Wedding Timeline Guide
A comprehensive month-by-month wedding planning timeline to help you stay organized and ensure you don't miss any important tasks for your Singapore wedding.
How to Use This Timeline
Planning a wedding involves coordinating numerous tasks and vendors over many months. This comprehensive timeline will help you stay organized throughout your wedding planning journey. While every wedding is unique, this guide provides a general framework that you can customize based on your specific needs and timeline.
Important Notes
- This timeline is based on a 12-month planning period, but can be adjusted for shorter or longer engagements.
- In Singapore, popular venues and vendors book up quickly, especially during auspicious dates. Consider booking key vendors earlier than suggested if your date falls during peak season.
- Cultural and religious ceremonies may require additional planning and preparation time.
- Use this guide alongside our other planning resources for a comprehensive approach to your wedding planning.
12+ Months Before
Essential Tasks
- Announce your engagement to family and friends
- Discuss and set your wedding budget with all contributing parties
- Choose your wedding date (consider auspicious dates if relevant)
- Decide on wedding size and style (intimate, grand, traditional, modern)
- Research and visit potential wedding venues
- Book your ceremony and reception venues
Singapore-Specific Considerations
- Check ROM (Registry of Marriages) requirements and file your notice of marriage if planning a civil ceremony
- Research cultural ceremony requirements if having a traditional wedding
- Consider booking a wedding planner who specializes in your type of ceremony
- Start researching bridal package options (common in Singapore)
9-12 Months Before
Essential Tasks
- Select and book key wedding vendors (photographer, videographer, caterer)
- Choose your wedding party members and ask them to be part of your special day
- Start shopping for wedding attire (especially if custom-made)
- Create a preliminary guest list
- Research and book accommodation for out-of-town guests if needed
- Start planning your honeymoon
Singapore-Specific Considerations
- Book pre-wedding photoshoot package (very popular in Singapore)
- Research and book cultural ceremony vendors if applicable (e.g., Guo Da Li items for Chinese weddings)
- Consider booking a wedding stylist for venue decoration
- Research ang bao rates for your venue if having a Chinese banquet
6-9 Months Before
Essential Tasks
- Finalize your guest list
- Book your wedding cake baker
- Book your florist and discuss floral arrangements
- Book your wedding entertainment (DJ, band, cultural performances)
- Order wedding invitations and stationery
- Schedule dress fittings and alterations
Singapore-Specific Considerations
- Book hair and makeup trials with your chosen artist
- Arrange for traditional wedding items if having a cultural ceremony
- Book transportation for the wedding day (consider decorations for the car)
- Plan and book venue for tea ceremony if having one
3-6 Months Before
Essential Tasks
- Order wedding rings
- Plan and book your honeymoon
- Finalize menu with caterer or venue
- Purchase wedding party gifts
- Finalize wedding attire and accessories
- Book wedding day transportation
Singapore-Specific Considerations
- Finalize details for pre-wedding photoshoot
- Prepare ang bao for helpers and vendors (if applicable)
- Arrange for gate-crash games and props (for Chinese weddings)
- Book hotel room for wedding night
1-3 Months Before
Essential Tasks
- Send out wedding invitations
- Create a wedding day timeline
- Finalize ceremony details with officiant
- Purchase wedding day emergency kit
- Write your vows (if writing your own)
- Confirm all vendor arrangements and timelines
Singapore-Specific Considerations
- File notice of marriage with ROM (if not done earlier)
- Prepare and organize dowry items (for traditional ceremonies)
- Finalize wedding favors (consider local treats like pineapple tarts or kueh)
- Create seating chart for banquet
2-4 Weeks Before
Essential Tasks
- Follow up on RSVP stragglers
- Create final seating chart
- Confirm final headcount with venue/caterer
- Break in wedding shoes
- Finalize wedding day schedule and share with wedding party
Singapore-Specific Considerations
- Prepare ang baos for family members (if applicable)
- Confirm logistics for tea ceremony
- Prepare wedding slideshow or video
- Confirm arrangements for any cultural rituals
1 Week Before
Essential Tasks
- Pack for honeymoon
- Confirm all final payments to vendors
- Get final haircut/beauty treatments
- Prepare wedding day emergency kit
- Delegate wedding day tasks to trusted friends/family
Singapore-Specific Considerations
- Prepare ang pows for helpers and vendors
- Confirm gate-crash details with groomsmen and bridesmaids
- Prepare and organize all traditional items
- Confirm weather contingency plans (important in Singapore's climate)
Wedding Day
Morning Preparations
- Eat a good breakfast
- Allow plenty of time for hair and makeup
- Give wedding rings to best man/maid of honor
- Take a moment to breathe and center yourself
Singapore-Specific Considerations
- Complete tea ceremony (if applicable)
- Participate in gate-crash activities (for Chinese weddings)
- Have helpers distribute ang baos to vendors
- Stay hydrated in Singapore's heat
After the Wedding
Essential Tasks
- Return any rented items
- Send thank you notes to guests and vendors
- Preserve your wedding dress
- Review vendors online
- Change name on official documents (if applicable)
Singapore-Specific Considerations
- Update your NRIC and other government documents
- Apply for HDB if you haven't already (if applicable)
- Update CPF nomination
- Update will and insurance beneficiaries
Tips for Staying Organized
Delegate Tasks
Don't try to do everything yourself. Assign specific tasks to trusted friends and family members. Consider hiring a day-of coordinator to manage logistics on your wedding day.
Create a Wedding Hub
Designate a specific area in your home for all wedding-related items and paperwork. Use a digital tool or app to keep track of tasks, vendors, and payments.
Vendor Management
Keep all vendor contracts in one place. Create a contact sheet with all vendor information and share it with key people. Confirm details in writing and keep a record of all communications.