The Checklist

1. Pick a date, set of dates or general time of year (e.g. "Summer", "beginning of February"...)

2. Think about anyone who you might want to invite so you have an idea of the minimum/maximum size you may need for the venue

3. Think about your budget

   1. how much will you need to spend across broad categories?

   2. This means doing some research on typical costs of the following items:

      • outfit

      • venue

      • food

      • decorations

      • photographer

      • entertainment (e.g. music/dancing)

4. Pick a venue (The Cardiff Registry office keeps a list of registered venues)

   1. Shortlist your venues (location, size, estimated cost)

   2. Contact and check availability

   3. If available, book a visit

   4. Visit your venues and get quotes

   5. Sort the venues according to your favourite

   6. Call your first preference and book! The venue will hold your date for a short time while you book the registrar

   7. If they're not free, move on to your second choice

5. Book the registrar

   2. • 029 2087 1680

      • ceremonies@cardiff.gov.uk 

      • https://www.cardiffregisteroffice.co.uk/029 2087 809 029 2087 16

6. Plan outfits for the couple

7. Finalise the guest list (This can be daytime and evening guests. don’t be afraid to have an A and B list to allow flexibility with cancellations. )

8. Book your vendors (consider costs and your budget)

   1. photographer (and/or videographer if wanted)

   2. food (and maybe drinks)

   3. flowers

   4. hair

   5. makeup

   6. band/DJ

   7. decorator

   8. tables, chairs, crockery, tents

9. Reserve accommodation (for yourself, close friends and family, ...)

10. If you're having people in your wedding party (flower girls, page boys, bridesmaids, groomsmen), ask them to be in it

11. Plan outfits for the wedding party

12. Send save the dates

13. Buy rings

14. Send invitations (include meal choices if your wedding breakfast includes these)

15. Pick music

    1. Pick ceremony music (if having live musicians, do they have those pieces?)

       • processional

       • signing of the register

       • recessional

    2. Pick reception music (live music/playlist)

16. Pick evening music (Band/DJ/playlist?)

17. Pick first dancePlan guest book

18. Chase RSVPs

19. Make seating chart (share it with the venue)

20. Plan signage

21. Make an hourly schedule for the day to think through everything you might need

22. A few days before, start getting everything together

23. Have a wonderful day!