THE ULTIMATE WEDDING CHECKLIST: WHAT TO DO 12 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING
- seogurunayem
- Apr 16
- 5 min read
Planning a wedding is like weaving a delicate silk tapestry—every thread matters. Moreover, organizing a marriage can feel like juggling glaring lights, while riding a unicycle is instigative but overwhelming. If you're wondering what to do 12 months before a wedding, you're already on the right track. A well-planned wedding saves you time and money and lets you truly enjoy the journey to your big day.
Whether you're getting married in Singapore, or anywhere in the world, this comprehensive 12-month wedding checklist is tailored to make your planning process smooth and enjoyable. We've covered you from venue hunting to choosing your perfect traditional Chinese wedding Attire.
12 Months Before the Wedding: Build the Foundation
This is the stage where dreams meet decisions. At this point, you're still soaking in the post-engagement bliss. Also, this is what you need to tick off:
1. Set a Date and Budget
Choosing a wedding date is one of the most critical choices. Try to pick a date that's meaningful and practical. Secure a date that aligns with auspicious lunar calendar dates—a priority for many Chinese families. Once that's set, it's time to talk money—budgeting will be your north star throughout the planning journey. Start by determining your budget. Allocate funds for key priorities: attire, venue, and photography.
Pro Tip: Disperse buffers in your budget for unexpected costs. Things will pop up! Traditional Chinese weddings often include rituals like the Tea Ceremony, so factor these into your budget.
2. Start Researching and Booking Vendors
Think venues, florists, photographers, Hair & makeup artists, and your traditional wedding attire provider. Popular dates book out fast, so start early.
Book Your Venue: Popular spots in Singapore book up fast! Securing your ceremony and gathering setting sets the tone for everything else. It'll also determine your guest capacity, decor style, and wedding date flexibility.
Photographer/Videographer: Look for teams experienced in cultural ceremonies.
Attire: Begin researching traditional outfits. Psst—The Red Wedding offers rentals and sales of Traditional Chinese Wedding dresses with intricate embroidery. Schedule a fitting early—styles like the handcrafted Qun Kua design take a skilled master months to hand embroidery them!
Note: In Singapore, many bridal Hair and makeup artists are fully booked up to a year in advance—don't wait until the last minute.
3. Create a Guest List
It's time to have "the conversation" with your partner and family. Your guest list will impact your budget and setting options.
4. Choose Your Wedding Theme and Style
Rustic, modern, boho, or traditional Chinese? Will your day blend modern elegance with conventional red Qun Kua (褂裙) attire? Your wedding theme will impact everything from your welcomes to your outfit.
5. Hire a Wedding Planner (Optional)
9–10 Months Before: Start the Aesthetics
1. Say yes to the attire: This is the perfect time to explore traditional Chinese wedding attire—whether a Qun Kua, Ma Kua, or something modern with a twist.
Reminder: If you're in Singapore, The Red Wedding offers stunning rentals and purchases that blend cultural heritage with modern flair.
2. Hire a Wedding Day Assistant: A Wedding Day Assistant is a game-changer. They manage the flow of your big day, while a wedding chaperone ensures all traditions and timings are flawlessly followed—especially crucial for Chinese weddings.
Reminder: These services are available at The Red Wedding, saving you stress while preserving precious traditions.
3. Book Makeup & Hairstyling Services: It's never too early to book your bridal look. Trials and touch-ups are crucial. Secure Hair & Makeup Trials: Opt for a trial with artists skilled in classic Chinese bridal looks—soft buns adorned with hairpins or modern waves with red accents.
Reminder: Our Makeup & Hairstyling service includes long-lasting looks for your tea ceremony and reception.
