Your wedding checklist will help you organize and plan the nuptials of your dreams. However, knowing how to use and create a proper wedding checklist will determine the success of your list. If you’re not sure how to create your own list, you can always get free checklists online to point you in the right direction. Wedding planning is not as simple as it might seem. There are so many things that can make or break your big day that it’s important to stay on top of every little detail until the very end. Here are ten tasks that should be on every wedding checklist, including free checklists if they’re not already there.
1. Choose the day
The first thing to do after getting engaged is to choose your wedding day. Although you may have chosen a day that resonates with you for some reason, it is better to have multiple days chosen. Depending on how far in advance you’ve decided to commit, your first picks may already be taken. Therefore, it is best to choose several potential wedding days so that if your first choice is not available, you can move on to the next option.
2. Priest, Minister, Rabbi, Imam or other Celebrant
If you both have the same religious background, then this question might not be very difficult to ask. However, if you are in an interfaith couple, then deciding what type of ceremony will definitely be very important. If you choose to have an interfaith marriage, you will need to find celebrants who are willing to participate in such a marriage. Some celebrants have special ceremonies for such occasions. Booking the celebrant early on will also mean that your church, temple, or mosque is booked as well, unless you plan to have an outdoor wedding, in which case you’ll need to book that venue at the same time as your celebrant.
3. Room or other place
Reserving the hall is another crucial item to add to your wedding checklist. Without a reception hall in which to celebrate your marriage after the ceremony, you’ll have a hard time accommodating your guests, unless, of course, you’re having a very small private ceremony.
4.Catering
If the food you serve at your wedding is not tasty, people will remember it. The key to a successful wedding is having plenty of delicious food. People may not remember much at weddings, especially if alcohol was served, but they will remember whether or not they ate well.
5. Music
The type of music you choose will really set the mood for your event. Whether it’s a live band or a DJ, having a good vendor will create the kind of vibe you want. Therefore, when choosing a music provider, make sure that it represents you as a couple.
6. Flowers
Your floral arrangements can be elaborate or very sparse. Some salons will even include the centerpieces for a nominal fee if you choose.
7 rings
Choosing your wedding bands isn’t something most couples will forget, but it’s a good one to write down on your wedding checklist just in case!
8. Bridal Party
Your wedding party will reflect the type of wedding you are having. Many attendees will mean a large wedding, while few attendees are more common with small, intimate ceremonies.
9. Guest List/Invitations
Naturally, the size of your guest list will influence your budget. Narrowing down your guest list can be difficult, but it will help you know how many invites to send out. Remember that typically 10 percent of the guests you invite will not show up.
10. Bridal Party Gifts
Depending on your culture, it is generally customary to give gifts to your bridal party. Although they don’t need to be large and elaborate, they do need to be delivered the day of the ceremony, so it’s best to prepare them ahead of time.