Wedding Checklist

Wedding entails a lot of work and pressure. It is totally not that easy at all. A lot of things are to be planned and done, just for that two BIG days, ie Wedding Dinner & Wedding day.

I had pre-wedding blues prior to my wedding, due to the heavy workload I had, yet I have to prepare for my wedding.

I got this checklist from the website and find it quite useful, for which I have further edited and customised, and hence would like to share with my fellow friends who are preparing for their wedding:
10 – 12 MONTHS BEFORE:

- Set your wedding date. Pick a few dates, just in case your desired venues are not available
- For date picking, you may consider this place in Penang, which is quite famous among the locals 金吊桶, Tel:04-2271655
- Discuss with parents and future in-laws on the style & size of wedding ceremony
- Book a date with the ROM and the ceremony venue
- Read More About Getting Married in Penang
- Submit forms for R.O.M.
- For R.O.M., you may consider Penang Moral Uplifting Society, Tel: 04-2267248

6 – 10 MONTHS BEFORE:

- Select the bridal boutique, followed by the bridal gowns and suits
- Shop for bridal accessories like bridal shoes, shirts for the groom and jewellery
- Have your studio / outdoor wedding photo shooting session
- More about preparation for photo shooting
- Draft your guest list
- Source for reception venues that suit your taste and budget
- Confirm and book your venues if you haven’t done so
- Choose and buy wedding rings, order engraving

3 – 6 MONTHS BEFORE:

- Confirm your tentative guest list
- Work on the final arrangements’ programs for wedding dinner, i.e. entertainment
- I engaged Starzband, Tel:012-4204971 (Edwin) as the entertainer of the night, and I am extremely satisfied with it
- Choose your favours, i.e. wedding cakes
- I got mine from Juat Khoon Pastry Centre, Tel:2632858 (Mr Foo)
- He is very kind to give a mock wedding cake for cake cutting ceremony which is nicer than those provided by the restaurant
- Final confirmation on wedding venues
- Arrange wedding transportation
- Arrange out-of-town guest accommodations
- Engage the photographers / videographers for the day
- I appointed Alex Tan as my photographer, and I'm astonished at way he captured all those wonderful moments. He can be contacted at 012-4037172
- Select your bridesmaids, best man, groomsmen, ring bearer, etc. Inform them about their duties.
- Help mothers of the bride and groom to choose their dresses


2 – 3 MONTHS BEFORE:

- Print you wedding cards, as most caterers provided you with the cards without the inlets and envelopes
- I got mine printed by Andy, Tel: 012-4238852
- He offered a much cheaper compared to those printers out there
- Reconfirm menu details. Remember to make arrangements for guests who are vegetarian or guest who takes halal food.
- Mail wedding cards
- Finalize your transport and music arrangements.

1 MONTH BEFORE:

- Prepare payment envelopes / ang pow for fees and gratuities; or gifts for your wedding party. Eg. Your attendants, relatives etc.
- Have a final fitting at the bridal boutique. Ensure your bridal gowns and bridesmaids’ dresses will be ready on time.
- Finalise your floral arrangements, i.e. hand bouquet for the bride, corsages for the groom, bestman and bridesmaid during wedding day; hand corsages for the bridesmaids during wedding day; corsages for VIPs during the dinner
- Ask relatives and friends to help at the wedding and reception.
- Buy your guest book
- Arrange for the supply of beer, wine or liquor for the wedding dinner, should you need one
- You may try this, Seng Hoe (PG) Sdn. Bhd, Tel:04-2610921 (Mr Yap)
- Arrange for the caterers for the wedding day
- I engaged Sin Hong Kee Catering Services, Tel: 04-6443711

2 – 3 WEEKS BEFORE:

- Confirm dinner attendants
- Confirm dinner menu and food tasting
- Confirm final program and decorations for dinner
- Finalize seating arrangement for dinner
- Remind florist to arrange for bridal bouquet and corsages to be sent to your place early or arrange for pick-up one day before your wedding
- Submit the final guest count to the caterer / hotel/ restaurant
- Arrange your head table seating.
- Have a facial and hair mask

1 WEEK BEFORE:

- Have your rehearsal (if applicable)
- You may want to double check on the auspicious hour and have a run- through of the actual day customary formalities
- One last fitting of your bridal gowns to ensure the size fits as there can sometimes be drastic weight loss due to nervousness or franticness as the big day approaches
- Have a briefing with bridesmaids, best man and ushers to finalize duties assigned
- Book a relaxing massage or spa for the two of you to soothe away jitters and stress you have built up over the months
- Rest and eat well, drink lots of water so you’ll be absolutely fresh for the big day

1 DAY AHEAD:

- Pamper yourself with manicure and pedicure
- Perhaps, the groom may also have his manicure done, as hundreds would be shaking his hands on that big day
- Pack things to take to the wedding site
- Relax and sleep early

DAY OF THE WEDDING:

- Take a good breakfast.
- Have your hair and makeup done.
- Have your bridesmaid/ bestman to help in giving out your gratuities such as ang pow on your wedding day while you enjoy your wedding day without fussing over the small stuff..
- Enjoy the day

AFTER THE WEDDING:

- Tie up all the loose ends, i.e. settle any outstanding payments
- Send a token of gratitude to those who have lent you a hand in this big occasion

* My wedding did not follow the traditional Chinese cultural customs, and hence the checklist is not comprehensive enough if you are to abide by the traditional customs.