6–8 Months Before: Get Organized/Design Your Dream Day
1. Send Save-the-Dates: This is especially important for overseas guests, giving them time to plan travel.
2. Book Your Photographer/Videographer: Find someone whose style fits your vibe—classic, candid, or cinematic.
3. Plan Rituals & Customs: Time-honoured and meaningful, the tea ceremony deserves planning. Prepare attire, gifts, and a chaperone who knows the customs well. Also, Plan Your Tea Ceremony: Work with elders to outline ceremonies like the Hair Combing Ritual.
Reminder: Need a Wedding Chaperone? The Red Wedding's chaperone service is highly trained in tea ceremony etiquette and will help you impress the elders. Our team ensures traditions are honoured smoothly.
4–5 Months Before: Dive Into Details
1. Choose Accessories & Décor: From gold bangles to hairpins, from lanterns to runners—accessorize your wedding with meaning and style. Check out The Red Wedding's curated accessories and decorations collection.
2. Order Wedding Invitations: Ensure your invites reflect your theme, culture, and personality.
3. Book Your Honeymoon: You've earned it—start planning a getaway that reflects your personality.
2–3 Months Before: Final Touches
1. Finalise Attire for Wedding Party: Brides, schedule multiple fittings for your Qun Kua (褂裙) or Xiu He Fu to ensure a flawless fit. Grooms, don't forget your Ma Kua (马褂) or Tang Jacke! Coordinate outfits for bridesmaids, groomsmen, and family.
2. Plan Wedding Day Timeline: Include enough time for makeup, transportation, tea ceremony, and outfit changes.
3. Schedule Final Dress Fitting: Traditional Chinese attire should fit well and still provide ample allowance for movements.
4. Send Invitations: Incorporate traditional elements like red envelopes or double happiness symbols.
1 Month Before: Crunch time
1. Confirm Vendor Details: Touch base with everyone involved—from your MUA to the banquet team. Recheck timelines with photographers, caterers, and your Wedding Day Assistant (hint: we offer helpers to manage timelines and rituals!).
2. Create a Wedding Day exigency Kit: Include safety pins, tissues, lipstick, compact mirror, and plasters.
3. Practice Your Vows and Traditions: A little rehearsal helps, especially if incorporating Chinese customs.
15 Days Before: The Final Countdown
What should you do before the 15th day of marriage?
Pack a "Wedding Day Emergency Kit": Include a sewing kit, safety pins, and touch-up makeup. Get a final beauty treatment or facial (nothing new!)
Confirm headcounts and any dietary restrictions.
Steam or press your outfits if necessary.
Double-check your logistics and vendors.
Break in your shoes.
Review Schedules with Key Players: Final rehearsal with your entourage, wedding assistant or chaperone. Ensure your chaperone, assistant, and family know their roles.
Relax & Pamper Yourself: Book a facial or massage—you've earned it!
Remember, it's okay to delegate! That's what a Wedding Day Assistant from The Red Wedding is for.
Why This Wedding Checklist Works for You
Planning a fusion or traditional Chinese wedding? Traditional Chinese weddings are rich in symbolism, and missing a step can feel like skipping a character in calligraphy. By following this timeline, you'll honour customs without stress.
Final Thoughts
Planning your dream wedding doesn't have to feel like a chore. With this 12-month checklist and a trusted partner like The Red Wedding, you'll enjoy a beautiful, seamless journey from engagement to "I do."
Whether you need a rental Qun Kua (褂裙), a makeup artist, or a trusted chaperone, The Red Wedding is here to make your wedding as meaningful as it is magical. Let us help you celebrate love, one timeless ritual at a time.
Explore our full extent of services and let The Red Wedding walk with you every step of the way. You're covered at every turn with The Red Wedding's one-stop services—from attire rental to hairstyling, assistants, and chaperones.
FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered
Is 12 Months Enough Time to Plan a wedding?
Absolutely! With a clear checklist, 12 months allows time to secure vendors and customize details. Early planning is key for traditional weddings, especially for hand-embroidered attire.
What if I need help with the actual day?
That's where The Red Wedding's Chaperone & Collaborator Services sparkle! We handle logistics so you can concentrate on joy.
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