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The "No-Fluff" Wedding Checklist
A practical, Sri Lankan-focused guide to planning your big day without the stress.
1.
Budget & MoneyEdit / Manage
✔️ Tasks
Set a total budget and a “stretch” budget.
Allocate amounts for each category (venue, food, dress, photography, etc.).
Decide who is paying for what.
⚠️ Watch Out For
- Vendors adding hidden service charges.
- Taxes not included in initial quotes.
- Paying large amounts before signing a contract.
2.
Guest ListEdit / Manage
✔️ Tasks
Draft guest list (A-list + B-list).
Collect addresses (use a form or wedding website).
Decide on “Kids or No Kids” policy.
⚠️ Watch Out For
- Family members adding last-minute guests.
- RSVPs never coming—follow-up needed.
- Seating plan drama (always start with families).
3.
VenueEdit / Manage
✔️ Tasks
Visit at the exact time of your planned event.
Check parking, washrooms, lighting, AC, and weather plan.
Confirm package: hours included, furniture, sound, generators.
⚠️ Watch Out For
- Venue saying “we’ll arrange this later” (get it in writing!).
- Extra charges for staying past the booked time.
- Restrictions on music volume, decorations, candles, alcohol, etc.
4.
Food & CateringEdit / Manage
✔️ Tasks
Do a tasting.
Confirm vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free needs.
Decide food station vs buffet vs plated.
⚠️ Watch Out For
- Caterer reducing serving quantities.
- Food running out because of walk-ins or family adding guests.
- Extra charge for servers/staff.
5.
Photography + VideographyEdit / Manage
✔️ Tasks
Review portfolio (actual wedding albums, not Instagram highlights).
Confirm number of photographers.
Confirm delivery timeline + number of edited photos.
Discuss style: candid vs posed vs traditional.
⚠️ Watch Out For
- Photographers outsourcing editing to cheap editors.
- Extremely long delivery (6–12 months).
- No backup equipment (ask!).
6.
Outfits + BeautyEdit / Manage
✔️ Tasks
Arrange dress/saree/suit fittings.
Test makeup & hairstyle trial.
Buy shoes early and break them in.
⚠️ Watch Out For
- Saree draping/makeup artist not showing up (sign a contract).
- Outfit not fitting after last-minute weight changes.
- Heavy jewelry causing neck/shoulder pain.
7.
Music + EntertainmentEdit / Manage
✔️ Tasks
Confirm playlist (entry, cake cutting, first dance).
Sound system test with DJ/band.
⚠️ Watch Out For
- Venue speakers sounding terrible.
- Last-minute changes by the MC.
- DJ playing random songs you didn’t approve.
8.
Decor + FlowersEdit / Manage
✔️ Tasks
Share a mood board.
Confirm EXACT flower types (fresh vs artificial).
Ask for a mock-up centerpiece.
⚠️ Watch Out For
- Florists replacing flowers with cheaper ones.
- Decor team not having enough time for setup.
- Additional cost for teardown.
9.
Officiant / RegistrationEdit / Manage
✔️ Tasks
Book registrar or religious officiant early.
Prepare documents (IDs, witnesses, etc.).
Confirm ceremony script.
⚠️ Watch Out For
- Miscommunication about legal paperwork.
- Officiant arriving late.
10.
Accommodation & TransportEdit / Manage
✔️ Tasks
Book rooms for bride/groom/family.
Arrange transport: cars, vans for bridal party.
⚠️ Watch Out For
- Drivers getting lost.
- Cars arriving dirty or late.
- Weather ruining convertible/open-top plans.
11.
TimelineEdit / Manage
✔️ Tasks
Create full-day timeline (minute-by-minute).
Share with photographer, makeup artist, drivers, and MC.
Assign point person (not the couple).
⚠️ Watch Out For
- Bride/groom doing everything themselves → burnout.
- Family members delaying photos.
12.
Emergency KitEdit / Manage
✔️ Tasks
Pack: Safety pins, Mini sewing kit, Painkillers
Pack: Band-aids, Wet wipes, Tissues
Pack: Compact powder, Shoe cushions, Double-sided tape, Power bank
13.
PaymentsEdit / Manage
✔️ Tasks
Track deposits + final payments.
Make envelopes or schedule transfers in advance.
⚠️ Watch Out For
- Vendors demanding cash only.
- Forgetting tips for staff.
14.
Honeymoon PrepEdit / Manage
✔️ Tasks
Book travel & accommodation.
Check passports + visas.
Pack essentials.
⚠️ Watch Out For
- No buffer day—don’t fly the next morning if possible.
15.
On The DayEdit / Manage
✔️ Tasks
Eat something!
Drink water.
Hand over your phones to a friend.
Stay calm and enjoy—small things will go wrong and that’s okay.