Singaporebrides | Weddings 101
February 2019
How to Start Planning Your Wedding: A Super Simple Wedding Planning Checklist
The bridechilla’s 20-step simple wedding planning checklist.
Your wedding is probably the biggest event you’ll ever put together yourself, and if you’re not hiring a wedding planner, there are going to be a LOT of nitty gritty details to think about. We’ve got a detailed wedding checklist if you’re into being organised, but if you’re just getting started and only want to know the big picture, this super chill list is for you. It’ll tell you how to start planning your wedding, and list all the major things you need. Of course, every wedding is as different as every couple’s story, so feel free to strike out whatever you don’t want to include!
Super Simple Wedding Planning Checklist
Now, let’s break down each category. First, tackle the big picture items, then book your primary vendors because they can only work on one or two weddings a weekend. Next, get your secondary vendors, who can commit to more than one celebration a day. When you’ve got the major items ticked off your wedding planning checklist, it’s time to think about the details. Closer to the wedding date, you’ll need to firm up logistics and tie up any loose ends.
The Big Picture
Into the Woods: A Deep Forest Styled Shoot at Andaz Singapore by John Lim Photography
1. Budget
Don’t worry if you don’t know how much things will cost yet. You can just sit down with your partner and discuss how much—ideally—you’d like to set aside for your wedding. Most couples these days are simultaneously planning for their new home, or would rather spend more on the honeymoon, so do what feels right to you! As a guide, here’s what other couples achieved with $3,000 to $30,000.
2. Style
Think about the style of wedding you want. Do you want a grand, formal occasion? Or an intimate and relaxed affair with just your family and close friends? Your chosen wedding style will dictate your search for your vendors, such as a garden venue if you’re going for an intimate garden wedding. Check out our wedding themes edit for ideas!
3. Guest List
This one might take a few rounds. To start, write down everyone you want to invite, and ask your parents for their lists too. If you’re concerned about budget, try keeping your guest list small by inviting only your closest colleagues, involving only family, or limiting the number of guests your parents invite.
The Primary Vendors
22 Extraordinary Wedding Venues in Singapore with a Magnificent View, image courtesy of Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa
4. Venue
Now you’ve got a theme and an estimated number of guests, you can start shortlisting venues. Tour your favourite options and lock down your choice to confirm your wedding date!
5. Wedding Outfits
This one’s a fun one! Start going on Pinterest or our Lookbook to figure out your bridal style, and shortlist bridal boutiques. If you’re planning on a bespoke wedding gown, make sure you plan enough time for it to be made. Grooms should allocate a couple of months if they’re customising suits, too. You can look for your veil, shoes, and accessories later.
6. Photography
Because photographers can only cover one wedding a day, you should start sourcing for a photographer early, so that you don’t miss out on your favourite. Think about your preferred style and colours, and set up meetings with a few shortlisted ones to see if you click. If you’d like to do a pre-wedding shoot, set up a time a few months before your wedding.
7. Videography
Do the same thing for your videography!
The Secondary Vendors
Gorgeous Bridal Bouquet Inspiration from 30+ Florists in Singapore, image by Mindy Tan Photography
8. Hair and Makeup
Popular hair and makeup artists can get booked out early too, so don’t leave your search too late. Figure out the style of makeup you’re going for—fresh and natural or glamorous?—and find makeup artists that match your desired look.
9. Stylist
A professional stylist can help you design your wedding, from the ceremony backdrop to your reception table photo display.
10. Flowers
Decide if you prefer a more wild and organic style, or an elegant and classic one. Save your favourite styles to show shortlisted florists, but be aware that not every flower you see online is available locally. Some venues include florals in their wedding packages, so find out what you need to get before meeting shortlisted florists and getting a quote.
11. Officiant
Invite your pastor or priest to conduct your wedding, or look through our list of solemnisers to find your officiant.
The Details
A Passionate Romance After Dusk Wedding Styled Shoot At Lewin Terrace by Stanstills Photography
12. Invitations
While you can simply use the invitations provided by your venue, many couples these days choose to have bespoke invitations created to reflect their wedding style. You’ll need to allow time for these to be designed and printed.
13. Bridesmaids and Groomsmen
Ask your friends and family to be in your wedding party. How big a bridal party you have is entirely up to you! You’ll also need to plan their outfits with them, and think about florals for your girls.
14. Rings
Go ring shopping together after narrowing down from our wedding bands list! If you can’t find a wedding band set you both like, try getting your rings separately. For something unique, why not customise your wedding rings?
15. Favours
If you don’t like the favours offered by your wedding package, you can always personalise your wedding by choosing your own. For a fun alternative, why not have an interactive bar for guests to create their own teas, florals, or candy mixes?
The Loose Ends
Letty and Benjamin’s Incredible Myanmar Pre-Wedding Shoot and Stylish Wedding by Superpanda Presents
16. Beauty
This includes facials, hair cuts and treatments, waxing, brow embroidery, and nail art. Make sure your appointments aren’t too close or too far away from your wedding date!
17. Hen’s/Stag’s
Most couples have their hen’s night or stag party a week or a couple of weeks before the wedding. You don’t want to do it too close to the date, as you’ll be way too busy to be hungover.
18. Marriage License
At least 21 days before your wedding, file a notice of marriage with the Registry of Marriages. You’ll need your solemniser’s details, and the both of you will also need to make a trip down to the Registry to verify your documents.
19. Wedding Day Schedule
In the last couple weeks or so, it’s time to plan your timeline for the day. Keeping it online via Google Sheets is great so everyone involved can stay updated. Check out our free customisable online templates for ideas on what goes on during a wedding.
20. Honeymoon
Many couples these days prefer to allocate a larger portion of their budget towards their first big adventure as a married couple. Not everybody goes on a big honeymoon immediately though; you can give yourselves time to save up by delaying your trip, and opting for a minimoon after the wedding instead!
Credits: Feature image from Winnie and Bing Han’s Dreamy Pre-Wedding Shoot by the Water by Eggs Benedict Chan Photography
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