A wedding is one of the most anticipated events of a woman’s life. From the engagement to the actual wedding day, there are so many details that you need to keep track of. For those who can afford a wedding planner, the burden of arranging all facets of the wedding is lifted from their shoulders and all they need to do is just supervise. However, for those on a specific budget and would like to organize their own wedding, a wedding planning checklist is the perfect solution to a stress-free wedding.
A wedding planning checklist constitutes a timeline of all the activities you need to accomplish for your wedding. An effective checklist should list every aspect of the wedding, as well as a detailed listing of each aspect. Here are the things that should constitute your wedding planning checklist:

1. Pick a date and venue – this should be done months before the wedding so that you can choose the best date and wedding venue. Before choosing the venue, make sure to consider a lot of options and compare prices. It’s also best if you visit the actual place.

2. Organize your entourage – pick friends who will be part of your entourage and ensure that they are available during the date you’ve picked.

3. Draft a guest list – When inviting guests, work within your budget. If you don’t want to exceed your budget, keep a short guest list.

4. Meet up with caterers, cake shops, florists, photographers, make-up artists and videographers – compare prices, products, and services. For your wedding’s reception, draft a list of foods you want and conduct a taste test. The same goes for the wedding cake.

5. Pick a dress for yourself and your entourage – this should be done separately. While you’re at it, don’t forget your shoes, veil, and undergarments.

6. Prepare the invitations and giveaways – if you want to make your own invitations and giveaways, be sure to devote ample time to this task. If you prefer to have it made, pick the best company that offers a reasonable price. Make sure that the invitations are finished in time so you can distribute this.

7. Finalize all your reservations – always double check on every reservation you’ve made for your wedding. Make a list of all the guests who confirmed, and submit this to the caterer for the final head count.

8. Get a marriage license – Do not wait for a week before the wedding to get the license, as much as possible take a few weeks to process this.

9. Finalize all the details – Check your list and see if you haven’t overlooked any detail.

Although a wedding planning checklist is never foolproof, constant checking and updating of this checklist will at least ensure that errors are minimized.