Choosing, confirming and then booking your wedding venue is a huge task, so well done for completing it! Now you’ve set the wheels in motion and you’ll be able to get more tasks done. You now know when and where you are hosting your Big Day – woohoo – so decision-making should come much easier now! Wondering what to do once you’ve booked your wedding venue? This is it:
What to do once you’ve booked your wedding venue
Wedding venue related tasks
Confirm all venue deadlines: You’ll need to know now what deadlines you have to meet before your Big Day. These include payments, when the venue requires a final headcount and so on. Now is also a good time to ask clarifying questions!
Get a planning meeting in the diary: Make a plan to sit down with your venue coordinator in a month or two. This is when you’ll go choose where each wedding event will take place and start making decor plans.
Talk about catering: If your venue offers catering, ask if a menu tasting is an option. Ideally, you’ll have an idea of your menu a month or two after booking your venue (this menu can be adjusted as needed).
Choose a date for your final walkthrough: In your final walkthrough, you’ll talk about arrival times, set up plans, the flow of the event and other details with your venue coordinator. Now is a good time to book this meeting.
Introduce your planner to your venue: If you are working with a wedding planner, connect them to your venue coordinator so they can work together on some of the details.
Book your suppliers
With a wedding date and location firmly secured, you can now move on to booking the rest of your suppliers. Here’s where to start:
Photographer and Videographer: These are the two suppliers who will capture your memories so book them in early!
Entertainers: Whether you are after a DJ, band or both, get them booked now. Start thinking about other entertainment you may want, such as a magician, comedian, or artist.
Make it legal: Decide on the type of ceremony you’d like to have and book your celebrant/solemniser/officiant. If you’re doing the legal bit at another venue, book it now.
Decor and flowers: Now that you know what season you’re getting married in, you can nail down the colours, flowers and decor choices.
Secure hair and makeup: Pick your hairstylist and makeup artist and get dates for your trials.
The fun stuff
Send out Save The Dates: At about 12 months to go, you’ll want to start thinking about Save The Dates. Work with your stationery designer to confirm a timeline to design invitations, print them, mail them and get RSVPs in on time.
Choose your dress: Book an appointment with your bridal store of choice and start looking for your wedding dress. Work together on a timeline so you can book in fittings, alterations and a final collection date.
Inspiration and wedding planning how-to: If you’re not yet following us, now is a great time to follow @weddingsonline on Instagram, join the HIGM Facebook community and start listening to the Wedding Wednesdays Podcast!
Full 12 month wedding checklist available here (it’s free)
Featured image credit: Alex Zarodov
