I can't take the credit for this - thanks to Stace Fairy ModMother for sending it to me in the first place :) xxx

Bride’s Essential To Do List!

To Do As Soon As Possible:
Tell everyone the exciting news
Decide whether you and your Fiancé would like a religious or civil ceremony
Set a provisional date
If you opt for religious organise a meeting with your minister/priest/rabbi
If you opt for civil book the ceremony venue or registry office
Check legal requirements regarding marriage certificates and other requirements such as Banns/Notice
Set a realistic budget, and decide between yourselves and parents who will pay for what
Choose your Maid/Matron of Honour, Best Man and other attendants (make sure they’re available and willing)
Compile a provisional guest list to get a rough idea of numbers
Discuss ceremony and reception venue options and arrange to view them
At least make a provisional booking of any favourite venues, you don’t want them getting snapped up while you’re still deciding
Once you’ve decided on a venue make a decision about timings
Once you’re happy with venue and timings pay the deposits required
Decide (with Fiancé) colour schemes and possible themes you might like
If you want to hire a professional wedding planner now is the time to do so
Send out save the dates if you are planning to
　
8 - 10 Months Before
Shop for your wedding dress - remember you’ll need plenty of time for alterations and custom designs
Once your dress is chosen shop for accessories and shoes
Research and book your photographer
Organize wedding insurance
Book Bridal suite for your wedding night
Discuss menu options and drinks packages with your caterer/reception venue. Arrange a tasting appointment
Book your band/DJ/live entertainment
Order your wedding cake, make sure you have fun having a tasting session first
Start thinking about your Honeymoon destination
Discuss your wedding flower ideas with a florist
Book transport to and from your venues (remembering transport for parents and attendants too)
　
　
6-8 Months Before:
Begin your beauty and personal health regime
Confirm your menu and drink choices with caterer
If you’re having a religious ceremony discuss readings and music with your minister/priest/rabbi
Order your wedding stationary
Decide on flower choices and book your florist
Book your Honeymoon and confirm first night bridal suite booking
Find out if you need Visas, inoculations or any other course of medication (example: malaria tablets) for your honeymoon
　
4-6 Months Before:
Book a consultation with your hairdresser to discuss possible styles
Remind your Fiancé to get his and his attendants outfirs
Choose gifts for attendants
Confirm your order of service and have it printed
Compile a gift list if you’re having one
Choose and order wedding favours
Start to plan your rehearsal dinner and tot up number of guests
Choose your wedding rings
Start thinking about make up plans
Discuss possible Hen night plans
　
2-4 Months Before:
Send out Invitations, venue/accommodation details and directions, menu choices, gift lists and any other information for your guests. Or you can choose to send out an information pack once guests confirm their attendance.
Keep an updated list of acceptances and refusals
Make sure that any accommodation has been booked for family members where applicable
If you’re having a religious ceremony book a time and date for a rehearsal
Check your Fiancé and his attendants are on track for the day and outfits have been ordered
Book beauty treatments such as: fake tan, nails waxing etc
Purchase any new make up needed OR book make up artist
If you’re choosing to do a speech start writing your ideas down now
Discuss special requests and play list choices with your DJ or band including first dance choice
Write or choose your wedding vows

1-2 Months:
Contact any guests you have not had an RSVP from
Confirm final guest numbers and other details with your reception venue and/or caterers.
Have your final trial with your hairdresser before the big day
Arrange a final fitting for your wedding dress preferably taking one or two of your attendants with you, they’ll need to learn how to help you into your dress for the big day
Try your dress on with all your accessories so you know how it will look and if you are missing anything
Draw up a seating plan for guests
Finalise your speech details and practice it.
Re-confirm bookings for suppliers and deliveries to the venue eg cake and flowers
Order your honeymoon currency
Make a list of must have shots for your photographer and let photographer know
If you’re changing your surname write to banks doctor inland revenue and any other official bodies you need to, to give them notice
Wear in your wedding shoes a little by wearing them around the house
　
　
2 Weeks Before:
Have your final haircut and colour before the wedding
Attend your rehearsal dinner
Have the hen and stag parties!!! ENJOY!
　
　
1 Week Before:
Church/Venue rehearsal
Start to pack for honeymoon
Check tickets, passports and any other travel requirements
Go through any last minute details with your attendants, venue and suppliers
　
　
The Day Before:
Attend your beauty treatment appointments
Arrange for luggage and any other necessary items to be sent to reception/first night venue
Help decorate reception venue if necessary
Have a relaxing evening and head to bed early to be nice and refreshed in the morning
　
　
YOUR BIG DAY!!!!!!
Get up nice and early, so that you give yourself plenty of time to relax and get ready without having a mad rush.
Make sure you eat breakfast, your nerves might tell you you’re not hungry but you’ll feel better with something in your stomach and you don’t want to faint at the ceremony
Have your hair and make up done
Get dressed with the help of your attendants
The Mother of the Bride and Bridesmaids leave first, followed by the Bride and her Father
Now it’s time to make your entrance. Enjoy your day xXx

Thank you very much! That's a very very long list ... :( x

Kool thanks big help :D

I ll bump this every now again over the next few days tho :-)

great post i've bookmarked it already, thanks :-)

this is brilliant, thanks x

this is a great list. thanks xx

I never realised there was so much to do, the last bit about leaving with my dad brought a tear to my eye, thank you x

thanks hun for the checklist xx

Thank you, this is really good.
C x

Thanks, made things easier

bump xx

Thankyou this list is going to come in very handy xx

thanks for this! :0) x

im going to copy this down into my wee wedding notebook so i dont forget! thank you

x

This is a fab list!! Thanks :) xx

Glad it's been of so much help to you all :)
xxx

fab and detailed list!! thanks