A Basic Wedding Checklist

Arranging a marriage can be as simple as a few forms and medical tests and a visit to a judge or as complex as a royal celebration. The more elaborate your plans, the more you need to insure you don't lose sight of the objective. Don't try to do everything yourself. Involve your family and friends. Gather information and use our products and services.

The following wedding checklist is a starting point for you to begin the planning of your wedding. Different couples will have their own priorities, so modify it to meet your needs. But the objective is to place every task on the list and then make sure that each is carried out. Treat the entire process as a managed timeline.

First Step

Determine your budget and type of wedding.

Two years to six months before...

• Choose the date and time and book the venue.
• Arrange the wedding with the clergyman, priest, druid, or whomever will be officiating. There may be counseling or other requirements
• Decide on the bride's gown. There are beautiful designs for any taste and budget but any custom gown will require proper sizing, custom order, and fittings.
• Decide on the groom's. If he is going to wear a formal traditional attire such as a formal highland kilt, visit our kilt pages and start the selection process. Be sure to order by 10 weeks before to insure arrival and any corrections
• Start the process of selecting your best man and bridesmaid, page boys and attendants.
• Select your wedding cake, photographer, video cameraman, wedding cars and florist.
• Select your wedding rings. Buy them now to allow for any alterations or engravings.
• Book the honeymoon.
• Order your wedding stationery.

Eight to Ten weeks before...

• Discuss the Order of Service with the officator and order printed sheets.
• Mail your wedding invitations at least two months before and keep a record of who has accepted.
• Make an appointment to see your doctor and dentist for check-ups.
• Find out about inoculations you may need if you are going on holiday abroad.
• For the ladies. If you want to change the name on your passport for your honeymoon, make sure you have sent it away in plenty of time.
• Organize your going-away outfit.
• If groom's attire will be rented, arrange for fitting and ordering.
• Make wedding present list.
• Send thank you letters for the presents immediately after they arrive.
• Order flowers for the wedding party.
• Check that the hotel for the wedding night is booked.

Six weeks before...

• Supply the florist with details of the color scheme of the wedding and agree on the choice of flowers. Order buttonholes for the mother of the bride, and the mother of the groom after checking what they will be wearing.
• Choose and order the presents for the bridesmaids, other attendants and the best man.

Four weeks before...

• Have final fitting for wedding dress.
• Visit hairdressers and plan your hairstyle for the wedding.
• Practice wedding make-up if it will give you extra confidence.
• See officiator and agree on a date for the rehearsal.
• Complete all paperwork and requirements for your Wedding License

Two weeks to go...

• Inform the venue of the final number of guests at least 14 days before.
• Check if there are any other big events taking place in the area to allow for extra time for the journey to the church.
• Make a final check on the wedding photographer, the cake, cars and flowers.
• Try on your honeymoon clothes.
• If honeymooning abroad, check your passports and visas, order travelers' checks, international driving license, if necessary.
• Arrange for your wedding notice to appear in the local press.

One week to go...

• Wrap gifts for attendants.
• Remind groom to place correct fees or insure payment for the officiator, musicians, support staff, and planners. If any payments are in cash or check, place in marked envelopes and give these to the best man.
• Pack honeymoon clothes and check honeymoon arrangements.
• Ensure that the bride's mother or some other appropriate person is responsible for taking home the bride's dress and accessories after the wedding. The best man should take charge of the groom's clothes and, if they are hired, return them.

The day before...

• Arrange for your luggage to be taken to reception venue.
• Have manicure, wash hair and have an early night.

On the day...

• Sleep as late as you can without missing the ceremony. Have a leisurely bath and a good breakfast.
• Allow yourself plenty of time to get dressed, and in the bride's case extra time to do your hair and make-up.
• It is your day, enjoy!