Planning a wedding is a daunting task for even the most organised individual! Here’s our 12-month guide to give you a helping hand when planning your special day.
Before anything is booked, decide on a budget. This will guide almost all your preparations.
Select your date. Make sure your most important guests can make this date too.
Choose your wedding party and draw up a guest list to give you an idea of the numbers.
Book your venue, and decide whether you’ll need a ceremony elsewhere first.
Choose a theme/colour scheme for your wedding. If you’re overwhelmed by ideas, put together a scrapbook/journal of pictures, ideas and concepts you can take inspiration from.
Begin dress shopping and order your dress
Book your photographer and/or videographer
Book wedding band/entertainment
Book florist
Send "save the date" cards
Begin planning your honeymoon and brainstorm ideas
Choose and order bridesmaids dresses
Book your wedding vehicle
If the venue doesn’t do catering, begin organising external caterers, choosing menus etc
Decide what elements of your decor you’ll need to hire, such as marquees, chair covers and table centrepieces. Get these booked.
Order your invitations
Order your cake
Book your honeymoon and make sure passports and vaccines are up to date
Finalise the order of service & print booklets for guests
Book hair and makeup artists
Choose and order wedding rings
Order formal wear for the Groomsmen
Decide on and order (or make) wedding favours
Make sure shoes, jewellery and other accessories have been purchased
Send out wedding invitations
Begin planning stag and hen parties
Double check with venue/entertainment and suppliers that everything is on track
Dress fittings should take place around now
Begin writing your vows and choosing readings
Choose the music played throughout the day
Buy gifts for wedding party
Organise your seating plan
Organise your marriage license
Get in touch with guests who haven’t RSVP'd
Pick up suits for the groomsmen
Organise tables & place cards
Have your hair coloured/cut
Start wearing your shoes in
Finalise times with the venue, your suppliers and the entertainment
Give the venue final seating numbers
Give the photographer a list of essential shots
Ensure the bridal party has a timeline for the day
Relax!
Pack for your wedding day/night - not forgetting rings
Get an early night - it’s the big day tomorrow!
