Wedding day Countdown
In case you want to plan your wedding on your own, we give you information and hints on how to keep your timescales under control and avoid a last minute panic!
12 Months before
- Decide upon a wedding date
Decide on your budget
If you are getting married in church you will need to agree on the arrangements with your local minister
If you are getting married in a register office, you will need to give notice to the Registrar
Decide on the number of guests and make a list
Book the wedding reception
Book musicians, band or DJ for the wedding reception
Book the magician or other wedding entertainment
Book the caterers
Book the photographer and videographer
Book the wedding transport
Book the florist
Book the toastmaster if you intend on having one
Book the honeymoon and apply for a new passport (i.e. The bride may wish to travel under her married name, but be prepared to be unable to travel until your wedding date, as your old passport will be invalid)
Order the cake
Book an over night stay in a hotel room/bridal suit
Start looking for your wedding dress. Decide whether you want it handmade, a designer or off the peg’ dress
Decide on your bridesmaids and ushers
Decide on your ‘Best Man’
Confirm all bookings in writing
6 Months before
- Attend initial fitting for the wedding dress
Choose the brides wedding shoes and accessories
Choose the wedding attire for the groom, best man, bridesmaids, fathers, mothers and ushers
Choose the brides and grooms wedding rings
Order your wedding favours
Notify your bank, Building society and relevant authorities that you intend on changing your name and as of what date it will take affect
Order the wedding invitations and other stationery
Take out wedding insurance, if required
Arrange to see your hairdresser or barber about what hairstyle you want on your big day
Brides should take along a picture of the dress and veil or headdress and other accessories to help the hairdresser create a hairstyle that will compliment and finish off the look
Go to a beauty salon and have a makeover
Book a beautician for your wedding day, if required
3 Months before
- Buy your Marriage licence from the registrar
Send out the wedding invitations
Decide upon your wedding list, and make it available to all your wedding guests
Advise your guests to book any overnight accommodation now while there is still
availability
Confirm your ceremony details with either the registrar or the minister
Decide upon your chosen wedding music or hymns
Arrange for the ‘Order of Service’ sheets to be printed
Buy gifts for the best man, ushers and bridesmaids
Discuss the seating plan with the caterer
Arrange to have any vaccinations done, if required
Start to plan your hen and stag party
If you have a Will get it updated to ensure it remains active after your marriage
1 Month before
- Arrange for a final fitting of your wedding dress
Reconfirm the wedding arrangements with the reception venue
Reconfirm the wedding arrangements with the caterer
Reconfirm the wedding arrangements with the florist
Reconfirm the wedding arrangements with the photographer and videographer
Reconfirm the wedding arrangements with the company supplying the wedding transport
Reconfirm the honeymoon arrangements
Reconfirm all your entertainment
Have the hen and stag night
Finalise the seating plan with the caterer
Arrange a date for a wedding rehearsal, if required
Send out thank you cards to all guests who have responded to your invitation
Telephone any guests who have not yet responded to your invitation
Organise a date when you can pick up you’re wedding party outfits
Write the wedding speeches ( groom, best man, father of the bride)
1 Week before
- Have the wedding rehearsal
Pack for your honeymoon
Wear-in your wedding shoes. It will give brides who are not used to walking in high heels a chance to practice
Organise with a close friend to have an emergency wedding kit, just for the bride, containing makeup and a repair kit for the wedding dress, so you can be ready for any minor hiccups through the day
Give your ‘order of service’ sheets to the minister
Order your foreign currency and / or travellers cheques
Give the rings to the best man
Give the best man a list of all the wedding services involved in your wedding day, in case they need to be contacted
1 Day before
- Have the day off
Brides and grooms go and have your nails manicured.
Grooms go and have your hair tidied up around the back and sides.
Grooms, consider a proper shave at the barbers shop.
Spend the rest of the day relaxing.
Try and get an early night
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