A wedding checklist is a lifesaver when planning your big day. Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony with close family and friends or a huge celebration with a long guest list, it can be overwhelming for both the bride and groom. And not everyone can afford a wedding planner.
So, if you’re handling the details yourselves, here’s a handy wedding planning checklist to help make your special day go smoothly.
Wedding Checklist Timeline
12 Months Before the Wedding
- Decide the type and location of your wedding.
- Determine a wedding date and time frame.
- Discuss and set your budget.
- Check out the banquet halls in the area and visit your favorite picks. (If your wedding is in Colombo, don’t forget to check out Grand Zenith as well, the newest wedding venue in Colombo)
- Decide on the number of guests attending the event.
- Check and finalize the availability of reception and ceremony venues, then book and pay deposits.
- Book the ceremony with a minister or registrar.
- Start a Wedding File(physical) and a digital folder for notes, ideas, and inspirations(Later to file quotes and invoices from service providers and other import paperwork).
- Choose a wedding theme, style, and colours.
- Choose your wedding party (Maid of Honour, Bridesmaids, Best Men, Groomsmen, & Flower Girl ).
- Notify overseas guests early for travel arrangements.
- Learn about the rituals and traditions involved with the type of wedding you want(Poruwa Ceremony, Church Ceremony, etc.)
- Start planning your wedding attire (Kandyan Osari, Saree, Dress).
- Begin a beauty, health, and fitness program if needed.
- Look for wedding suppliers (Florist, Cake Designer, Ashtaka service, Jayamangala Gatha singers, Photographer, Videographer, Beautician, Caterer etc) and get quotations.
- Choose and reserve services with deposits (eg – Florist, Cake Designer, Caterer, Photographer, and Videographer).
- Prepare a draft guest list.
6 – 12 Months Before the Wedding
- Research and order wedding invitations and Thank You cards.
- Decide and order wedding favours for your guests.
- Set up a gift registry.
- Search for honeymoon locations and handle necessary travel documents.
- Choose and order wedding cakes and flavours.
- Choose songs for the first dance and other special moments.
- Confirm leave from work.
- Finalize and order wedding rings and jewellery.
- Finalize decorations and book a wedding car.
4 – 6 Months Before the Wedding
- Finalize wedding shoes for the bride, groom, and bridal party.
- Complete the gift registry.
- Review and finalize the budget.
- Arrange fittings for the bridal party.
- Schedule a pickup date for invitations.
- Submit menu and beverage selections.
- Purchase a Guest Book.
- Plan a pre-wedding photo shoot or video.
- Schedule the first fitting for the bridal dress and groom’s attire.
1 – 3 Months Before the Wedding
- Mail wedding invitations.
- Finalize details with the caterer, florist, and other services needed.
- Pick up wedding rings and jewellery.
- Choose and test bridal shoes.
- Determine speech givers for the reception.
- Schedule a second fitting for bridal and groom’s attire.
- Prepare wedding day timeline.
- Purchase gifts for the wedding party and parents.
2 – 4 Weeks Before the Wedding
- Confirm hotel room for the wedding night.
- Finalize honeymoon reservations.
- Distribute the wedding day timeline to vendors.
- Create the seating assignment chart
- Send final payments to vendors.
2 Weeks Before the Wedding
- Follow up on RSVPs.
- Schedule a trial with the bridal beautician and confirm dress alterations.
- Assign someone to handle gifts, rental returns, and final payments.
- Complete beauty treatments.
1 Week Before the Wedding
- Prepare a wedding day emergency kit.
- Collect wedding outfits.
- Pack items needed at the reception site.
- Get haircuts and conditioning treatments.
- Finalize seating arrangements.
2 – 3 Days Before the Wedding
- Hold a final meeting with the bridal party.
- Send the wedding day timeline to the bridal party.
- Organize tips and final payments for vendors.
The Day Before the Wedding
- Ensure all wedding items are ready.
- Confirm duties with the wedding party.
- Get a manicure/pedicure(If preferred).
- Go to bed early and relax.
On the Wedding Day
- Eat a good breakfast.
- Allow ample time for dressing and styling.
- Give rings to the Maid of Honour and Best Man.
- Relax and enjoy your day!
Important
Even if you have the most comprehensive wedding checklist and plan your event to the tee, weddings can be unpredictable, and things might not always go as planned (especially not on schedule). So, it’s important to stay calm and not let unexpected changes stress you out.
No matter what happens or doesn’t happen, it doesn’t change your commitment to each other. Remember, the day is about celebrating your love and the joy of starting a life together, and that’s what truly matters.
Planning your Wedding at Grand Zenith
Selecting the venue for your special day is one of the most important decisions of your wedding celebration. From location convenience to guests to the vibe and the food, there are so many things to consider here.
Located in Colombo 10, Grand Zenith is a wedding venue for anyone dreaming of a grand wedding. Whether it’s a destination wedding or a traditional wedding, we have specious banquet halls(450 pax each) with modern amenities and elegant interiors to make your celebration special and lavish beyond your expectations.
With us, you get the DJ, food, and décor all in one place, with the best entertainment and lighting systems to set the perfect mood for your wedding day. Yes, there are many wedding halls in Sri Lanka, but Grand Zenith might be just what you need to make your dream wedding happen. Check what it’s like to have a wedding at Grand Zenith.
Final Thoughts
Planning a wedding is like a jigsaw puzzle, and there are too many pieces that need to be just right to make the event magical. But this doesn’t mean that wedding planning should be stressful.
We at Grand Zenith believe it’s downright exciting!
It’s a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with your partner towards a shared vision, working through each other’s different tastes and preferences. This teamwork can even serve as excellent practice for your life together, strengthening your bond and preparing you for the journey ahead.
When using this wedding checklist, you can always add things and remove things to fit the event you are planning. You can get it printed out or get ideas from this and create your own checklist.