Cakeflair’s Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist for Newly Engaged Couples
Congratulations on your engagement! This is such an exciting time in your life, and now the fun begins: planning your dream wedding! At Cakeflair, we understand that organizing a wedding can be overwhelming, especially with so many details to consider. That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate wedding planning checklist to help guide you every step of the way. From choosing your perfect cake to finalizing your guest list, we’ve got you covered.
Why You Need a Wedding Checklist
Planning a wedding involves hundreds of tasks, from large decisions like the venue and dress to smaller details such as table settings and favors. Without a plan, it’s easy to overlook important elements. A well-organized checklist helps you:
– Stay on track with your timeline
– Budget effectively
– Reduce stress by breaking tasks into manageable pieces
– Avoid last-minute surprises
Whether you’re planning a grand celebration or an intimate ceremony, our comprehensive guide will ensure that nothing is left out. So, let’s dive in!
12–18 Months Before the Wedding: Start Strong
- Set a Wedding Budget
One of the first and most important steps is determining how much you want to spend. Outline a budget for everything, including venue, dress, catering, entertainment, flowers, and of course, the cake! With a clear budget, you’ll avoid financial surprises later on. If you are a typical Naija, last minute weddings budget planning will create stress for you on the long run, so please be a new Nigerian!
- Create a Guest List
Your guest list will directly influence many aspects of your wedding, from the size of the venue to the catering and cake portions. Start drafting a list of must-invite guests and decide whether you want an intimate gathering or a large event.
- Choose a Wedding Date and Venue
Pick a date that’s meaningful to you and your partner, then book your venue as soon as possible. Popular wedding venues fill up quickly, so the earlier you book, the better! Consider whether you want a church, beach, garden, or banquet hall for your ceremony and reception.
- Hire a Wedding Planner (Optional)
If you feel overwhelmed by the idea of planning a wedding on your own, a wedding planner can be a lifesaver. They’ll handle everything from organizing vendors to managing the day-of logistics.
Here are a few wedding planners that have earned their mettle in the industry… The queen of Destination Weddings and Events herself, Seyi Olusanya of Once Upon A Destination is a rock solid luxury wedding planner that can work with you to achieve a fairytale event. Another stalwart in the Industry is Zapphire Events,
9–12 Months Before: Design & Book
- Choose Your Wedding Theme and Colors
Decide on a theme that reflects your personality as a couple. Whether it’s rustic, elegant, vintage, modern or afro centric, your theme will set the tone for your décor, attire, and even your wedding cake. Popular wedding color schemes include blush and gold, navy and white, and soft pastels. See our post on Wedding Cake Trends that can give you and idea of what is possible.
- Find Your Dream Wedding Dress
This is one of the most exciting parts of planning your wedding! Start dress shopping early to allow enough time for fittings and alterations. If you’re not sure where to start, research different styles and designers to see what speaks to you. Draw inspiration from Bella Naija Weddings to enrich your imagination!
- Book Key Vendors
Now is the time to book your most important vendors. Here’s a list to keep in mind:
Caterer
– Photographer & Videographer
– Florist
– Entertainment/Band/DJ
– Cake Designer: At Cakeflair, we specialize in stunning wedding cakes that are as delicious as they are beautiful. From elegant multi-tiered designs to modern naked cakes, we’ll create the cake of your dreams.
6–9 Months Before: Plan the Details
- Send Save-the-Dates
Once your guest list and venue are set, send out save-the-date cards to make sure your guests mark their calendars. This is especially important for destination weddings or if many of your guests are traveling from out of town.
- Plan the Ceremony
Decide on the structure of your wedding ceremony. Usually in Nigeria, it’s three-in-one weddings church or white wedding court and traditional wedding. Some just do a customary wedding as a preference. Do you want to write your own vows? Talk to your officiant about the format and any special traditions or rituals you’d like to include.
- Finalize Your Wedding Cake Design
Your cake is the centerpiece of your reception, and it should reflect your style and taste. At Cakeflair, we recommend scheduling a cake tasting and consultation about 6–9 months before the wedding. This gives us ample time to perfect your cake, whether you want a classic white design, a unique sculpted cake, or a floral-themed masterpiece. Don’t forget to consider dietary preferences for any gluten-free or vegan guests if you really want to go the extra mile!
- Order Bridesmaids’ Dresses & Groomsmen’s Attire
Coordinate with your wedding party to ensure their outfits complement your overall theme. Make sure they order their attire well in advance to avoid last-minute rushes.
3–6 Months Before: Stay on Track
- Send Wedding Invitations
Your invitations should go out around 3–4 months before the wedding. Be sure to include details about the ceremony, reception, directions, and any additional events like the rehearsal dinner or post-wedding brunch.
- Finalize Your Menu
Work with your caterer to solidify the menu for your reception. Include options that cater to different dietary preferences, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free meals.
- Confirm Your Cake Order
This is the perfect time to confirm your wedding cake design, flavors, and the number of servings. Cakeflair offers a wide range of flavor combinations like chocolate ganache, vanilla sponge, red velvet, and rich fruitcake to make your cake unforgettable.
- Arrange Transportation
Whether you’re hiring a limousine, vintage car, or horse-drawn carriage, arrange transportation for yourself and your wedding party.
1–3 Months Before: Final Touches
- Obtain Your Marriage License
Check with your local government registry about the required paperwork and waiting period for obtaining a marriage license.
- Schedule a Hair & Makeup Trial
Book a trial with your hair and makeup artist to ensure you’re happy with your wedding day look.
Nigeria is blessed with some of the most talented makeup artist and gele artistry… I highly recommend Abeke Makeovers for flawless execution.
- Create a Wedding Day Timeline
Work with your wedding planner or venue coordinator to create a timeline for the day of your wedding, including the ceremony, reception, speeches, and cake cutting.
- Confirm Final Guest Count
About 1 month before the wedding, you should have a final headcount of your guests. Share this with your caterer, venue, and cake designer so they can make the necessary preparations.
– The Week of the Wedding: Relax and Enjoy
- Finalize Vendor Payments
Settle any remaining payments with your vendors, including the photographer, florist, DJ, and Cakeflair for your wedding cake.
- Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner
If you’re having a rehearsal, it’s typically held the day before the wedding. This is also a good time to host a rehearsal dinner to thank your family and wedding party for their support.
- Rest and Relax
Take time for yourself in the final days leading up to the wedding. Get plenty of sleep, stay hydrated, and don’t forget to eat healthy meals to keep your energy up.
Wedding Day: Time to Celebrate!
You’ve made it to the big day! All your hard work and planning have come together, and it’s time to enjoy the moment. Whether you’re walking down the aisle, dancing with loved ones, or sharing that first bite of your Cakeflair wedding cake, take time to savor every moment.
Stress-Free Wedding Planning
At Cakeflair, we’re more than just a cake shop—we’re here to help make your wedding day as special and stress-free as possible. Check out our top 10 wedding trends to get a few inspiration and you’ll be well on your way to creating the wedding of your dreams. Don’t forget to contact us for your custom wedding cake consultation, and let’s design something unforgettable together.
Deliciously yours,
Chef Juls
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