Month-by-Month Wedding Countdown (With Diaspora Tweaks!)

The only checklist you need—whether you're in Zim, Zambia, or Zoom-calling from the UK.

Planning a wedding from abroad? Or trying to coordinate with family across continents? This one’s for you. 👏🏾

Whether you're living in Canada and flying back to Harare, or your fiancé is Zambian and you're trying to bring everything together in Cape Town—this month-by-month countdown includes essential tasks and diaspora-specific reminders (because yes, immigration documents and WhatsApp aunties are a thing).

Let’s break it down, one month at a time.

💍 12 Months Before – Foundation & Big Decisions

✅ Set your wedding date (and check public holidays/visa restrictions)
✅ Confirm your roora/lobola date with both families
✅ Draft a rough budget
✅ Decide on your wedding location (Zambia? South Africa? Destination?)
✅ Start your venue hunt (virtual tours if you’re abroad!)
✅ Create your Plan My Wedding profile for a custom checklist
✅ Book your planner or key vendors if you're using one

🌍 Diaspora Tweaks:

Share your proposed date with elders via WhatsApp or Zoom

Check your passport expiry & that of your fiancé (and parents!)

Start saving for flights, especially during festive season

📸 9–10 Months Before – Vendors, Visas & Vision Boards

✅ Confirm your venue + pay deposit
✅ Lock in photographer, caterer, décor, glam team
✅ Start browsing dress/suit options
✅ Finalise your guest list
✅ Create your wedding mood board (Pinterest or Google Drive)
✅ Book officiant or pastor (especially if church-based)

🌍 Diaspora Tweaks:

Apply for time off work early

Start discussing guest accommodation for visitors from abroad

Begin any visa processes if needed for your partner or guests

Ask a local cousin/sibling to help scout vendors in person

👗 6–8 Months Before – Style & Save the Dates

✅ Choose your wedding party (bridesmaids, groomsmen, MCs)
✅ Order your wedding dress (customs take longer!)
✅ Shop for traditional attire for roora/lobola
✅ Send out “Save the Date” emails or digital invites
✅ Choose caterer menu options
✅ Plan your honeymoon

🌍 Diaspora Tweaks:

Ask family to source chitenge/shweshwe locally for outfits

Schedule dress fittings during your next visit (or plan to arrive 2–3 weeks before the wedding)

Book your flights if not done already!

💌 4–5 Months Before – Details, Details, Details

✅ Confirm your décor style & floral preferences
✅ Finalise ceremony flow and program
✅ Design and send wedding invitations (digital is diaspora-friendly!)
✅ Draft a wedding website with logistics, maps, accommodation
✅ Buy wedding bands
✅ Secure your marriage licence appointment

🌍 Diaspora Tweaks:

Ship any special items in advance (bridesmaid dresses, suits, favours)

Assign someone locally to track RSVPs if guests aren’t tech-savvy

Create a group chat for local family logistics (transport, attire, etc.)

💅🏾 2–3 Months Before – Final Touches & Traditions

✅ Meet with your DJ or band to create a music list
✅ Confirm timeline with all vendors
✅ Finalise roora/lobola ceremony details
✅ Book hair and makeup trials (or set trial for arrival week)
✅ Confirm transport & accommodation for out-of-town guests
✅ Start marriage counselling or premarital classes if needed

🌍 Diaspora Tweaks:

Send your playlist to DJ ahead of time if you won’t be on the ground until late

Book final hair/makeup appointments during your arrival window

Do a final Zoom run-through with your coordinator or planner

📦 1 Month Before – Let’s Goooooo!

✅ Final dress and suit fittings
✅ Confirm seating chart and print stationery
✅ Pack your wedding suitcase (rings, shoes, earrings, marriage license docs!)
✅ Send timeline to wedding party
✅ Follow up with any unpaid vendors
✅ Print or collect roora/lobola outfits and accessories

🌍 Diaspora Tweaks:

Travel with all key wedding items in carry-on luggage

Get travel insurance (seriously!)

Confirm data bundles or SIM card plan for when you land

Keep all legal docs in a waterproof pouch

💐 Week of the Wedding – Deep Breaths & Delegation

✅ Manicure/pedicure, steam your outfit
✅ Sleep! Hydrate!
✅ Rehearsal or run-through with key people
✅ Hand over vendor contact list to planner/MC/maid of honour
✅ Final roora or family prep
✅ Write your vows, if doing personal ones
✅ Confirm honeymoon bookings

🌍 Diaspora Tweaks:

Let someone local be your logistics captain

Delegate airport pickups for relatives

Treat yourself to a spa moment—it’s been a long journey

🎯 TL;DR: Your Diaspora Wedding Power Moves

✅ Start early
✅ Share your timeline with family across time zones
✅ Digitise everything (invitations, payments, planning)
✅ Trust your team on the ground
✅ Leave room for cultural traditions, storytelling, and joy