Your essential wedding checklist

 

12 MONTHS BEFORE THE BIG DAY

Determine your budget
It is spreadsheet time! What is a must? What might you have to do without? It is important to keep an organised expenditure spreadsheet that you can update along the way.

Make a guest list
After crunching the numbers, decide on a headcount. Halve the headcount between you and your spouse-to-be and start listing your nearest and dearest.

Choose your bridal party
From beloved siblings and relatives to your closest friends, deciding your bridal party should be done early. Not only will they be an essential help over the next few months in terms of planning for the big day, their energy and enthusiasm will also make your wedding a fun and memorable celebration.

Book your chuppah and reception venue(s)
Popular venues are booked out way in advance, so if you have your preferred spots in mind, it is certainly worth locking one in early.

Select a caterer
It’s always best to choose someone you trust, and most importantly, someone who will tailor a menu to your liking.

Book your rabbi and the synagogue
You want to make sure your wedding date doesn’t fall on any Jewish holidays and that your preferred rabbi is free, so call them up now to book your date in.

Book a band and/or DJ, along with a photographer and/or videographer
Get in early so your top choice is locked in. Choose professionals who understand your vision of your special day, and who you know will help make the occasion fun.

Do you need a wedding planner?
Will your budget allow for a wedding planner to help pull off the celebration of your dreams? Speak to friends and family and look up reviews to see who might be the best fit.

What will you wear?
Will the bride have one or two dresses? Does the groom need a suit imported? Allow for plenty of time when choosing the right dress/suit, factoring time required for importing, tailoring, etc.

Bridal party attire and wedding theme
Will your wedding be grand and opulent, or casual and rustic? Having an idea of the style and theme of your big celebration will help inform the type of decor and bridal party attire.

SIX TO EIGHT MONTHS BEFORE THE BIG DAY

Book a florist
What’s a wedding without flowers? Look through websites and social media platforms to determine what appeals to you and select a florist who you trust.

Schedule fittings for bridesmaid dresses/ groomsmen suits
You want your entourage looking perfect and feeling fabulous, so a scheduled fitting is always the best idea – plus it’s a fun day out!

Book in a pre-marriage course with your synagogue
You’re about to spend the rest of your life with your spouse. Exploring shared values, ideals and expectations is the ideal start to a successful and enriching marriage.

Time to plan your honeymoon
It is difficult to plan an overseas trip now, so get creative and consider a dream Australia getaway.

THREE TO FOUR MONTHS BEFORE THE BIG DAY

Arrange bridal cars
There is a heap of services out there, so you’ll be sure to find a supplier who suits your style.

Organise gift registries
Consider the price range, map out your tastes and think about what you need or want for your new life as a wedded couple. This is a good time to consider charities close to your hearts as well.

Finalise your guest list and update postal and email addresses
A few new guests might have been snuck onto your guest list over the past few months. Keep your venue manager and caterer up to date with the number of guests they are accommodating for.

Plan your menu with your caterer
Consider allergies and other dietary requirements of your guests, as well as your favourite dishes. Most caterers offer menu sampling so you can alter and tailor your menu accordingly.

Select music with your DJ/band
Finalise a playlist and song schedule to help create the mood throughout your celebration.

ONE TO TWO MONTHS BEFORE THE BIG DAY

Purchase wedding rings
Take the time to shop around and make sure you organise the perfect fit.

Finalise floral arrangements
Ensure you’re set on how your celebration will look. Give your florist time to organise the perfect arrangements and choices of florals used.

Map out the seating plan
Consider groups of guests that will work well together. You want everyone to enjoy each other’s company.

Start writing speeches
It is time to put pen to paper, and tell your other speech-makers to do the same.

Book beauty appointments
From your hair and make-up to tan and nails, book these essential beauty appointments in now to make sure you’re in good hands and look your best on your big day.

Get in contact with your photographer and videographer.
These will be some of your most cherished moments, so do not be afraid to share your ideas and let them know your preferences.

ONE TO TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE BIG DAY

Final wedding dress/suit fitting
Make sure you’re feeling comfortable and are still in love with your chosen outfits. Break your shoes in at home. No one wants blisters on their wedding day. Walk laps around the house in your heels and new dress shoes. Treat yourself to facials, spa treatments and finalise your hair colour. Prep your skin and let your hair colour set in before your big day!

Pick up wedding clothes
Pick up not only the wedding dress but dresses for your bridesmaids and suits for the groom and groomsmen.

Delegate small wedding day tasks
Your bridal party, friends and family will be desperate to know how they can help. Let them help take some pressure off.

Confirm final numbers.
Contact the venue manager and caterers to cover any last minute invites.

ONE TO TWO DAYS BEFORE THE BIG DAY

Make time to visit the mikvah
It’s customary for a bride to visit a mikvah before her wedding.

Treatment time
Make sure you’re feeling pretty from head to toe. For the bride, this is when you should be getting your eyebrows, lashes and nails done, and for the groom, this is time to visit your barber.

Get a good night’s sleep!
There is nothing more important than relaxing and getting a solid sleep before your big day.

Get The AJN Newsletter by email and never miss our top stories Free Sign Up