Wedding
Planners UK
Wedding Planner
A checklist for planning your wedding to
remember!
16 to 6 months before the wedding:
Agree on a budget and the sort of wedding you want, with your family and fiancé.
See the minister, priest or rabbi to book the big day.
Register office weddings can also be booked well in advance.
Book your reception venue and caterers, band, disco and other entertainment.
Start looking for that perfect wedding dress - and bridesmaids dresses. If you plan to have them made book a designer at least four months ahead of the wedding.
Decide upon and book your honeymoon to avoid disappointment - especially if you plan to travel during peak season.
Book the photographer, or video company - especially if you are keen on a particular one - popular photographers get booked months in advance.
Compile your wedding guest list, consulting both families.
Choose the best man, ushers, bridesmaids and page boys.
Consider taking out wedding
insurance.
5 months before the wedding:
Arrange the hire of any formal wear for the groom, best man, ushers and the fathers.
Book cars, especially if you want something unusual.
Window shop to get ideas for your gift list.
4 months before the wedding:
Meet and confirm arrangements with the minister, decide what service you will have and how you will decorate the venue. Discuss the service, any readings and your choice of music.
Order your wedding stationery: invitations, service sheets, printed serviettes, place cards etc.
Organise your flowers with the advice of your florist.
Choose and order your wedding
rings.
Decide your menu with the help of your caterers.
Order your wedding
cake.
3 months before the wedding:
Confirm wedding music with the minister.
Finalise your honeymoon plans and book your wedding night hotel if needed.
Check for any visas or vaccinations that may be necessary.
If you plan to change your name have the passport name changed now so they are the same as the travel documents, forms can be obtained from the Post Office.
Shop for your honeymoon and going away clothes.
Place your wedding list with the stores of your choice.
2 months before the wedding:
Send your invitations and gift lists out at least six weeks before.
As your wedding
gifts arrive, send out thank you letters.
Ensure your guests have details of local hotel accommodation etc.
Choose your presents for the best man, ushers, bridesmaids and mothers.
1 months before the wedding:
Chase up late invitation replies and finalise guest list.
Work out the seating plan and organise the place cards.
Check that all the wedding clothes are near completion - they need to be ready at least one week before.
Visit your hairdresser to discuss what style is required and book your final appointment. Don't forget to take the bride's wedding head-dress if appropriate.
Check that all transport is organised, and check the journey time to the church.
Advise caterers or receptions of the final guest numbers in writing two weeks before the wedding.
Notify banks, gas, insurance companies etc if you are planning to change your name.
Order foreign currency for the honeymoon if appropriate.
Don't forget to ensure the stag and hen nights are arranged.
Now is the time to make inquiries about the possibility of your wedding appearing in the local newspaper if desired.
Final checks on the honeymoon
arrangements. Check tickets, local currency, travellers cheques and passports.
Pack your clothes for the honeymoon.
Have the rehearsal for the wedding ceremony and check that the wedding 'orders of service' have been given to the best man or ushers.
Check wedding dress accessories and the morning suits have been collected (try them to make sure they all still fit).
Wear in your wedding shoes at home.
Final practice of hair and make up.
1 week before the wedding:
Have the final rehearsals.
Final checks on honeymoon arrangements.
Have your stag and hen nights - it is not advisable to have these the night before the wedding!
THE BIG DAY
You need to be able to relax and enjoy your big day, so ask your friends and family to see that any arrangements are made for you on the day.
Ushers should arrive 40 minutes before the ceremony, armed with service sheets.
Groom and best man should arrive 20 minutes before the ceremony, the best man will pay the fees and then they take their places in the front right-hand pew.
Guests are expected to arrive 15 minutes before the ceremony. Bridesmaids to arrive 10 minutes before the bride. The bride's mother takes her seat last of all.
The case for your honeymoon needs to be sent to your overnight hotel.
After you have changed into your going away clothes, your wedding outfits need to be packed and taken home.
Your wedding presents need to be carefully packed up and taken home. Keep your presents at a friends or family members home until you return from your honeymoon.
Any items that you have hired need to be arranged to be returned as soon as possible after the wedding.
A piece of your wedding cake is to be sent to anyone unable to attend the wedding.
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Jane Bond is an editor at Wedding
Dresses Magazine
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