HOORAY!’s Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist

So, the big question has been popped and now it’s time to plan your wedding day! If you’re not sure where to start, don’t stress, you’ve come to the right place.

We’ve put together the ultimate wedding checklist for you from start to finish. There will be no important detail forgotten or floral bouquet missing. Follow this check list and you’ll be well on your way to an amazing day.

Pull out your clipboard, it’s time to get planning!

Image: Lisa + Tom’s Wedding, as featured on HOORAY!. Photography by Peppermint Photography. 

RECEPTION VENUE

– Shortlist venues

– Book venue

– Pay deposit

– Set up reception venue

CEREMONY VENUE

– Shortlist venues

– Book venue

– Pay deposit

– Set up ceremony venue

PHOTOGRAPHY

– Shortlist photographers

– Book photographer

– Pay deposit

– Provide brief on timeline and ‘must have’ shots

VIDEOGRAPHY

– Shortlist videographers

– Book videographer

– Pay deposit

– Provide brief on timeline and ‘must have’ shots

FLORIST

– Shortlist florists

– Book florist

– Pay deposit

– Provide brief on quantities, colour theme and varieties

– Bridal bouquet

– Toss bouquet

– Bridesmaid bouquets

– Groomsmen buttonholes

– Flower girl petal baskets / bouquets

– Ceremony decor florals

– Reception decor florals

TRANSPORTATION

– Shortlist transport companies

– Book transport

– Pay deposit

– Send details of pick up and drop off locations

CELEBRANT

– Shortlist celebrants

– Book celebrant

– Pay deposit

– Write vows

– Marriage license

– Celebrant dialogue

BRIDAL DRESS + ACCESSORIES

– Bridal dress

– Shoes

– Veil / headpiece

– Undergarments

– Jewellery

– Garter

– Dress alterations

– Final gown fitting

– Robe

– Clean wedding dress after wedding day

GROOM ATTIRE + ACCESSORIES

– Tuxedo

– Shoes

– Socks

– Undergarment

– Pocket square / bow tie / tie

– Cufflinks

– Tuxedo alterations

– Hair trim

– Shave

BRIDESMAIDS

– Dresses

– Shoes

– Jewellery / accessories

– Robes

GROOMSMEN

– Tuxedos

– Shoes

– Pocket square / bow tie / tie

– Cufflinks

FLOWER GIRLS / PAGE BOYS

– Dresses / page boy clothing

– Shoes

– Hairpieces

HAIR AND MAKE UP

– Book hair stylist

– Book makeup artist

– Hair trial

– Make up trial

– Nails

– Fake tan

– Hair cut and colour

– Wax

– Hair preparation

– Makeup preparation

GUEST LIST

– Confirm numbers

– Confirm RSVPs

– Confirm dietary requirements

CATERING

– Research catering companies if your venue is not catering

– Select catering company

– Pay deposit

– Provide final guest headcount

– Provide guest dietary requirements

– Rehearsal Dinner

– Alcohol 

MUSIC / DJ

– Arrange toastmaster

– Select ceremony musician

– Select reception DJ / band

– Songs: pre-ceremony

– Song: processional

– Song: Recessional

– Song: cocktail hour

– Song: bridal party entrance

– Song: Dinner playlist

– Song: first dance

– Song: Dance floor

– Song: cutting the cake

RINGS

– Select wedding rings

– Wedding ring boxes

– Clean engagement ring

CEREMONY STYLING / DECOR

– Welcome signage

– Ceremony backdrop

– Ceremony chairs

– Ceremony confetti

– Signing table

– Seating or ceremony instructions sign

RECEPTION STYLING / DECOR

– Tablecloths

– Guest book / Pen

– Photo booth

– Ceiling Drape

– Ceiling Lights

– Centrepieces

– Silverware

– Glassware

– Plates

– Security

– Table numbers

– Napkins
– Candles

– Gift table

– Dessert displays

PRE-WEDDING PARTIES

– Bridal shower / Kitchen tea

– Bachelorette night

– Bucks night

CAKE

– Shortlist cake designers

– Book cake designer

– Cake topper

– Cake cutting set

– Cake tasting

– Cake stand

GIFTS

– Registry

– Wishing well

– Charitable donation

– Wedding favours

– Gifts for interstate guests

STATIONERY

– Wedding invitations (including RSVP cards)

– Seating chart

– Place cards

– Day-of Timeline

– Save the date cards

– Menus

– Wedding planning notebook

– Thank you cards

– Hire calligrapher

– Wedding programs

– Bar menu or signature cocktail list

– Bachelorette invitations

– Kitchen tea invitations

HONEYMOON

– Research honeymoon destination

– Select honeymoon destination

– Pay deposit for honeymoon

– Airfare

– Accommodation

– Dinner reservations

– Pack for honeymoon

– Passport