Your wedding checklist will help you to organise and plan the nuptials of your dreams. However, knowing how to use and create a proper wedding checklist will determine the success of your list. If you are unsure about how to create your own list you can always get free checklists online that will point you in the right direction. Wedding planning is not as simple as it might seem. There are so many things that can make or break your big day that it is important to keep on top of every tiny detail to the very end. Here are ten tasks that need to be included in every wedding checklist including on free checklists if they are not already there.

1. Choosing the day

The first thing to do after you get engaged is to choose the day of your wedding. Although you may have one day picked out that resonates with you for some reason, it is best to actually have several days picked out. Depending on how far in advance you have decided to get engaged, you may find that your first picks are already taken. Therefore it is best to choose several potential wedding days so that if your first pick is unavailable you can then move on to the next option.

2. Priest, Minister, Rabbi, Imam or other Celebrant

If both of you are of the same religious background then this question might not be very difficult to make. However, if your in an inter-faith couple, then deciding on what kind of ceremony will definitely be very important. Should you choose to have an interfaith marriage, you will have to find celebrants who are willing to participate in such a marriage. Some celebrants have special ceremonies for just such occasions. Booking the celebrant early on will also mean that your church, temple or mosque is also booked – unless you plan on having an outdoor wedding, in which case you will have to book that venue as well at the same time as your celebrant.

3. Hall or Other Venue

Booking the hall is another crucial element that must be added to your wedding checklist. Without a reception hall in which to celebrate your marriage after the ceremony, you will be hard pressed to accommodate your guests – unless, of course, you are having a very small private ceremony.

4. Catering

If the food you serve at your wedding is not tasty – people will remember. The key to a successful wedding is having plenty of delicious food. People may not remember much at weddings – especially if alcohol is being served, but they will remember if they ate well or not.

5. Music

The kind of music you choose will really set the mood for your event. Whether it is a live band or a DJ, having a good provider will create the kind of atmosphere you want. Therefore, when choosing a music provider make sure that they represent you as a couple.

6. Flowers

Your flower arrangements can be elaborate or very sparse. Some halls will even including the centre pieces at a nominal price if you are so inclined.

7. Rings

Choosing your wedding bands is not something most couples will forget, but it is good to put down on your wedding checklist just in case!

8. Bridal Party

Your bridal party will reflect the kind of wedding you are having. Many attendants will signify a large wedding while few attendants are more common with small, intimate ceremonies.

9. Guest List/Invitations

Naturally the size of your guest list will influence your budget. Paring down your guest list might be tough, but it will help you to know how many invitations to send out. Remember that, in general, ten percent of the guests you invite will not show up.

10. Gifts for Bridal Party

Depending on your culture, it is generally customary to give your bridal party gifts. Although they don’t have to be big and elaborate they do need to be given the day of the ceremony, therefore it is best to get them prepared ahead of time.