I started off by checking the forums for the checklists available for download. After that, do some comparison and select the items that I will need for my wedding. As for budget control, both of us have discussions whether it is value for money before we decided to go ahead. There are a few columns (Deposit Paid ($) Amount left for payment ($) Total Amount ($)) for each item in the checklist which are used to keep track of the amount spent.
Just sharing what I have in my checklist, hope this helps.
Items
Marriage Preparation Course
Bridal Studio
Package (include rental of bride's wedding & evening gown, groom's suit, pre-wedding photoshoot, bridal car, hair & makeup, flower bouquet etc)
Upgrade package, additional $800"
Ampoules & Eyelashes
Security deposit (upon collection of gowns and suits)
Groom's leather shoes
Groom's contact lenses
Groon's off the shelves shirts or tailor made
Bride's high-heels
Bride's manicure and pedicure
Pre-wedding photoshoot
Casual Wear
Props for pre-wedding photoshoot
Extra photos for album
Registry of Marriage
ROM E-invites
ROM registration fees
Angpow for Justice of Peace (JP)
Groom & Bride’s NRIC
Both dad’s NRIC
ROM appointment letter
All ROM documents (Certificates of Marriage, Confirmation of Marriage Licence Issued, ROM self-addressed pre-stamped envelope)
Wedding vows script (if any)
Bride's tea dress & accessories (rental from bridal studio)
Groom's suit or vest (rental from bridal studio) & long sleeve shirt
Make up (trial make up from bridal studio) & hairdo - to bride's house
ROM lunch for guest
ROM photographer
ROM videography
ROM guest list & seating arrangement
Wedding bands
Ring pillow
Pens + pen holder
Flower bouquet (Roses/Lily?)
Guestbook on guest sign in table/reception (to get from bridal studio)
Background music
Wine/Beer/Liquor?
Before Actual Day
Dowry/Bride Price (聘金)
Dowry （嫁妆）items
Betrothal Gift Exchange (Guo Da Li 过大礼) items
Bridal Bed & Essential Furniture
Setting the bridal bed (安床) items
Actual Day Customory/Fetch the Bride Timing: /Conflicting Animal Zodiac of the Day:
Make up artist & hairdo - to bride's house
Flower bouquet
Bridal car (rental from bridal studio)
Angpows for gate crash
Angpows to relatives (小辈) at bride’s home
Angpows to relatives (小辈) at groom’s home
Angpows to brothers & sisters
Angpow to little boy (open bridal car door) at bride's home
Angpow to little boy (open bridal car door) at groom's home
Angpow to helpers (brothers, sisters, coordinator, emcees)
Color theme & attire for brothers & sisters
Accessories for brothers & sisters (eg. Bow ties, Wrist corsages)
Wedding day itinerary (helpers' contact list, timing, roles & responsibility, item checklist)
AD photography
AD videography
Developing of extra photos
Honorarium/ Gifts(谢礼)??
Wedding Banquet
Package (include 30 tables or more, 1 night hotel stay, wedding flavors etc)
Wedding invitation card printing & accessories
Postage for wedding invitation card (if any)
Duty paid wine (BYO or purchased from hotel)
Duty paid hard liquor (BYO if any)
Day room for helpers
Dinner guest list & seating arrangment
Wedding day itinerary (helpers' contact list, timing, roles & responsibility, item checklist)
Emcee Script
Guestbook & pen on guest sign in table/reception (from hotel)
Ang pow box on guest sign in table/reception
Pre-wedding shot photo frame & stand
Pre-wedding shot photo album
Laptop
- songs to be played before banquet and during video montage
- pre-wedding video montage
- actual day video montage
- any other videos"
Honeymoon
Honeymoon Package
Transport - Air Tickets, Budget Air?
Accommodation
Food
Shopping
