2. Book your wedding venue first
Booking a wedding venue is usually the first thing you do on your checklist. Ideally, you should book your wedding venue almost 6 – 9 months in advance. Not only will this help you save money, it will also allow you to book a venue of your choice.
3. Take advantage of early bird offers
During the off-season, you’ll find that several vendors, whether it is florists or caterers, are offering early bird discounts. Take advantage of such offers to keep costs down.
4. Work on the wedding invite
Since you will send wedding invites to friends and relatives, take the effort to be sure that they are well-designed, thoughtful and have all the information your guests need. Moreover, a wedding invite will be a keepsake for you, so it is worth spending extra time on it.
5. Plan the menu
Once you decide on a caterer, decide what cuisines you want to serve. Choose between a buffet service and a sit-down dinner and pick the live counters you’d like at your reception. If you plan in advance, you can also have a tasting to be sure of the food you’ll be serving.
6. Book photographers and videographers
Since your wedding photos will contain a lifetime of memories, select your photographer and videographer with care, instead of leaving it to the last minute. Ensure that they understand your aesthetic and the expectations you have. You can also do a small shoot informally to discuss your likes and dislikes with them.
7. Book musicians in advance
Musicians are a busy lot and if you wait until the last minute, you might lose out on your preferred band and/or DJ. So, ensure that you make your booking well in advance and always have a back-up that you can rely on.
8. Book a beautician
Book a beautician for yourself and your partner much before the wedding, whether you are planning it in peak season or not. Make sure you send him or her the colours you plan to wear during the wedding, so they can be equipped with the right essentials.
9. Finalise accommodation
If you are expecting guests from out of town, make necessary arrangements for their stay. If you can do this in advance, you’ll be able to wager a better deal. If hotels are too expensive, service apartments make for a more affordable option. Make sure that you book the accommodation close to the venue, this way transportation of guests becomes more convenient and economical.
10. Plan your outfits
Selecting the right wedding attire may take time as you need to find the right design, require multiple fittings and search for matching accessories. So, plan in advance and reduce the hassle of last-minute panic!
11. Make a guest list
To ensure that you don’t miss out on anyone, make a master guest list and stick to it. Too many additions will throw your plans off track. You don’t want problems such as insufficient food or seating.
12. Arrange for transport
To help your family and other guests reach the venue easily, book transport. Depending on your budget and needs, you can hire a fleet of cars or buses. Even if you have a car, it may be a good idea to hire a driver to help run last-minute errands.
13. Hire a security guard
If you’re planning a destination wedding or are having one on a large scale, it pays to hire a security guard to keep your jewellery and other valuables safe.
14. Appoint a wedding planner
Wedding planners take a lot of responsibility off your shoulders and make sure that everything goes as per plan. If you don’t want to do the running around or don’t know how to bring your vision to life, entrust a wedding planner’s services.
15. Contact the registrar’s office for your marriage licence
This is an important and often-neglected aspect of wedding planning. Since it is mandatory to register your marriage, doing it early can be helpful. Experts suggest getting the licence right when you are booking your wedding venue.
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