The ultimate wedding planning checklist
Are you a bride-to-be wondering how to prepare for a wedding and where to buy everything you need? We’re breaking down every step and providing you with a wedding directory and shopping tips so you don’t miss any detail of your big day. From big-ticket elements like venues and wedding attire to smaller details like stationery and gratuities, it can be challenging to keep your finger on the pulse. Follow our wedding series and use this wedding planning checklist to mark off items once you’ve completed them. Happy planning!
Reception
The reception is one of the longest parts of your wedding. Here’s a list of everything you need to think about when planning your dream reception.
- Reception venue hire
- Catering
- Wedding cake
- Cutting knife
- Tables and chairs
- Table decorations
- Linens (table covers, napkins and chair covers)
- Cutlery and crockery
- Glasses
- Beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
- Servers
- Bartender
- Entertainment (musician, band or DJ)
- Centrepiece flowers
- Confetti
- Parking
- Transportation (to and from the venue)
- Children’s entertainment
- Gratuities
Visit @home in Canal Walk for crockery, cutlery, linens and other table decorations. For flowers and confetti, visit florists like Ilhaam's Flowers and Foxglove Studios, and for cakes, visit The Velvet Cake Co.
Ceremony
Your ceremony is where you seal the deal with your loved one. Take a look at the elements to consider to make your wedding ceremony as beautiful as you imagined.
- Marriage officer
- Venue hire
- Altar decorations
- Chairs
- Chair decorations
- Ring bearer pillow, box or basket
- Flower girl basket
- Aisle decorations
- Musician, band or DJ
- Transportation
- Gratuities
- Flowers (for venue, bride, bridesmaids and flower girl)
Clothes
Looking stylish and timeless on your wedding day will last forever in photos. Take your time to find the perfect outfit for every person in the wedding party.
- Wedding dress
- Wedding shoes
- Undergarments
- Hosiery
- Jewels
- Accessories
- Veil or headpiece
- Reception outfit
- Honeymoon clothes
- Groom attire
- Groom shoes
- Groom accessories
- Groomsmen attire
- Groomsmen shoes
- Groomsmen accessories
- Bridesmaids dresses
- Bridesmaids shoes
- Bridesmaids accessories
- Children’s clothes (ring bearer and flower girl)
- Alterations
Find a variety of wedding party attire in Canal Walk. For example, visit Bride & Co. for bridal gowns and bridesmaids dresses, Tailor's Shop for alterations, our selection of men's fashion retailers, footwear retailers and a variety of jewellers for accessories.
Rehearsal Dinner
Your rehearsal dinner planning depends on what you’re looking for. No matter if you’re looking for a formal event or something more casual, there are some things to remember.
- Venue hire
- Catering
- Beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
- Tables and chairs
- Decorations
- Transportation
- Parking
- Entertainment (DJ or playlist)
- Crockery and cutlery
- Linens
- Centrepieces
- Servers
- Gratuities
Stationery
While the world is going digital, weddings are the perfect opportunity to indulge in beautiful design and printing. Here are some stationery items to remember.
- Guest list
- Guestbook (for ceremony and reception)
- Save-the-date
- Invitations (design and printing)
- Directions
- Thank you cards
- Postage fees
- Program
- Menus
- Table cards
- Seating chart
- Rehearsal dinner invitations (design and printing)
Gifts
Gifts are one of the smaller details of your special day that can be overlooked if not planned for. Remember to plan and budget for these items.
- Wedding favours
- Wedding party gifts
- Wedding gift registry
Photography
Your wedding is a beautiful celebration of love with your friends and family members. Remembering this special day is easy when you plan for this element of the wedding.
- Engagement photos
- Couple portraits
- Ceremony photographer and/or videographer
- Reception photographer and/or videographer
- Camera for honeymoon photos
- Photo printing and albums from Superfoto
Rings
Find your perfect token of love at Canal Walk’s jewellery stores and jewellers.
- Engagement ring
- Wedding bands
- Engraving
Honeymoon
Planning your honeymoon can either be a joint decision or completely out of your hands. If you’re involved, don’t forget these important things. Book your travels at Canal Walk travel agents like Computicket, Flight Centre. And make sure to renew your passports at Standard Bank.
- Flights
- Accommodation
- Car rental or public transportation
- Passports
- Visas
- Itinerary
- Travel agents must be linked to here.
- Standard bank at Canal Walk offers passport renewal services.
Miscellaneous
Here are a few planning elements that are crucial to remember but easy to forget. Visit Canal Walk for a variety of stores to help you look, feel and smell your best on the big day.
- Permits for public locations
- Hairdresser
- Makeup artist
- Perfume
- Manicures and pedicures
- Facials
- Barber for groom and/or groomsmen
- Wedding planner
- Wedding party accommodation
The most important part of your wedding preparation is making sure you enjoy the process. With wedding tips to give you a better idea of what to do, you can steadily make your way through the list and have fun while sourcing everything you need. And if you’re looking for a one-stop shopping experience where you can find most of your wedding planning essentials, visit Canal Walk and add style to your dream day.
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