The Pre-Wedding Checklist

1. Start with the Guest List

Before you can send out invitations, your first step should be to create a general guest list. Make sure to ask both the bride and groom about who they would like to invite to their wedding. Take into account how you will accommodate not only the number of guests but also distance, dietary restrictions, and overall budget. 

2. Informing Everyone

Begin your invitations process with a Save the Date lettered in plenty of time so that guests are given sufficient notice about the wedding. Follow up with formal invitations two-three months before the wedding date. 

3. Outline the Venue

After deciding on the guest list, look into different venues for your ceremony and reception. Book the venue early and confirm the dates of the event with them. Allow the wedding venue to determine the timeline of the day because they'll be the ones helping you out with all the details.

4. Identify and Set Your Budget

Your wedding day budget should be determined in accordance with your overall financial goals. Allocate spending priority for every important aspect of your wedding, like food and drinks, decor, entertainment, and so on. Once you have a budget, you can begin to break it down into individual spending categories.

5. Design and Print Invitations

Once the guest list and venue are confirmed, designs and prints for the wedding invitations should get underway. Make sure to consider the cost of printing and postage when creating a budget for the invitees. 

6. Get a Marriage License

A marriage license is an official government document that allows you and your partner to get married. Go to the county clerk's office to receive your license - you will need to show your ID, pay a fee, and fill out all required forms.

7. Create Your Dream Wedding Team

For a successful wedding, it's important to hire dependable professionals. You will need to rely on your wedding planner or coordinator to help you with event decor, venue setup, and transportation, and to oversee the wedding day timeline.

8. Refining the Menus

Design your menu while keeping in mind your guest list, budget, and venue. Speak with the catering company to discuss multiple menu options and prices. Consider hiring a wedding cake baker or pastry chef to create a unique wedding cake that fits in with your wedding’s overall theme. 

9. Secure Transportation

It is important to give your guests a convenient way to get to and from the wedding. This can be hard if your wedding is a few hours away from home, so consider renting luxury vehicles for transportation purposes. 

10. Book a Honeymoon

Booking a memorable honeymoon for your romantic getaway is one of the most important wedding planning activities. You must choose a destination, and book flights, accommodation, and any other services you’ll need. Keep in mind the cost-effectiveness of your honeymoon along with the fun you will have.

11. Book Entertainment

Booking the perfect entertainment for your wedding is an important task that needs to be put on the top of your list. Entertainment is key for any successful wedding. Choose the entertainment that best suits the mood of your wedding. Think about the type of music you would like to be playing throughout the evening, such as a DJ, a band, or a live singer.

12. Finalize the Decors

Wedding decorations can be tailored to the colors and mood of your wedding. Talk to your wedding planner or coordinator when designing the decors, they will be able to give you guidance and advice on what works best for your specific event. 

13. Get the Perfect Dress

Last but not least, the final item to tick off the list, find your dream dress! Every bride should take their time and try on different dresses to find one that fits their style. Once you’ve picked the one that you love, make sure to work closely with your couturier in order to customize the dress to fit your body shape and desired look.