Wedding planning in the Philippines is more than just figuring out the logistics. There are many things to consider, from wedding ceremony traditions to marriage license applications, introducing family members, and sourcing the best wedding bands.
It almost seems like the bride and groom’s to-do list never ends. Without a clear wedding planning process, it can be overwhelming.
If you’re looking for a stress-free celebration, this ultimate wedding planning checklist will guide you through every step of the wedding planning process, from engagement to the wedding night.
June: The Traditional Month for Weddings
In the Philippines—and much of the Western world—June is often celebrated as the month of weddings.
This tradition dates back to ancient Roman times when Juno, the goddess of marriage and childbirth, was honored in June.
Couples believed that marrying during this month would bring good fortune and happiness.
Fast forward to today, and many still dream of a “June bride,” pairing the season’s romance with the ideal wedding date.
Whether you’re tying the knot in June or any other month, the ultimate wedding planning checklist is your key to stress-free celebrations.
The Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist
Planning a wedding in the Philippines involves balancing cultural traditions with personal preferences, and it helps to have a wedding planner or at least a wedding planning checklist.
This helps you navigate planning a wedding with ease.
From booking your wedding venue to choosing the perfect wedding dress, this wedding planning checklist walks you through every phase of the wedding planning journey.
12+ Months Before the Wedding
Announce Your Engagement
Planning a wedding starts earlier than most people think.
While engagement length varies from one couple to the next, about a year in advance is a safe time to begin wedding planning.
Announcing a wedding early is crucial so family members and guests can make arrangements to attend your wedding day.
- Celebrate with a party or wedding shower.
- Post online on social media. Alternatively, creating a wedding website has become a popular way to kick off wedding planning.
- Get that perfect shot of your engagement ring.
Set a Wedding Date
Finalizing the date for your wedding day should be at the top of your wedding planning checklist.
- Consider the weather, family members’ availability, and venues.
- Choose what type of wedding you want to have. Do you want a church wedding or a destination wedding?
- Send save-the-dates ahead of your invitation suite. Before you have your final invitation suite, save-the-dates allow you and your guests to block time off their calendars for your wedding day.
Start a Wedding Book or Planner
Similar to a vision board, a wedding book or a wedding planner is a good tool to have when you’re planning a wedding.
This is where you can document all your ideas, budgets, and working guest list. You can even find a printable wedding planning checklist like this one to use as a wedding to-do list.
Establish Your Wedding Budget
Discuss with your soon-to-be spouse and key family members.
Factor in all costs, including your wedding attire, groom and bridal party events, wedding photographer, venue, food, and thank you gifts.
Draft the Wedding Guest List
Include must-invite family members, your bridal party, and out-of-town guests. This will help narrow down your wedding venue options.
Once you have the final wedding guest list, you’ll know how many invitation suites you need.
Start Looking for Venues
Book early, especially if you’re eyeing a popular rehearsal dinner venue or church wedding location.
9-11 Months Before the Wedding
Choose a Wedding Theme and Style
Decide on a mood, color palette, and decor.
A theme can help you start shopping for the perfect wedding dress and decoration. Share the vision with your wedding planner or coordinator.
Book Key Wedding Vendors
- Hire your wedding photographer, caterer, florist, and band or DJ.
- Find a designer to help you bring your dream wedding dress to life. Similarly, you should start shopping around for the wedding bands you want.
- Don’t forget about hair and makeup artists—book a makeup trial early.
Book Hotel Room Blocks for Guests
If you have out-of-town guests or a destination wedding, it’s a good idea to arrange accommodations for your wedding party members.
6-8 Months Before the Wedding
Plan the Wedding Ceremony and Reception
- Meet with your officiant.
- Start the wedding program outline.
Apply for a Marriage License
Visit your local city hall with proper documents. It’s a good idea to check the required documents to get a marriage license. This way, your trip to the city hall is more efficient.
Check waiting periods for marriage license processing and releasing to avoid delays.
Create a Wedding Registry
Today’s wedding guests are practical. Having a wedding registry ensures that they get items the to-be-weds need.
Share the registry on your wedding website or along with your wedding invitation.
Design Your Invitation Suite
Your final invitation suite should be sent after save-the-dates.
Include the wedding invitation, RSVP, and map. Consider a custom monogram or motif reflecting your wedding style.
4-5 Months Before the Wedding
Plan Pre-Wedding Festivities
Schedule your bachelorette party, wedding shower, and rehearsal dinner.
This is a good opportunity for you to introduce your wedding party members to each other.
Hire an On-the-Day Wedding Coordinator
If you’ve made it this far down our comprehensive wedding checklist, you’ll probably benefit most from hiring just an on-the-day wedding coordinator.
This is especially helpful on the wedding day for seamless execution.
Plan the Dance Floor and Music
Share “do not play” and “must play” lists with your band/DJ so you’re on the same page with the mood for your wedding party.
Week of the Wedding
Relax and Rejuvenate
Treat yourself to a massage or facial. The whole wedding planning thing can be a bit stressful, so it’s important to unwind and focus on enjoying your wedding day.
Most importantly, get enough sleep before the big day.
Enjoy the Rehearsal Dinner
While not everyone on the guest list is in the rehearsal dinner, it’s an important part of your pre-wedding activities. Celebrate with those closest to you.
Prepare Welcome Bags
Ensure your guests are comfortable on your wedding day. Welcome bags are a thoughtful touch. Add snacks, water, maps, and schedules for out-of-town guests.
Finalize the Guest Book and Thank You Gifts
Prep the guest book station. A guest book allows everyone on your guest list to write personal notes you can keep for life.
Choosing the Right Venue: Why Camella Makes a Perfect Base
Your choice of wedding venue sets the tone for the entire event. If you’re looking for convenience, style, and a sense of community, Camella’s developments offer an exceptional solution.
Many Camella neighborhoods feature scenic community spaces that are perfect for intimate wedding ceremonies, wedding showers, and even outdoor wedding receptions.
These spaces create a warm, familiar setting that aligns beautifully with the values of Filipino family traditions.
Even if you don’t host your wedding within a Camella development, being based in one ensures you’re close to sought-after venues, quality hotels, and reputable wedding vendors.
It’s the ideal balance of charm and accessibility that every bride and groom will appreciate in the hectic wedding planning process.
Start Your Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist Today
Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming—there are so many ideas, decisions, and people involved.
But with this ultimate wedding checklist, a trusted wedding planner, and the right base like Camella, you can ease through the wedding planning journey.
So gather your wedding party, build your wedding website, and dive into planning your unforgettable wedding day.
