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Congratulations to you both on your engagement, it's now time to turn your attention to your Big Day. Planning a wedding can seem daunting at first glance but with some careful planning, you can work through the various aspects one by one, getting them checked off your list leading up to the Big Day for you both to enjoy along with your family & friends.
We have provided a checklist split into 6 steps or milestones (not just wedding photography) that need to be considered and completed if so required as you lead up to the Big Day. Give yourself some time to start planning your Big Day 18 to 12 months in advance is ideal but the checklist still applies for wedding planning 3 to 6 months before the Wedding Day.
So take a deep breath, relax, and let's get planning!
Step 1
Work out and agree on a budget.
Draw up a guest list so you can get a rough idea of the numbers, this will help in selecting the right size of venue.
What type of ceremony do you want? Civil or Religious and in what venue?
Start viewing potential venues and book the one that works for you best.
If a Religious ceremony book the church, if Civil book the registrar.
Seriously consider investing in wedding insurance
Research and book your wedding day photographer and videographer, they can be book years in advance so do this early on.
Step 2
Time to choose your Bridesmaids, Best Man, Ushers along Flower Girls and Page Boys.
Get the guest list nailed down, knowing the numbers will help with the remaining planning.
Send out your save the date cards
Organise and book the wedding day transport
Book any wedding day entertainment such as a DJ or Band, bagpipes or harp!
If you need to hire external caterers it's time to select them along with deciding on the menu and confirming your booking.
Your wedding dress now is the time to start shopping!
Bridesmaids and flower girls, decide on the colour and theme, shop.
If you are using external hair and makeup artists they need to be book now.
Step 3
Select and book your wedding day florist.
Your wedding cake maker needs to be booked.
Finalise your wedding dress design and place your order.
Time now to buy your wedding day shoes, veil & underwear and accessories. It's a good idea to break your wedding days shoes in, wear them around the home to keep them pristine.
Select and order your stationery.
Step 4
Grooms wear, buying or hiring it's time to get it sorted and booked.
Bridesmaids, flower girls and page boys, finalise and purchase.
Book your Honeymoon, check for required vaccinations and your passport valid dates, you don't want any last-minute surprises.
Select your wedding rings and purchase.
Wedding night accommodation needs to be booked.
Confirm the order of service with your Minister or Registrar, finalise any readings, hymns, poems for the ceremony, remember to sort out your music for the exit walk out of the ceremony venue.
If you have an input on your vows time to get that written and agreed.
Collate and circulate your wedding gift list.
Organise and purchase your wedding favors and arrange for them to be at the venue in advance.
Step 5
Time to send out the wedding invitations to your guests.
Wedding dress fittings and any final alterations.
Makeup and hair trial, why not tie this in with your engagement shoot, it's a perfect opportunity to get a feel of how you will look on your Big Day.
If not already break in your wedding day shoes. Consider also taking some flats to swap over though the wedding breakfast activities.
Hen dos or Stag dos time to party.
Final tasting with your chosen caterers
Write the speeches and rehearse.
Start the table plan and arrange a suitable display for the guests to find their names and table number.
Buy the thank you gifts to be handed out during the wedding breakfast, Brides Maids, Flower-girls, Mother of the Bride, Mother of the Groom, etc. Arrange for these to be at the venue and hidden away in a safe place.
Step 6
Time now to confirm the guest numbers and special dietary requirements with your caterers or venue.
If a Religious ceremony, it's now time for the rehearsal.
A quick phone round or email to all suppliers to confirm the booking and any finial minor alterations.
Ensure all wedding party participants understand any duties they need to do on the Big Day.
Any final balances outstanding need to be settled, don't leave this to the very last minute.
Any items that require collecting such as the groom's wear, decorations, wedding gifts need to be done.
Arrange for the collection of your wedding dress to your getting ready location.
Manicure, sunbed, the last final items.
That's it, enjoy your big day, you planned it all and it's going to be wonderful.
