Ultimate guide to plan your wedding

Congratulations! Now that you've proposed to your spouse, the next step would be to prepare for your big wedding day. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you and your future spouse plan for your wedding. It is best to plan at least 9 months in advance, to allow for unforeseen delays or situations. Plan early, and plan together!

1.Come up with a list of realistic priorities

First, it is time to determine what is most important to you and your future spouse, with a realistic budget in mind. At this stage, be open to brainstorm ideas.

-Location: Where will you hold your wedding? And will you be hosting a banquet or after party?

-Wedding style: What are some decorations at the wedding location? What are the outfits that you and your future spouse prefer?

-Manpower: Who will be helping your wedding? Which friends and family members are willing to help?

Who is the wedding photographer, and videographer?

-Guest list: Who to invite?

-Food: What kind of food do you want at your banquet?

-Attire: Where should you and your future spouse get your suit and dresses?

2.Refine your priorities, and limit them within a budget

Now that you and your spouse know what you want, come up with a budget that would suite your priorities that matter most. How much are you and your spouse willing to pay?

And will your family be helping to cover some of the cost? These have to be agreed early in the wedding planning.

3.Create a checklist

With your budget and priorities determined, now is the time to create a checklist. This checklist will help you to track the progress of each priority. Feel free to use any medium you prefer, including an excel sheet or a word document.

In the checklist, be sure to include a deadline for each task.

4.Set a date

Try to avoid dates that have the same timing as occasions or holidays, as this may affect the rates of the wedding venue and even the food. If you're planning an outdoor wedding, be sure to set a date that is not during the rainy season.

5.Lock in and book the wedding venues

It is best to book at least 6-10 months in advance to lock in the perfect wedding venue, so nobody else can take your venue.

6.Come up with a guest list, and send your invites early

Send out your wedding invitations at least 3-6 months in advance. For those who are helping at your wedding, be sure to let them know at least 6 months in advance so they block their dates.

7.Find professionals and suppliers

There are many professionals to consider, from your priorities. Contact them early, which will also help you to compare rates. Do look at the terms and conditions also.

-Caterer

-Photographer & videographer

-Wedding venue decoration expert

-Sound system/AV professional & music

-Wedding solemnizer/officiant

-Hair & Make up

-Florist

-Drivers/transport

8.Inform your wedding helpers and brief them

You may ask some of your friends or family to help you out during your wedding. Perhaps you may need carpark ushers, set-up and tear down crew, or somebody to collect the gifts or red packets. Let them know their responsibilities, and brief them. Feel free to use an excel sheet, or draw diagrams if it helps.

You may also want to designate a wedding ceremony coordinator and a food coordinator who will liaise with the caterer.

9.Wedding party

Now it's time to also designate the best man, bridesmaid, maid of honour, flower girl and other key roles. These can be the people closest to you, or your future spouse.

10.Purchase your wedding rings, and outfits

If you haven't done so, do purchase your wedding rings, and shop for wedding outfits. Ensure that the suit and dresses fit nicely so you feel comfortable on your wedding day.

11.Create a wedding gift list

If you prefer, you can create a wedding gift list so your guests are aware of your wish list.

12.Create a schedule of the wedding day

On this schedule, include the timings of the events, such as the main solumnization and speeches. Write them in chronological order, including what time the food and helpers should arrive. You may also want to include the timing that the food is served or set up.

13.Speeches and vows

Sit down in a quiet place and write your speeches and vows. Other people who are speaking should also prepare their speeches.

14.Final preparations

Do a rehearsal of the wedding day. This ensures that all the helpers and people involed know the sequence of events, and the things that needs to be done.

Now that everything is prepared and ready to go, remember to also take a break in between the planning. And lastly, enjoy this special moment of your life where you will officially be husband and wife!

P.S. you might also want to prepare a token of appreciation or a small red packet to thank your helpers.