With a new year just around the corner, there’s a good chance that you or someone you may know may be getting married. Weddings are emotional, memorable, and overall a good time; but they also take a lot of work. Finding the right caterer and photographer are just a couple important details that you will need to have figured out leading up the big day… But not to worry! We’ve put together a detailed check list for you to share that can help anyone plan for their picture perfect wedding.
12+ MONTHS OR MORE
- Choose a date (or up to 3 so you can be flexible).
- Talk budget and decide who is contributing what.
- Discover your wedding style.
- Choose wedding party: Maid of Honour and Bridesmaids, Best Man and Groomsmen, Flower Girl and Ring Bearer.
- Create a wedding website.
- Begin compiling a guest list.
- Explore ceremony and reception venue options.
- Start assembling a team of wedding pros:
- Book cheflaura.ca Catering + Events, event planner, photographer, videographer, florist, and musicians.
- Browse wedding dress and veil styles.
- Get engagement photos taken.
10-11 MONTHS
Take a breath, breathe in … You’ve got this!
- Obtain a couple different proposals from cheflaura.ca Catering + Events, for cost comparisons to see what best suites your special day
- Choose bridal party attire and accessories.
- Reserve ceremony and reception venues.
- Book officiate.
- Hire photographer, videographer, caterer, DJ/band, florist, and planner.
- Mail your Save the Dates.
- Purchase wedding dress, veil and undergarments.
- Establish a fitness routine.
8-9 MONTHS
Work it!
- Setup a tasting with CHEFLAURA.ca Catering + Events to finalize your menu choices.
- Find 3 hotels (at different price points) for out-of-town guests.
- Refine guest list.
- Create gift registries at 3 national retailers.
- Browse Wedding Invitation designs and coordinating stationery (Enclosures, Programs, Menu Cards, Thank Yous, and Favours).
- Begin planning honeymoon.
6-7 MONTHS
Just like magic! Now you can see it …
- Explore wedding day hair and makeup styles.
- Meet with officiate to discuss plans for ceremony.
- Reserve rentals: chairs, linens, lighting, décor, etc.
- Choose cake style and schedule tastings.
- Decide on groomsmen attire.
- Personalize & order Wedding Invitation.
- Hire ceremony musicians.
- Book transportation to and from venues.
- Purchase wedding band
4-5 MONTHS
Lights, Camera, and more action…
- Pass along the headache of coordinating your rental requirements to ChefLaura.ca Catering + Kitchens
- Choose flowers for: wedding party, attendants, venues, cake, etc.
- Schedule dress fittings.
- Book honeymoon flights and hotels.
- Book room for wedding night.
- Order wedding cake.
- Plan welcome baskets for out-of-town guests.
- Prepare {play/do not play} lists for DJ/band.
- Finalize wedding guest list.
- Assemble rehearsal dinner guest list.
- Book rehearsal dinner venue.
3 MONTHS
You’re getting close!
- Set date for site visit/final meeting with ChefLaura.ca Catering + Events
- Finalize honeymoon plans and ensure all documents are in order.
- Plan ceremony and reception seating.
- Experiment with hair and veil with stylist.
- Finalize readers and readings. £ Purchase: toasting flutes, serving pieces, guestbook, flower basket and ring bearer pillow.
- Finalize reception menu.
- Order Menu Cards.
- Order Wedding Favours
2 MONTHS
Crunch Time!
- Mail Wedding Invitations.
- Develop system for organizing RSVPs.
- Begin writing vows.
- Review ceremony details with officiant.
- Apply for marriage license: order 2-3 extra.
- Finalize seating arrangements. £ Finalize playlists with musicians.
- Finalize fittings for wedding party and parents.
- Create wedding day timeline and send to your vendors, officiant and wedding party.
- Write out honeymoon itinerary for family at home.
- Decide “Something Old, New, Borrowed, Blue.”
- Book spa and beauty treatments for you and your bridal party.
- Book wedding day transportation. £ Purchase gifts for attendants.
1 MONTH
Don’t Forget…
- Meet with ChefLaura.ca Catering + Events to pass off final numbers, discuss timeline, layout for
- food/guests, etc.
- Call vendors to confirm date, times and location.
- Confirm honeymoon reservations.
- Pack for honeymoon.
- Pick up wedding rings.
- Pick up marriage license
- Final dress fitting (with shoes & undergarments).
2 WEEKS
Bird on a Wedding Wire
- Follow up with guests who have not RSVP’d.
- Give final count to ChefLaura.ca. Catering + Events
- Update registries.
- Begin breaking in wedding shoes.
- Make arrangements for the caring of pets and plants while on honeymoon.
- Send playlists to DJ/band/ceremony musicians.
- Get final haircut and color. £ Delegate wedding day duties: gift table, guestbook, etc.
- Delegate someone to return tuxes, rentals and tend to wedding dress.
- Send directions to wedding day limo/transportation driver.
1 WEEK
And just like that!
- Prepare final payments to vendors + cash tips for service personnel.
- Give readers their scripts.
- Give photographer and videographer your image and video requests.
- Lay out wedding clothes.
- Prepare wedding day emergency kit.
- Get spa treatments for you and the bridal party.
THE DAY BEFORE
Get a good nights rest and enjoy your special day.
- Rest assured that ChefLaura.ca Catering + Events will be reviewing your file to make sure everything is in order for your big day
- Deliver welcome baskets.
- Get mani/pedi/massage.
- Attend wedding rehearsal.
- Have fun at the rehearsal dinner.
- Get to bed at a decent hour! WEDDING DAY Enjoy your day!
- Enjoy the expertise of our professional and friendly staff while enjoying a memorable culinary experience!
- Eat a good breakfast! Allow yourself plenty of time to get ready.
- Give wedding rings and officiant fee to best man.
- Relax, smile, and soak in every incredible moment