fbpx

How to plan a wedding in 10 months – Wedding Planning Check List

Enquire about your event today Enquire Or Call (03) 5222 6444

Contrary to what many sources may tell you, planning for a wedding in 10 months or less is a very achievable task.
So, to all happy engaged couples, don’t stress! You can do this, and we’re going to show you how.

We experienced wedding planners make it happen on a regular basis, and you can too.
This tried and true timeline will guide you through the process with ease. You’ll be sharing your vows and throwing that bouquet in no time at all!

10 months before the wedding…

  1. Really think about what it is you and your partner are looking for on your special day. This sounds simple, but it can be a real challenge agreeing on a general theme.
  2. What’s your budget? It’s easy to fall in love with that premium wedding venue or gorgeous outfit, so you need to be clear from the beginning around what you can and can’t afford. Who knows, maybe you’ll decide it’s worth spending a bit of extra cash to hire an event planner to do the hard work for you!
  3. Decide on a location or venue and book it in ASAP! Top wedding venues gener
  4. ally need to be booked well in advance, so the sooner you can confirm your favourite venue, the sooner you can lock in an official date..
  5. Once you’ve locked in the perfect wedding venue, you’ll have also confirmed your official wedding date. Congratulations!

9 months before the wedding…

  1. Shop for your perfect wedding bands. It’s a great opportunity to spend some quality time together and enjoy the experience of being engaged. No idea what you’re looking for? That’s what expert jewellers are for, and there’s no better team than the luxury jewellers at Secrets Shhh. They will explain the different cuts and styles, and help you both find a ring you’re absolutely in love with.
  2. Choose your all-important wedding party. Consider the most important people in your life, for both yourself and your partner and decide on how many people will be in each.
  3. Confirm that guest list. Budget is an important consideration here, as each guest will add to your total spend, largely due to their food and drinks.
  4. Design, print, and send the wedding invitations. The more notice you give, the higher the chance your guests will be able to RSVP with a ‘yes.’ Plus, invites are so much fun to organise, so why wait?

8 months before the wedding…

  1. Research and book your celebrant. This is an important decision, as it will set the tone for the ceremony if you would prefer a more relaxed ceremony, it would be a good idea to choose a more laid-back celebrant to reflect that.
  2. This is the fun part! Think about what kind of attire you would love for yourself and your bridal party. This can take some time to make a decision on, so you want to get a head start on this…just don’t leave it to
    o long!
  3. Reserve your entertainment for the night. This could be a DJ or live band, and don’t forget about your MC!
  4. One of the best things about getting married is choosing your bridal gown or suit. Your gown will no doubt need slight resizing and alterations, so it’s important to allow plenty of time for this.

7 months before the wedding…

  1. Reserve accommodation for the wedding party and out-of-town guests. It would be a real downer if all close accommodation becomes booked out!
  2. Book in a meeting with your venue hosts, to go over menu options and drinks packages.
  3. What about transport? Do you want an elegant getaway car, or is this not a priority for you? If it is, you should think about booking this in sooner rather than later.
  4. Select your photographer and videographer. They will be in charge of the most important memories you’ll have of the night, so it’s crucial they’ve got a great portfolio and understand what you’re looking for.
  5. Book an appointment with your florist, or if you’re undecided, book a few appointments before deciding who you would like to go with. Discuss where arrangements will be placed for both the ceremony and reception.

6 months before the wedding…

  1. Are there any final meetings you need to arrange before confirming the core pieces to the day? Now is the time to get them booked.
  2. Finalise, finalise, finalise! Ensure everything has been booked by the 6-month mark. This includes your entertainment, menu/drinks package, wedding party outfits, including any accessories, etc.

5 months before the wedding…

  1. Book any hair or makeup trials. It’s a great (and fun!) idea to have a play around with different styles, and consider what would look best with your outift.
  2. Arrange cake and menu taste testing, and request any alterations for the night.
  3. Research and order wedding decorations to suit the theme of the night; including table place cards, bonbonnieres, signage, and seat covers.

4 months before the wedding…

  1. Book your hotel room for your day of preparation and wedding night.
  2. Arrange your rehearsal wedding dinner.
  3. Book your honeymoon, if this isn’t already sorted!
  4. Order your wedding cake. Depending on how extravagant the cake is and who is creating it will dictate how much notice you need to give.

3 months before the wedding…

  1. Confirm your hens/bucks plans and date, although this is most likely to be organised by your fabulous maid of honour!
  2. Book your hair and make-up artists for your bridesmaids. Remember to include you and your partners mum, too!
  3. Book dancing lessons for your “first dance.” This isn’t absolutely necessary, but it’s a lot of fun, and can be a great experience for you both.
  4. Finalise the menu with caterers, including any dietary requirements.

2 months before the wedding…

  1. Buy a guest book to leave at the entrance of your venue. This will act as a special reminder of your amazing night.
  2. Seek the necessary documents to change your name, if this is your intention.
  3. Finalise speeches for the night, if necessary. It’s a good idea to go over these leading up to the day, to avoid feeling nervous and forgetting your lines.
  4. Chase those who have not yet RSVP’d, and confirm if they’re able to make it.
  5. Confirm your seating plan, based on the above.
  6. Don’t forget to buy gifts for your groom/bride and the wedding party. This is a special touch to say “thank you for being a part of the day.”

1 month before the wedding…

  1. Pick up your wedding bands and keep in a safe place. Any good jeweller, such as Secrets Shhh Jewellery, will be open 7 days a week, allowing you the option to pick up your wedding rings several days prior to your big day, or the day-of.
  2. Write your wedding vows, if you decide this is what you would like to do.
  3. Breaking in the wedding shoes needs to be a priority! The last thing you want is to cut the night short due to sore, blistering feet.
  4. Plan out a time schedule for the day, including final pieces to remember. This will help you feel in control and organised leading up to your special day.
  5. Book any beauty appointments. You’re going to look absolutely amazing!
  6. Meet with photographer to confirm shot lists and ideas, including any special requests. This will ensure you’re not coordinating anything on the day.
  7. Confirm pickup and drop-off times with your driver.
  8. Final dress/suit fitting. It’s not uncommon for your weight to fluctuate at this time, and you want to make sure you dress fits perfectly.
  9. Pick up the suits!
  10. Prepare a list of necessary payments for the day. It’s best to place these in an envelope and give to your designated contact responsible for handing these out.

Book a tour.

Book your next event on the Geelong Waterfront with The Pier Geelong. Call us today for more information.

The Pier Geelong
Cunningham Pier

10 Western Beach Foreshore Road
Geelong Vic 3220

(03) 5222 6444
[email protected]