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You can now access your Wedding Planning Checklist tips her on TJ News Nigeria.
Planning a wedding can be both exciting and overwhelming. From selecting a venue to organizing guest lists, attire, catering, and entertainment, the list of tasks can feel endless. That’s why having a comprehensive wedding planning checklist is essential.
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This ultimate guide breaks down every important task, month-by-month, ensuring nothing is forgotten and that you enjoy a stress-free experience leading up to your special day.
Whether you’re planning a large formal event or an intimate gathering, this guide will help you stay organized and in control from “Yes” to “I do.”
1. 12 to 18 Months Before the Wedding: Lay the Foundation
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✅ Define Your Vision
- Decide on the type of wedding: Formal, semi-formal, or casual.
- Choose a theme or color scheme.
- Create a mood board or save inspiration photos online.
✅ Set a Budget
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- Determine how much you can realistically spend.
- Discuss financial contributions from family or friends.
- Allocate funds for major expenses like venue, catering, attire, and photography.
✅ Draft Your Guest List
- Create a preliminary guest list.
- Choose whether to invite children or limit to adults only.
✅ Hire a Wedding Planner (Optional)
- Especially helpful for larger or destination weddings.
- They can recommend vendors, negotiate contracts, and handle logistics.
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✅ Choose a Wedding Date
- Consider the season, availability of venues, and family schedules.
- Have alternative dates in mind.
2. 9 to 12 Months Before: Booking Key Vendors
✅ Book Your Venue
- Ceremony location
- Reception location
- Check for capacity, amenities, and backup plans for outdoor events.
✅ Hire Your Core Vendors
- Caterer
- Photographer and/or videographer
- Band or DJ
- Florist
- Decor company (if needed)
✅ Choose Your Bridal Party
- Ask friends or family to be part of your celebration.
- Discuss responsibilities and expectations early.
✅ Shop for Your Wedding Dress
- Start early to allow time for fittings, tailoring, or customizations.
- Book appointments at bridal boutiques.
3. 6 to 9 Months Before: Midway Milestones
✅ Send Save-the-Dates
- Especially important for destination weddings or if many guests will travel.
- Include your wedding website (if applicable).
✅ Finalize Guest List
- Confirm RSVPs from important guests early.
- Start collecting addresses.
✅ Order Bridesmaid Dresses & Groom’s Attire
- Coordinate colors, styles, and accessories.
- Allow time for shipping and alterations.
✅ Book Accommodation for Guests
- Reserve hotel room blocks at various price points.
- Share this information on your invitations or wedding website.
✅ Plan Honeymoon
- Book flights, accommodations, and excursions.
- Ensure passports and necessary documents are up-to-date.
4. 4 to 6 Months Before: Focus on Details
✅ Finalize Ceremony Details
- Meet with your officiant to discuss vows, ceremony length, and any special rituals.
✅ Plan Reception Details
- Choose a menu for food and drinks.
- Schedule a tasting session with your caterer.
✅ Hire Additional Vendors
- Hair and makeup artists
- Transportation services (limos, buses, car rentals)
- Cake designer
✅ Shop for Wedding Rings
- Leave enough time for custom designs or resizing.
✅ Send Invitations
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- Include RSVP cards, directions, accommodation info, and your wedding website link.
5. 2 to 4 Months Before: Bringing It All Together
✅ Schedule Dress Fittings
- Bring your wedding shoes and undergarments to fittings.
- Confirm bridesmaids and groomsmen’s attire fits properly.
✅ Confirm with Vendors
- Schedule final meetings with photographer, florist, DJ, or band.
- Provide any last-minute updates to your wedding planner or venue.
✅ Plan Beauty Regimen
- Book hair color touch-ups, facials, or waxing.
- Schedule bridal makeup trial (if you haven’t already).
✅ Arrange Transportation
- Confirm times, pick-up locations, and special requests.
✅ Create a Wedding Day Timeline
- Work with your planner or coordinator to organize the day’s events.
- Share this with your bridal party and vendors.
6. 1 Month Before: Final Preparations
✅ Obtain Marriage License
- Research the necessary documents and waiting periods.
- Bring identification and any required paperwork.
✅ Seating Chart
- Finalize who will sit where at the reception.
- Coordinate with caterer for special meal requests.
✅ Final Dress Fitting
- Bring everything you’ll wear on the day to confirm the perfect fit.
✅ Prepare Wedding Vows
- Write personal vows if you’re choosing that route.
- Practice aloud to ease nerves.
✅ Confirm Guest Count
- Give your caterer or venue the final number of attendees.
7. 1 to 2 Weeks Before: The Finishing Touches
✅ Confirm Vendor Details
- Delivery and arrival times
- Final balances and payments
- Emergency contacts
✅ Pack for the Honeymoon
- Don’t forget chargers, travel documents, or necessary medications.
✅ Prepare an Emergency Kit
Include:
- Safety pins
- Needle and thread
- Stain remover wipes
- Breath mints
- Blotting papers
- Extra makeup
✅ Delegate Day-of Tasks
- Assign responsibilities to trusted friends or family members.
- Appoint someone to handle vendor coordination.
8. Wedding Week: Final Countdown
✅ Get Plenty of Sleep
- Rest is essential to look and feel your best.
- Stay hydrated and avoid excess caffeine or salty foods.
✅ Manicure and Pedicure
- Schedule 1–3 days before your wedding to keep nails fresh.
✅ Rehearsal and Dinner
- Go over the ceremony run-through with your wedding party.
- Enjoy the rehearsal dinner as a moment to relax and celebrate.
9. Wedding Day: Celebrate and Enjoy!
- Eat a good breakfast.
- Give your phone to a bridesmaid or wedding planner to handle calls.
- Soak in every moment — this is your day to shine.
Bonus Tips for Wedding Planning Success
- Stay Organized: Use digital tools like spreadsheets or planning apps to track your progress.
- Communicate Clearly: Regularly check in with vendors, your bridal party, and your partner.
- Plan for the Unexpected: Have a Plan B for outdoor weddings in case of bad weather.
- Enjoy the Journey: Planning a wedding can be stressful, but don’t forget why you’re doing it — to celebrate love.
Conclusion
With this detailed wedding planning checklist, you can confidently approach each task and milestone. Planning ahead means fewer surprises and a smoother, more enjoyable wedding day.
For more expert tips on wedding fashion, bridal beauty, and wedding planning resources, keep following TJ News Nigeria.
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