From The Aisle · WDDNG
Wedding Planning Checklist
A month-by-month guide to planning your wedding in South Africa. Work through each stage and tick things off as you go.
12+ months before
- Set your overall budget and how you'll split costs
- Draft a rough guest count
- Pick 2–3 possible dates
- Start a Pinterest/inspiration board for your style
- Research and shortlist venues
- Book your venue once you've decided
9–11 months before
- Book your photographer and videographer
- Book your caterer (or confirm venue catering)
- Choose your wedding party
- Start dress and suit shopping
- Book a planner or day-of coordinator if you want one
6–8 months before
- Book florist, décor and hair & makeup
- Book the officiant and confirm legal paperwork
- Arrange accommodation and transport for guests
- Send save-the-dates
- Plan your honeymoon and check passports/visas
3–5 months before
- Finalise the menu and do a tasting
- Order invitations and build your website/RSVP
- Buy wedding bands
- Confirm the music — band or DJ
- Book a cake designer
1–2 months before
- Send invitations and track RSVPs
- Finalise the seating chart
- Confirm timings with every vendor
- Do dress/suit fittings
- Apply for the marriage licence / confirm documents
The final week
- Confirm final headcount with caterer and venue
- Pack an emergency day-of kit
- Assign someone to hold rings, speeches and payments
- Confirm transport pick-up times
- Rest, hydrate and delegate
The big day
- Eat a proper breakfast
- Give the coordinator the master timeline and vendor contacts
- Hand over final payments/tips in labelled envelopes
- Keep the emergency kit close
- Take a quiet moment together — then enjoy every second
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