19. 9 MONTHS

Now that I am about 9 months away from the actual date (Still got plenty of time, right? Hahaha. Read: PROCRASTINATOR!), I reckon it's a good idea to actually have a real "timed" checklist which I can share with you readers. Apart from the measly one I have somewhere on the right column, I would think it's a good idea to share what I feel needs to be done since the 12-month countdown.

Warning: I am NOT an expert, nor do I intend to provide consulting services for BTBs and GTBs alike (HAHAHA PERASAN NAK MAMPS). These are just what (I feel) should be done within the anxious countdown, prior to that day you have been waiting for. Peace k, no war. LOL.

12 months before

• Discuss with your partner and your families on the day/date of the nikah
• Set a budget based on the concept of your majlis, location and number of guests
• Discuss on the menu you wish to serve your guests (Note: It is also important to check if you have any vegetarian guests, or guests who don't take beef, etc. In this case, it would be advisable to come up with a variety of options for your guests.)
• Consider catering or other options
• Survey and come up with different possible locations, if you're not doing it at the void deck

11 months before

• Confirm the day/date of your nikah, reception and ceremony on both parties (Note: If the future in-laws are fighting about the day/date, let me suggest a good choice - give in or it'll never end.)
• Decide on groom's Best Man/Men and bride's MOH/Bridesmaids
• Survey bridal vendors (Note: Please do not be lazy to research!)
• Start thinking of things to buy for dulang hantaran (Note: Agree on a budget, and ensure all ideas are agreed by both BTB and GTB - kalau future in-laws nak termasuk in this issue, it will be discussed in a separate post.. Hurhur.)

10 months before

• Decide on your choice of caterer (Note: It is important that you check if your location allows your caterer to cook on the spot, before deciding on your caterer!)
• Confirm the menu of your choice to be served to your guests (Note: Your parents might be the best people to help you with this, at least in my opinion.)
• Discuss on the colors or theme of your decor (Note: For those of you who are doing a combined majlis, if you have really bercanggah opinions, work it out with compromise. It might work, it might not. But go with a little bit of his preferences, and a little bit of yours. Insya Allah, it'll work out.)

9 months before

• Discuss an agenda with the Best Man/Men and MOH/Bridesmaids (Note: It is always advisable to keep your options open and accept opinions from your closest family and friends on what each of you might prefer to have during the reception. Your partner might not like the idea of you dancing your way to the pelamin!)
• Confirm your guestlist (Note: If you are considering if you should invite a certain person, don't invite them. I mean, seriously. Jangan peningkan diri, you have bigger things to be pening about. Like they say, kalau was-was.. Leave it.)
• Start meeting up with the vendors that you have possibly decided on, to discuss and let them have a rough idea of what and how you would like your majlis to be.
• Decide on your photographer and/or videographer to capture your precious moments for your big day (Note: It is good to do some research on this. Just a tip: Cheap does not mean good.)

Alright, this is all I have for today. I will cook up the rest when I have time.

On a side note, I've had a really rough day in the midst of planning for all these. But, I believe He will pull me through. Insya Allah.

Above all, people should start realising that this wedding is about you and your partner - not theirs. Opinions are welcome, but taking over is just a complete NO.

O'Lord, grant me strength.