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
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