Your Wedding Checklist – Step-by-step to the big day
Planning a wedding means making many decisions – often months in advance. To help you keep track of everything, we have created a structured timeline for you. Ideally, you should give yourself about 12 months to organize your dream wedding with peace and joy.
12 months before
Set wedding date & location
The first and most important step: Set the date for your wedding. As soon as you have your preferred date, we recommend looking for a venue early – popular locations are often booked up a year in advance.
Tip: If you are flexible, consider weekdays or the off-season – this can make planning easier and save you money.
Define budget
Sit down together and determine a realistic budget. Consider the following:
How many guests would you like to invite?
Are you planning a large celebration with friends and relatives or an intimate tiny wedding with a small group?
Are you planning a formal dinner, a wedding weekend, or perhaps even a whole wedding festival?
The clearer your financial framework, the easier future planning will be.
6 months before
Register marriage at the registry office
In Austria, registration for marriage can take place no earlier than six months before the wedding date. Make an appointment at the registry office well in advance and find out which documents you need.
Register church wedding
If you would like to have a church wedding, contact your parish office now. Usually, a personal pre-marriage consultation is arranged.
Book service providers
Photographers, musicians, or DJs are in high demand – secure your preferred professionals in good time. Also consider whether you want a video team to capture your wedding in moving images.
Finalize guest list
Check your guest list once more and decide who you definitely want to invite.
Choose your name
Would you like to share a common name after the wedding? Or will you both keep your family names? This decision will be officially recorded at the registry office.
5 months before: Design, Fashion & Honeymoon
Select wedding dress
If you haven't already: Now is the right time to visit the bridal boutique of your choice. Plan enough time for alterations.
Send out Save-the-Date cards
Inform your guests about the date of your wedding in good time – this is especially important if they have a long journey or if it's during the holiday season.
Design wedding invitations
Design and order your official invitations. Consider the design, text, color scheme, and format to match the style of your wedding.
Plan honeymoon
Where do you want to go after the wedding? Find out about travel destinations, vaccinations, visa requirements, etc. in good time. Also remember to apply for special leave from your employer:
In Austria, you are entitled to three days of paid special leave for your own wedding.
For weddings of close family members, there is one day of special leave
4 months before: Style & Details
Send out invitations
Now it is time to officially invite your guests. Include RSVP details and perhaps a link to your wedding website.
Wedding suit for the groom
The groom should also take care of his outfit now – including shoes, accessories, and possibly a second outfit for the evening.
Hold the wedding consultation
If you are having a church wedding: Schedule your wedding consultation with the priest or minister now.
Menu & wine tasting
Discuss the menu sequence with your venue or caterer. Arrange a tasting to coordinate the selection and quality.
Plan floral decoration
Choose your bridal bouquet, table decorations, church flowers, and boutonnieres with your florist. Coordinate colors and style with your wedding's overall concept.
Select wedding rings
Choosing your wedding rings is a particularly emotional moment – after all, these pieces of jewelry will accompany you for a lifetime. Unlike bridal fashion or decorations, the rings remain a daily symbol of your union beyond the wedding day.
Therefore, take your time for the selection.
Get comprehensive advice:
From the design and choice of precious metal (yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, platinum...) to the shape, width, and surface texture. Topics such as sustainability, handcrafted work, or personalized custom designs are also becoming increasingly important.
Some important considerations when choosing wedding rings:
Comfort: The ring should not only look beautiful but also be comfortable to wear – the fit is crucial, especially with narrower or wider models.
Style & Suitability for daily wear: Consider whether the ring fits your everyday life – would you prefer classic or modern, simple or with stones?
Engraving: A personal engraving makes your wedding ring unique – the wedding date, your names, coordinates, or a very individual phrase are popular options.
Combining engagement ring & wedding ring: If you would like to continue wearing your engagement ring, so-called stacking rings are a great option – these can be harmoniously combined with the wedding ring to create an elegant, coordinated set.
Set 903
Set 929
Set 921
3 months before: The fine-tuning begins
Get accessories
In addition to the dress, veil, and handbag, the right jewelry stylishly rounds off your look as a bride. Whether classically elegant, romantically playful, or modern-minimalist – your bridal jewelry should match not only your dress but also your personality.
What typically counts as bridal jewelry?
Earrings: Subtle studs, elegant dangles, or sparkling hoops – depending on your hairstyle and neckline.
Chain or necklace: A real eye-catcher, especially with strapless or V-neck styles.
Bracelet or bangle: A delicate detail for simple dresses or to complement the ensemble.
Our tip: Choose jewelry that highlights your natural radiance – and that you will enjoy wearing even after the wedding. In our collection, you will find many pieces that are enchanting both on your wedding day and in everyday life.
We also offer elegant accessories for the groom, such as cufflinks or subtle pieces of jewelry that stylishly complement the wedding suit.
Reserve hotel rooms for guests
Hotels fill up quickly, especially for summer or weekend weddings. Block rooms for your guests near the venue.
Publish gift list
Decide what you would like as wedding gifts and share the list – online or traditionally – with your guests.
Take dance lessons
Planning a classic first dance? Book a few private dance lessons – it's a lovely way to prepare for the big day as a couple too.
2 months before
Trial styling
Book an appointment for hair & make-up – ideally combined with a fitting so that the look can be coordinated in context.
Order wedding cake
Whether classic tiered, modern, or vegan – the cake is a highlight of the celebration. Plan in time and consider the optimal time for cutting it.
Table decoration & seating chart
Draft your table plans and think about how you want to seat your guests. Coordinate place cards, candles, flowers, and decorations.
Track your guests' responses and note acceptances or cancellations. This will facilitate the seating chart and final planning.
1 month before
Plan the daily schedule
Create a detailed schedule for the wedding day – including times, tasks, contact persons, and important contacts.
Discuss these plans with the restaurant, DJ, photographer, and other service providers.
Break in bridal shoes
Wear your shoes at home – this helps avoid blisters and lets you enjoy the day carefree.
Pick up wedding rings
Ensure the rings are ready – check the engraving and fit. If any adjustments are necessary, we have time to make them in our workshop.
The final steps
2 weeks before
Final consultation with service providers
Finalize seating plan and print place cards
Book manicure/pedicure appointment
Assemble an emergency kit (make-up, band-aids, sewing kit, deodorant, tissues, etc.)
1 week before
Go through the checklist again
Pack your bag for the wedding night or the morning after
Treat yourself to intentional downtime – perhaps a massage or an evening with no appointments
1 day before
Lay out clothes (incl. spare shirt/tights, etc.)
Pack cosmetic bag
Discuss the schedule together once more
Have rings and important documents ready
The day of the wedding
Are the rings packed? Then you can take a deep breath now and focus on what matters most: Your love. Enjoy this day to the fullest – you have prepared for it with heart and care.
