10 – 12 MONTHS BEFORE:
- set your wedding date. Pick a few dates, just in case your desired venues are not available.
- Discuss with parents and future in-laws on the style & size of wedding ceremony.
- set a budget.
- When booking a wedding consultant or wedding planner find a full time professional who knows the venue you've decided on. Your wedding is the most important events you'll plan so leave it to professionals, and NOT to someone who does it as a weekend hobbie...the last thing you need is your big day ruined.
- Book a date with the ROM and the ceremony venue.
- Begin your guest list...remember only invite the people you love and the people you'd take to dinner at the Crane,(seriously do you really think your boss and his wife will show up to your wedding when he didn't go to Michelle in accounting wedding?....that's $200 wasted on an invitation, place setting, dinner not to mention the chair cover and sash).
- Source for reception venues that suit your taste and budget. Some venues waive their venue fees if you use the in house catering, and include coordination on the day. No need to waste money on additional vendors. Just let the venue event planners handle the details. Remember certain months/dates are more popular than others and you need to book well in advance.
- Organize and file all important documents in a systematic order. Keep a separate file for payments and receipts. This will help you keep track of what has been done, what needs to be done and also manage all your expenses.
- Begin shopping for your bridal gowns, headpiece and bridal accessories.
6 – 10 MONTHS BEFORE:
- Confirm and book your venues if you haven’t done so.
- Select your attendants’ bridesmaid, best man, ring bearer, etc. Inform them about their duties.
- Plan your CD music selection or ask for quotes, if you are planning to hire a band or string quartet to Provide entertainment.
- Select the bridal boutique, followed by the bridal gowns and suits.
- Search for reputable hair & wedding makeup artist. Ask friends for recommendations.
- After confirming your bridal gowns and suits, start shopping for attendants’ attire.
- Shop for bridal accessories like bridal shoes, tiaras and jewellery.
- Help mothers of the bride and groom choose their dresses.
- Those having a church ceremony, plan your program, check out printers and get quotations
- Research and book your photographer / wedding videographer. Ask friends for recommendations.
3 – 6 MONTHS BEFORE:
- be sure deposits are paid and contracts signed.
- Confirm your tentative guest list
- Work on the final arrangements’ programs for wedding day, entertainment, etc.
- Order your wedding cake.
- Final confirmation on wedding venues and the officiant who is solemnizing your ceremony.
- Visit your hair and wedding makeup stylist/s. Discuss and try out different looks.
- Ensure bridal gowns and suits are ready for photography.
- Have studio / outdoor wedding photography taken.
- Choose and buy wedding rings, order engraving.
- Start finalizing plans for your honeymoon.
- Arrange wedding transportation.
- Arrange out-of-town guest accommodations.
- If you and your fiance don’t dance, begin lessons (if it applies to you).
2 – 3 MONTHS BEFORE:
- Print wedding cards.
- Reconfirm menu details. Remember to make arrangements for guests who are vegetarian or guest who takes halal food.
- Double check and confirm travel arrangements and hotel bookings for your honeymoon. Check your passbook availability and obtain a visa (if required).
- Decide venue decorations details with the wedding planner or hotel.
- Choose wedding favors / gifts for attendants.
- Mail wedding cards
- Have a final fitting at the bridal boutique. Ensure your bridal gowns and bridesmaids’ dresses will be ready on time.
- Finalize your transport, flower and music arrangements.
- Arrange for rehearsal if necessary at least one week before the wedding. Inform your attendants early.
- Prepare payment envelopes / ang pau for the fees and gratuities; or gifts for your wedding party. Eg. Your attendants, religious official, clergy, organist, soloist, etc.
- Purchase bridal shoes. Practice wearing your bridal shoes (at home or indoors) avoid blister feet on your wedding day.
- Ask relatives and friends to help as ushers at the wedding and reception.
- Select ceremony readings and write personal vows.
- Buy your guest book.
2 – 3 WEEKS BEFORE:
- Confirm dinner attendants
- Confirm dinner menu and food tasting.
- Confirm final program for dinner.
- Arrange for a church rehearsal at least one week before the wedding (if it applies to you). Inform your attendants early.
- Finalize seating arrangement for banquet.
- Remind florist to arrange for bridal bouquet and corsages to be sent to your place early or arrange for pick-up one day before your wedding.
- Submit the final guest count to the caterer / hotel.
- Arrange your head table seating.
- Pack for your honeymoon.
- Have a facial.
1 WEEK BEFORE:
- Have your rehearsal (if applicable).
- You may want to double check on the auspicious hour and have a run- through of the actual day customary formalities.
- One last fitting of your bridal gowns to ensure the size fits as there can sometimes be drastic weight loss due to nervousness or franticness as the big day approaches.
- Have a briefing with bridesmaids, best man and ushers to finalize duties assigned.
- Book a relaxing massage or spa for the two of you to soothe away jitters and stress you have built up over the months.
- Rest and eat well, drink lots of water so you’ll be absolutely fresh for the big day.
1 DAY AHEAD:
- Get a manicure.
- Pack things to take to the wedding site.
DAY OF THE WEDDING:
- Take a good breakfast.
- Have your hair and makeup done.
- Have your bridesmaid/ maid of honour or your attendants attend to giving out your gratuities such as ang pow on your wedding day while you enjoy your wedding day without fussing over the small stuff..
- Enjoy the day.
AFTER THE WEDDING:
- If you are going away on your honeymoon immediately, ask someone to help you tie up loose ends such as returning of loaned / rental items.
- Send ‘Thank You’ cards even if abroad. It would contain that extra touch if you send them during your vacation as it shows you have not forgotten the help of those who had offered their assistance.