Wedding Count Down – twelve months

Dec 13, 2016

So you’ve got engaged – congratulations! But don’t sit back! It’s time to start the wedding count down.

There’s more to do than you’ll expect. To keep it as stress-free as possible, I recommend that you start planning at least a year before the event.

 

If you put things off, you’ll soon find that you’re under pressure – and possibly making the wrong decisions.

Don’t be impulsive, although you should go with your heart to quite a degree. Wherever possible, follow recommendations. Visit suppliers and certainly the venue, so you can get a feel for them. Take the opportunity to ask questions.

Here are some of the things to do:

As early as possible

  • Fix your budget
  • Decide on the type of ceremony you want (full religious; totally secular (Register Office); mainly religious, non-religious or part-religious (Civil Celebrant))
  • Book your venue
  • Book your florist, cakemaker, transport, caterers, musicians, entertainers, photographer/videographer
  • Book your minister, registrar and, of course, civil celebrant.
  • Draft a guest list
  • Choose your team (bridesmaids, ushers and Best Man)
  • Start looking for your wedding dress
  • Organise wedding insurance

 

Six months before

  • Buy your wedding rings
  • Buy your bridal lingerie and shoes (and wear them for dress fittings)
  • Book a hairdresser and make-up artist
  • Choose outfits for the groom, best man and ushers
  • Order your stationery
  • Book your honeymoon – check passports are valid. Do you need any vaccinations?

 

Three months before

  • Confirm ceremony details (including [celebrant] order of service and wedding music )
  • Send out invitations and gift list
  • Discuss menu and drinks with caterer
  • Have initial dress fitting
  • Buy gifts for Best Man, ushers and bridesmaids
  • Plan your hen/stag parties

 

My next blog will take you through the month before your wedding, so don’t miss it! However, if you can’t wait, why not e-mail me and I’ll gladly send you my Wedding Countdown Checklist, which will tell you everything in one document?