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Why a Checklist is a Necessity

"I Had No Idea"

For most people, a wedding will be the largest and most complicated event they will ever help plan. The checklist may include things you have never thought about. So, consulting a checklist can serve as a source for inspiration (or perspiration, if you are the one funding the wedding).

It's All In the Details

Planning your perfect wedding requires a lot of forethought and planning. To help make sure that your big day goes off without a hitch, you need to stay organized and focused on all of the little details. That is where a checklist can help. A good wedding planning checklist should be as comprehensive and detailed as possible, so you should customize it based on your specific plans.

Wedding Check List Categories

Here are some of the categories to consider when planning the details of your wedding and creating your checklist:

Apparel

For both the wedding couple as well as the bridal party, there is much to do. Dresses, tuxedos, and all the accessories need to be accounted for, ordered on time, fitted properly, and paid for as per the agreement to which you commit. Makeup, hair styling, and other beauty services will need to be booked for the bride and her party. Brides-to-be also need to consider the clothing to wear after the event and the couple will need to be prepared if they plan to leave right away for their honeymoon.

Flowers

Flower arrangements are often a large part of the a wedding day. Corsages, boutonnieres, centerpieces, venue arrangements, bridal party bouquets, and the like must be ordered in time for the wedding day.

Announcements

Months prior to the wedding you will need to consider stationary for the save-the-date cards, invitations to the wedding and bridal shower, response cards, wedding programs, and postage all need to be selected and purchased at the right time. In addition to the printer concerns, you will also need to consider hiring a calligrapher, buying address labels, gifts, and thank you cards for before and after your wedding date.

Rehearsal

For some families, the rehearsal festivities are almost as eventful as the actual wedding day. Arrangements must be made concerning the caterer, the drink menu and food, decorations, invitations, and the right venue.

Ceremony

The main event requires planning for the location, the officiator, logistics for guests and guest book, transportation to the event, decorations, special ceremonies, and the vows. Ceremony details often have to be handled well in advance of the actual date. You must also ensure you have the marriage license information for the ceremony as well as the rings to exchange.

Reception

The wedding reception often entails the most planning and detail. There are many things to consider including venue, catering, drinks, wedding cake, entertainment, decorations, servers/bartenders, childcare, tableware and linens, and many other fine details that need attention.

Honeymoon

Part of the wedding planning should involve looking beyond the big day to ensure your honeymoon is also an event you will cherish. You'll need to ensure you have the appropriate reservations made for travel and accommodations, vehicle rental, and transportation to the airport.