Below is a checklist of everything that needs to be thought of, planned for, and done before the wedding day dawns, according to Celebration House.

There's no '12-months-to-go-you-must-have-done-this' kind of list, as every wedding is a unique event that needs to be planned with the families of those taking part in mind.

Some weddings can be organised from start to finish and take place all in a four-week time frame, others will take a year — the message being that you need to choose what suits your situation. Just remember, though, that if you want to get married on a Saturday in the summer months, you will need to book your venue and photographer at least a year in advance.

First things first

• Select a date (preferred wedding date and back-up date).
• Set budget and priorities, i.e. style of wedding, time of day, attendants etc.
• Draw up a guest list with both sets of parents.
• List venue criteria.
• Set ceremony criteria.

Note: Visit Celebration House, book tickets to the Cape Town Wedding Festival which will take place at the Waterfront in April 2009.

Next

• Select possible venues — choose one and book. If possible, arrange to view the venue when it is set up for a wedding.
• Choose and book ceremony venue and marriage officer.
• If using a marquee or hall, book a caterer.
• Set criteria for: photographer, videographer, music and stationery.
• Select possible photographers and book one.
• Select possible videographers and book one.
• Marquee or hall — confirm with caterer as to who will be responsible for the hire of tables, chairs, crockery, cutlery, kitchen equipment, toilets, marquee, dance floor.
• Select possible musicians and book (ceremony, pre-function drinks and function).
• Choose wedding dress style — find dress designer/maker.
• Choose groom's outfit — buy it or book it at a local suit hire firm.
• Choose attendants' outfits — book at local suit hire or select a dressmaker to make dresses.
• Select florist/decor artist.
• Book make-up artist and hairdresser for trial run and the wedding day (decide whether the entire retinue will be having hair and make-up done).
• Arrange transport (don't forget the ribbon!).
• Select wedding gifts from a gift registry company.
• Choose cake baker/decorator of the wedding cake.
• Wedding stationery — select, print and send (if possible, six to eight weeks in advance).
• Buy dress accessories, i.e. shoes, underwear, headgear, jewellery etc. Check that your retinue have obtained theirs.
• Choose table gifts/favours (if required) for the wedding guests.
• Let those who are giving speeches know what is required of them.

Last weeks before the wedding

Follow up on invitation replies that have not been received.

Meetings with service providers

It is a good idea to ask as many questions as possible when you meet with the various service providers — this is the time to establish exactly what you can expect from them and make your own wishes clear. Where applicable, obtain as much as possible in writing, to avoid misunderstandings later.

The wedding service/ceremony

Discuss with the marriage officer:

• The vows you will be using


• The songs/music style to be used


• Readings


• Provide a map to ceremony venue


• Schedule a rehearsal in the week before the wedding.

Venue:

• Food — possibly request a tasting?


• Wines and corkage charges


• Venue layout


• Timing of the function


• Equipment that they supply for speeches

Photographer:

• How many photographs will be taken and how many hours of photography does the quote include?
• Is an album included in the cost?
• Stipulate what photographs you would like, and of whom.
• Discuss the chain of events at your wedding and ensure that he (or she) is aware of when photographs may not be taken.
• Does he keep the negatives or give them to you with your photographs?

Is he familiar with your chosen venue, and how long before the start of the function will he arrive?

• Are there extra travelling costs involved?
• How long before you see the first prints and re-orders?

Videographer:

• Discuss the chain of events at your function and what parts you would like videotaped.
• Does he charge a flat fee, and if so, for how many hours of service?
• What kind of equipment does he use?
• Are editing, titles and music included in the quoted price?
• How many cameras does he use and does he have back-up equipment?
• Is he familiar with your chosen location?
• Is it possible to see a sample video of a function he has taped?

Musicians:

What songs will be played - let them know if you have a special request for your first dance. What times will they be playing? Who will be playing? Provide a map to ceremony and reception venues.

Florist:

Establish which flowers he or she will be responsible for:

• Church flowers


• Bouquets for bride, bridesmaids, flower girls


• Button holes?


• Corsages?


• Venue flowers — food area, bridal table, guest tables.

Stationery supplier:

Other things to remember:

Change of address and details to: bank, medical aid, accounts, magazine subscriptions, post office, etc.

Do you need a visa, inoculations, new passport for the honeymoon. Remember to apply well in advance for these.

Marriage course — contact your marriage officer or Famsa for details of a course near you.

Decide on the birth control method you will be using.