Straight Away

Get Wedding Insurance it costs very little to ensure such a big day

Decide on any Theme / Style this will give you a good base from where to start

Draw up a Guest List, this will change lots over the coming months but you need to start somewhere

Speak to your Minister, Celebrant, Registrar and book your Ceremony
(Remember if you are planning a civil ceremony you can only book with the Registrar 12 months before your wedding day)

Choose your Bridesmaids, Best Man and Ushers
(Asking them early means you have already got a team of helpers to delegate to!)

Choose your Witnesses, (Often parents, Best Man or Bridesmaid but you might have a good fiend or favourite Aunty whom you’d like to participate I the day)

Gather Ideas - Attend wedding fairs, read Cosmo Bride etc. Clip out anything of interest and put it in a box keep doing this for a few weeks – My best advice is not too get too hung up on the finer details too soon. You might have your heart set on red roses one week then tulips the next. It’s also a great excuse to have a nice meal and a few drinks with your nearest and dearest - you can start filtering the contents of the box

Things to look out for and book now are;

Caterers – Remember we have some terrific caterers who work with us on a regular basis and we therefore know the quality – Book them now !!!

Florist – It’s a good time to make sure you book a florist look at his or her style, modern, classic, traditional – you can go over the finer details nearer the time

Photographer / Video – If you need help please give me a call

Transport – Wedding Cars & Do you need a coach for groups of guests?

Cake – Do you want something traditional or a chocolate cake served as your desert

Music – Are you thinking DJ or Band? Again I’m happy to help

Favours / Decorations

Stationery

Book time of work for preparation before the day and the honeymoon

Check your passports are valid

Book Honeymoon (traditionally the Grooms responsibility)

Arrange Vaccines, Visas and Travel Insurance

Gift List – What do you need?

Book you Hairstylist / Makeup Artist

Four to Six Months before

Dress – You’ve probably already got it sitting securely in the wardrobe – but if not this is the time

Ceremony Music – Remember if you are having a Civil Ceremony you will not be allowed to have hymns or other religious music

Men’s outfits

Send Invitations – It’s a good idea to mention what you menu is for the day – in this way guests can tell you if they have any special dietary requirements

Order of Service – Whilst you’re speaking to printers regarding invites you might want to get orders of service or menu cards for your tables.

Buy your Wedding Rings (this is traditionally the Grooms responsibility)

Two to Three months before

Organise Stag & Hen Dos (Best Man & Chief Bridesmaid should organise these)

Start to discuss hair styles with hairdresser

Buy presents for Ushers and Bridesmaids (this is traditionally the Grooms responsibility)

One month

Book a final planning meeting with Me

Finalise guest list and numbers, by now you should have a good idea who’s accepted and it’s the right time to chase anyone who hasn’t responded

Seating plans – who’s going to sit with who – I suggest putting each guest name on a piece of paper and laying them out on the kitchen table

Order drinks – If you are bringing your own wines etc then it’s a good time to get the order placed.

Buy your going away outfit – a great excuse for a frivolous shopping trip

Finalise with florist decorations, buttonholes etc

Dress & Suit Fittings

Get working on those speeches

Finalise your vows and any readings (If you are having a civil ceremony please remember you won’t be able to have any religious words)

Notify your bank of any changes of name

Two Weeks

Final dress and suit fittings

Wear in your shoes – you don’t want blisters on the Big Day

Start packing for the honeymoon

Give a list of required photos to your photographer

Checklist to Best Man, MC & helpers

One week

Ceremony rehearsal

Collect travellers cheques & currency for honeymoon

Write a timetable of who needs to do what on the days

Day Before

Massage

Rings to Best Man

Money to Best Man for entertainment etc if not already paid

Early Night

Set your alarm

On The Day

Plenty of time to get ready

Eat Breakfast

Check bouquets, buttonholes have arrived

Make up Bag to Bridesmaid or Friend

Best man has rings, speeches, vows, readings and any messages

Change engagement ring to your right hand

At the Airport

Tell them you’re newly weds – the best way to get an upgrade

When you return

Send thank you notes

Give / Post cake to those who couldn’t make it o the day

Change drivers licence etc to married name