How to organise an Orthodox wedding from start to finish

An Orthodox wedding needs two plans running together: the church ceremony and the reception afterwards. Start by fixing the wedding date, guest list, church and reception venue, then confirm the priest, ceremony guide and key suppliers. Give guests a firm RSVP deadline before finalising meals, seating and transport. Details such as Orthodox crowns, rings and ceremonial candles are easy to leave too late, while food, music and ceremony timings need to fit together on the same day.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

1
Record the Wedding Date and Guest List
2 people
2
Reserve Orthodox church
2 people
3
Reserve party venue
2 people
4
Confirm the priest and ceremony guide
2 people
5
Finalize catering arrangements
2 people
6
Book a photographer and videographer
2 people
7
Finalize the music and dance program
2 people
8
Design invitations
2 people
9
Send invitations
2 people
10
Open RSVP registration
11
Arrange transportation for guests
2 people
12
Collect hotel options for guests
13
Choose bridal attire and accessories
2 people
14
Order Orthodox crowns
2 people
15
Order wedding rings
2 people
16
Order ceremonial candles
17
Put together the menu and drinks list
2 people
18
Process registrations
2 people
19
Collect dietary requirements
20
Create the table layout
2 people
21
Prepare the ceremony program
2 people
22
Compile music list
2 people
23
Align speeches and rituals
3 people
24
Finalize guest list
2 people
25
Pass on the number of meals
2 people
26
Share the transport schedule
27
Send program to suppliers
2 people
28
Check ceremonial supplies
2 people
29
Order beverage stock
30
Buy non-perishable groceries
2 people
31
Sort decorations
2 people
32
Count tableware and glassware
2 people
33
Buy fresh groceries
2 people
34
Lay out the clothes and rings
2 people

Event

35
Open venue
2 people
36
Clean the ceremony space
3 people
37
Clean the party hall
3 people
38
Set up tables
4 people
39
Set up chairs
4 people
40
Place table decorations
3 people
41
Set up the ceremony area
3 people
42
Lay out candles and crowns
2 people
43
Lay out the rings safely
44
Test sound equipment
2 people
45
Test the lighting
2 people
46
Prepare catering
4 people
47
Chill drinks
2 people
48
Set up the coffee and tea station
2 people
49
Prepare snacks
3 people
50
Label diet meals
2 people
51
Welcome suppliers
2 people
52
Escort the bride and groom
2 people
53
Welcome guests at the church
4 people
54
Assist with Orthodox wedding ceremony
3 people
55
Take a group photo after the ceremony
3 people
56
Escort guests to the party hall
3 people
57
Serve welcome drinks
4 people
58
Serve snacks
4 people
59
Refill drinks
2 people
60
Serve dinner
6 people
61
Clear plates and glasses
4 people
62
Guide speeches
2 people
63
Cut the wedding cake
3 people
64
Serve cake and coffee
4 people
65
Manage the dance floor and music
2 people
66
Serve last-round drinks
3 people
67
Guide guests to transportation
3 people

Aftercare

68
Store leftovers refrigerated
2 people
69
Collect tableware
4 people
70
Collect waste
3 people
71
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
72
Take down decorations
3 people
73
Wash dishes
3 people
74
Clean the party hall
3 people
75
Clean the restrooms
2 people
76
Store ceremonial items securely
2 people
77
Return borrowed materials
2 people
78
Take waste to the collection point
2 people

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Banquet tablesqty 12
Chairsqty 110
Gift table
Welcome table
Buffet tablesqty 4
Stoolsqty 8

Tableware

Dinner platesqty 120
Dessert platesqty 120
Coffee cupsqty 110
Water glassesqty 130
Wine glassesqty 130
Champagne glassesqty 120
Coffee spoonsqty 120
Forksqty 130
Knivesqty 130
Serving spoonsqty 20
Serving traysqty 12

Decorations

Table runnersqty 12
Cloth napkinsqty 120
Flower arrangementsqty 14
Welcome sign
Table numbersqty 12
Name badgesqty 110
Menusqty 110
Balloonsqty 80
Ribbonsqty 12
LED candlesqty 24
Photo framesqty 12
Gift box
Guest book
Pensqty 6
Flower petal basketsqty 4

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Wireless microphonesqty 2
Microphone stand
Music player
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Chargersqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Ice containersqty 3
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Catering warmersqty 6
Plate warmersqty 2

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 6
Chef's knivesqty 6
Serving tongsqty 12
Measuring cupsqty 4
Mixing bowlsqty 6
Aluminum foilqty 4
Cling filmqty 4
Cake knife
Cake stand
Drink dispensersqty 3

Lighting

String lightsqty 8
LED spotlightsqty 6
Batteriesqty 24

Catering

Orthodox wedding crownsqty 2
Ceremonial wedding candlesqty 2
Wedding ringsqty 2
Ceremonial wine glass
Ceremonial wine pitcher
Icon stand
White ceremony cloth
Bridal bouquet
Corsagesqty 8
Groceries

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Mopsqty 3
Bucketsqty 3
Broom setsqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 8
Microfiber clothsqty 20
Toilet brushesqty 2

Tips

Set the date and guest list before booking suppliers. Reserve the Orthodox church and reception venue first, then confirm the priest and ceremony guide so the ceremony timing is not built on assumptions.
Order the Orthodox crowns, wedding rings and ceremonial candles early enough to allow for delivery and any adjustments. Check that all three are physically available at least 7 days before the wedding.
Open RSVP registration with a clear deadline, ideally 4–6 weeks before the wedding. Use the responses to collect diet requirements, hotel needs and transport requests instead of chasing these details during the final week.
Submit the final meal count only after the RSVP deadline and allow time to verify unanswered invitations. Create the table plan after dietary requirements are checked, then prepare table numbers, name cards and menus from that final version.
Write the ceremony programme and reception running order together. Allow time for the Orthodox rituals, photographs, speeches, dinner and dancing, and give the photographer, videographer, musicians and caterer the same schedule.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I book an Orthodox church wedding?: Start contacting churches 9–12 months before the preferred date. Confirm the priest, ceremony guide and any church requirements before sending invitations.
When should I send Orthodox wedding invitations?: Send invitations around 10–12 weeks before the wedding and set the RSVP deadline 4–6 weeks before the date. This leaves time to arrange transport, hotel information, meals and seating.
When should I order Orthodox wedding crowns and ceremonial candles?: Order them at least 6–8 weeks before the ceremony, especially if they need to be sourced or adjusted. Check the complete set at least 7 days before the wedding.
When should I finalise the wedding menu and seating plan?: Collect diet requirements with the RSVPs and finalise the menu and drinks 4–6 weeks before the wedding. Complete the seating plan after the RSVP deadline and send the final meal count to the caterer about 7–10 days before the event.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.