Planning guide
The wedding planning checklist.
A calm, month-by-month guide for South African couples — from “yes” to “I do” and beyond.
12+ months before
- Agree on a budget and who’s contributing
- Draft your guest list — and the “if we can” list
- Book your venue and set the date
- Choose your photographer and videographer
- Create your wedding website and share the date
9–12 months
- Book your officiant or marriage officer
- Choose your wedding party
- Book caterer, band or DJ
- Start dress and suit shopping
- Reserve accommodation blocks for out-of-town guests
6–8 months
- Send save-the-dates (a link to your website is perfect)
- Book florist, cake and décor hire
- Plan transport and the shuttle between venues
- Register for gifts or set up a honeymoon fund
- Book hair and make-up trials
4–5 months
- Design your invitations
- Plan the ceremony and readings
- Order rings
- Arrange your marriage officer paperwork (Home Affairs)
- Book the honeymoon
2–3 months
- Send personal invitations with RSVP links
- Finalise the menu and dietary requirements
- Write your vows
- Confirm suppliers and their arrival times
- Plan your timeline for the day
1 month
- Chase outstanding RSVPs (a gentle WhatsApp reminder works wonders)
- Build the seating plan
- Final dress and suit fittings
- Prepare payments and tips for suppliers
- Share the timeline with your wedding party
The week before
- Confirm final numbers with the venue and caterer
- Print table signs and QR codes for guest photos
- Pack for the honeymoon
- Hand over décor and the running order to your coordinator
- Rest. Hydrate. Breathe.
After the wedding
- Send thank-you messages
- Collect guests’ photos in one album
- Share the photographer’s gallery with family
- Seal a time capsule for your first anniversary
Let EverWed carry the details.
Website, invitations, RSVPs and seating — in one beautiful place.
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