesmaids
Dresses
Shoes
Hair
Jewellery
Flower Girls
Dresses
Shoes
Hair
Jewellery
Groomsmen
Suits
Shoes
Cufflinks
Ties
Page Boys
Suits
Shoes
Ties
Groom
Suit
Tie
Cufflinks
Waistcoat
Shoes
Wedding day undies!
Bride
Dress
Shoes
Veil
Headpiece
Jewellery
Lingerie
Garter
Something borrowed
Something new
Something old
Something blue
Bridal Hair
Bridal Make Up
List Bridal party duties
Budget with your wedding party (if you are asking them to contribute/pay for accommodation etc. it's best to be open and honest so they can commit effectively)
Ceremony
Rehearsal arrangements
Order of service
Rings
Vows
Readings
Music
Decorations/Style
Confetti
Post-Ceremony
After ceremony drinks
Canapés
Wedding Breakfast
Food
Drinks
Wedding Cake
Seating Plan
Place names
Toastmaster
Children’s Activity Books
Favours
Table Layout (e.g. Round Tables, Trestle Tables etc.)
Speeches
Gifts for helpers
Bridesmaids
Groomsmen
Mother of the Groom
Mother of the Bride
Father of the Groom
Father of the Bride
Anyone else you may wish to add
Reception
Evening Food
Drinks (e.g. Open Bar or Signature Drinks)
Entertainment
Interactive Games (e.g. Lawn Games)
Music
Band
DJ
Photo Booth
First Dance Plans
Bouquet Toss
Flowers/Decorations
Bouquets
Bouquet to throw
Buttonholes & Corsages
Ceremony Flowers & Decor
Reception - Table/other, flowers and decor
Favours
Signage
Cake Knife
Guest book (you could also use an audio guestbook)
Card box
Other personal items - perhaps you would like to do a memory area for those who cannot be there.
Photography/Videography
Pick a Photograper
Create a shot list for your Photographer
Pick a Videographer
Consider a Content Creator
Discuss important moments you would like captured with your videographer (and content creator if you have one).
Other
Wedding Insurance
Transport
Post - Wedding Elements
First Night Arrangements
Honeymoon Arrangements
Thank yous
Changing name
Passport
Driving Licence
Bank Accounts
Wondering where to start with picking suppliers?
Why not take a look at our page with a list of our favourite suppliers? It's a great way to start gaining an idea of the services you would like.