Ok, not to be dramatic, but without a wedding planning checklist, how on earth will you know what to do and when to do it? It’s impossible to even know where to begin! Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with this incredible wedding planning checklist, broken down into tasks to do each month and links for where to find the best suppliers in Ireland. You’re welcome.
Main image credit: Fran Byrne
12+ months before
⎕ Sign up to weddingsonline!
⎕ Discuss the wedding with your partner – what you both want and don’t want
⎕ Decide how many guests you want to invite – make a rough guest list
⎕ Look up venues in your chosen area to find out approximate costs for your size of wedding
⎕ Do a budget
⎕ Decide who is paying for what – and will you accept help from family
⎕ Take out wedding insurance if desired
⎕ Pick a season and preferred wedding date
⎕ Book ceremony venue
⎕ Book reception venue
⎕ Decide on the size of your wedding party and ask the chosen people if they’d like to be in it
⎕ Decide what type of entertainment you want – a soloist for the church, harpist, a DJ, band etc
⎕ Research and book photographer, videographer, band, DJ and wedding planner if desired
⎕ Research wedding gowns, find styles you like
⎕ Book appointments with bridal shops to try on gowns
⎕ Send save-the-dates, if you wish
⎕ Make note of any DIY projects you may want doing
⎕ Throw an engagement party
⎕ Start wedding website or diary
8-10 months before
⎕ Research and book ceremony music
⎕ Order your gown
⎕ Decide on your colour scheme and/or theme for the wedding – start a mood board
⎕ Research and reserve accommodation for guests
6-8 months before
⎕ Research and book florist, hair and make-up artist
⎕ Buy or order invitations
⎕ Order bridesmaids dresses
⎕ Buy bridesmaids accessories – shoes, jewellery, etc
⎕ Book honeymoon
⎕ Send save-the-dates if you haven’t already
4-6 months before
⎕ Buy lingerie for your wedding day
⎕ Send notification of intent to marry
⎕ Attend pre-marriage course if required
⎕ Buy wedding rings
⎕ Order Mass booklets
⎕ Order favours
⎕ Book transport
⎕ Decide on and buy your wedding cake
⎕ Buy your wedding shoes and accessories (veil, jewellery, etc)
⎕ Ensure your gown fits, or get alterations done if necessary
⎕ Plan hen and stag parties
⎕ Renew passports if necessary
3 months before
⎕ Have make-up trial
⎕ Have hair trial
⎕ Send notification of intent to marry (last chance)
⎕ Get suits fitted
⎕ Sort out venue decor – centrepieces, flowers, garlands, signs
⎕ Decide on music – ceremony processional and recessional, reception entrance, first dance song
⎕ Have any vaccinations done you may need for your honeymoon
2 months before
⎕ Send invitations
⎕ Purchase gifts for bridesmaids, groomsmen and best man
⎕ Test a tanning product if you’re using one
1 month before
⎕ Have final gown fitting
⎕ Collect bridal gown and bridesmaids dresses
⎕ Confirm menu with reception venue
⎕ Make last-minute adjustments with vendors and confirm their services
⎕ Agree on wedding photo list with the photographer
⎕ Send a music list to your band/DJ
⎕ Review final RSVP list and call any guests who have not yet responded
⎕ Have your hen and stag nights
2 weeks before
⎕ Plan reception table seating
⎕ Buy or make table plan
⎕ Write wedding speeches and vows
⎕ Order foreign currency for honeymoon
⎕ Go over this checklist to ensure you haven’t forgotten anything
1 week before
⎕ Give reception venue final guest head count
⎕ Print place and table cards
⎕ Call all wedding vendors and confirm services
⎕ Get hair coloured if needed
⎕ Have beauty treatments
⎕ Attend rehearsal with ceremony officiant
⎕ Assign a bridesmaid or an usher to be a point of contact for all the vendors on wedding day
⎕ Re-confirm final details with all vendors. Provide a telephone number for the wedding day
⎕ Wear in your wedding shoes
⎕ Decide on your “something old, something new…”
⎕ Pack for honeymoon
2-3 days before
⎕ Collect suits
⎕ Call the transport company for pickup times and locations
⎕ Get spray tan done
⎕ Put together a wedding emergency kit
Day before
⎕ Deliver cake, favors, flowers, etc to the reception venue
⎕ Sort out payments
⎕ Get a manicure
⎕ Relax
Day of
⎕ Take in every minute of the day!
