Congratulations! You’re engaged! Take a moment to bask in the afterglow of that just-said-yes moment. This is one of the most exciting times of your life, so enjoy every second of it. Planning a wedding is a big deal and can be overwhelming, but we’re here to help make sure that you have fun along the way.
Don’t want to miss anything? Kickstart your wedding planning with our all-in-one checklist! Inside, you’ll find separate sheets tailored for Chinese, Indian, Malay, and Christian weddings, each with detailed checklists. Plus, helpful links for each task guide you along the way.
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Skip ahead to your month
12+ Months Out | 11+ Months Out | 9-10 Months Out | 7-8 Months Out | 6 Months Out | 5 Months Out | 4 Months Out | 3 Months Out | 2 Months Out | 1 Month Out | 2 Weeks Before | 1 Week To Go | Day Before | Night Before | Wedding Day |
12+ Months Out
Congratulations! Don’t fret, we’re here every step of the way..
Choose a date (or up to 3 for flexibility)
Decide which traditions you will include
Start looking for a photographer for your pre-wedding/ engagement shoot
Create a wedding website
Discover your wedding style and overall theme
Gather planning tools
11 Months Out
Explore wedding vendors
Hire vendors that book out quickly; eg photographer, videographer, planner
Finalise wedding date
Establish fitness routine
9-10 Months Out
Finalise venue
Begin wedding dress/tuxedo shopping
Send out your save-the-dates
Decide bridal party attire, plus accessories
Book the rest of your vendors
7-8 Months Out
Finalise booking of non-negotiable vendors
Start planning your honeymoon
Discover bridal makeup and hair styles
Browse decor and flower arrangement photos for inspiration
Order invitations
Shop for wedding dress accessories, veils, undergarments
6 Months Out
Send out invitations
Schedule fittings for bridal party
Select cake design and schedule tasting
Attend pre-marital courses
Book emcee
Book master of ceremonies
Book entertainment
Book food truck, dessert booth
Book photobooth services
5 Months Out
Plan rehearsal dinner, traditional ceremonies, gatecrashing ceremony, pre-wedding celebrations
Guest list for the above events
Submit paperwork for registration of marriage
Book honeymoon flights and accommodation
Arrange transportation to and from venue for yourself
Arrange transportation to and from venue for out-of-town guest
Book hotel rooms for out-of-town guest
4 Months Out
Purchase gifts for bridal party
Prepare for Guo Da Li, Hair combing ceremony, Chinese tea ceremony
Prepare for hantaran
Prepare for Christian ceremony
Prepare for Hindu ceremony
Finalise honeymoon arrangements and make sure documents are updated
Order wedding favours/gifts
3 Months Out
Makeup and hair trial
Food tasting
Finalise reception menu
Finalise persons involve in ceremony for example: reading of scripture in a Christian ceremony
Order alcohol, finalise drinks with bartender
Dress fittings
Order the rest of the stationary suite; menu cards, programme booklets, escort cards or place cards
2 Months Out
Organise RSVPs
Write wedding vows and speeches
Review ceremony order with officiant, emcee or master of ceremonies
Final fitting for bridal party
Create wedding timeline and send to vendors, officiant, bridal party (if not hiring coordinator)
Finalise playlist with musicians/ DJ
Purchase gifts for parents
Start practicing for your first dance (+/- dance classes)
1 Month Out
Touch base with vendors; confirming date, time, location
Meet with coordinator
Start packing for honeymoon
Confirm honeymoon reservations
Final dress fitting, complete with accessories
Pick up marriage license
Final facial session
Break in wedding shoes
Finalise seating arrangements
2 Weeks Out
Follow up with guest that have not RSVP-ed
Give caterer/hotel final head count (things to discuss)
Get final haircut or colour
Make arrangements for the care of plants or pets while away on honeymoon
Delegate wedding day duties: guest registration, gift collection
Complete work to-do-list (get work out of the way)
Finalise walk-in songs for reception dinner
1 Week To Go
Prepare final payments for vendors
Pack your garments and accessories
Make time for relaxation, book a spa
Prepare gifts for those helping out
Collect jewellery from bank/safe
Get wedding bands/engagement ring cleaned at the jewellers’
Prepare additional shoes to be kept in the car in the event of an emergency
Pack overnight bag
Day Before
Get wedding car decorated
Get manicure/pedicure
Rehearse your ceremony
Layout your dress and veil and have them steamed
Pack small bag of personal items (basic medication, mint, snacks etc)
Layout stationary suits, props, jewellery for photographers to capture
Night Before
Attend rehearsal dinner
Pack suitcases, bags, shoes, emergency kits in the bridal car (if travelling to a different venue)
Go to bed earlier
Wedding Day
It’s finally here!
Eat breakfast
Allow ample time to prepare
Pass wedding bands to best man
Stay hydrated
Relax and enjoy your day
Beyond the Wedding Day
Return rentals
Send out thank you notes
Enjoy your honeymoon
Complete outstanding payments
Store registered marriage license/certificate in safe place
Update insurance policies
Share wedding photos and video
Submit your photos to The Wedding Notebook for featured write up