Getting married in 2016? Congratulations. Here is your essential checklist to make sure that your countdown goes like clockwork!

12 Months...

You might be still in the throes of celebrating your engagement but it’s time to get planning. Even though the wedding is a year away, the work that you put in now will be invaluable and save you more effort in the long-term. 

Here’s what you’ll need to do:

• Decide on the budget: This will determine exactly what all the follow-up activities will be and what you can afford to do.
• Choose the date: Setting the date early on, will then help you with the choice of venue.
• Choose a venue: At this stage it is a good idea to think about booking your wedding venue and a venue for your reception if you plan to have them at two separate locations.   
• Choose your bridal party: Don’t forget to ask your Best Man, Groomsmen, Bridesmaids and flower girls as far in advance as possible so that they can get planning and also support you from the start.
• Wedding Insurance: It is essential to get wedding insurance as this will protect you against all sorts of unpredictable scenarios.

8 Months...

Many brides get a shock when they go in to bridal shops and hear that there is a waiting list or an order time of up to a year before for a dress.  Many bridal shops will not even consider dressing a bride without at least 8 months notice first. 

• Go Dress Shopping: The earlier you can start dress shopping, the more relaxed your wedding will be and the more stunning you will look on the day. Even if you do not choose a dress at this point you will learn about the lead-in times and deadlines.  
• Focus on Food: Again, if you have chosen your venue think about the food, get ideas and start tasting. This is one of the most fun parts of the process!
• Book a Photographer and Band: The other two major elements of most weddings is the photography and music. If you book early you will have more choice and also peace of mind.
• Flowers: You may have assembled a look book or mood board, so think about flowers and research the cost of this.
• Honeymoon: Many brides often leave this to the groom but get booking as early as possible to ensure that it’s the best holiday of your lives!

6 Months...

• Gift Registry: Some couples do a gift registry and if you are planning to do this, choose a shop and select a list.
• Revisit Your Venue: If you haven’t chosen a venue, choose it now. If you have, take another visit and work through what you will need, any extras and the all-important accommodation choices for guests and costs.
• Don’t Forget the Bridesmaids: The Bridesmaids will have strong opinions about their dresses so it’s a good idea to do the fittings or buying of the dresses at this stage.
• Book Musicians: You may need musicians for the ceremony, so decide on the music and book them in at this point.
• Save the Date: If you have guests traveling from abroad send out ‘save the date’ cards to enable them to plan travel.

3 Months...

• Wedding Cake: This will be the centerpiece so book it now.
• Passports: Make sure your passports are up to date.
• Wedding Rings: Get these now if you haven’t already.
• Stag and Hen Parties: Book them now!
• Wedding invitations: Organize the wording / design.
• Grooms Wear: The groom can’t be neglected.
• Wedding Cars: Don’t forget your transport!
• Marriage Notice: Give notice to the Registrar on time.

4/6 Weeks...

• Send out invitations: Send out the invitations now.
• Get gifts: Buy the gifts for your wedding party.
• Paperwork: Do all the legal paperwork needed.
• Hair and Make-Up: Ready for your close-up?
• Wedding brochures: Get these printed at this stage.
• Playlist and Photo list: Go through the music playlist for the party and the photo list you’d like with the photographer.

1/2 Weeks...

• Final checklist: Go through your full and final checklist.
• Headcount: Go through RSVPs and finish your table plan.
• Rehearsal: Plan the timings for the wedding rehearsal.
• Payment: Get payments ready for any you will need on the day for musicians or the church.
• Gather your team: Give your ‘wedding team’ their final instructions and off you go!

And finally... have a wonderful wedding day!