Perfect Timing

Planning your Day

So you’re engaged – Congratulations!

Once you have told your friends and family, you can set the date and start planning your Day.

Organising a wedding or Civil Partnership can be a stressful time, but with a little preparation and pre-planning, there is no reason why you can’t make it fun.

Below is a suggested time line for booking and organising the various elements of your day.  Alternatively, you may wish to engage the services of a Wedding Planner/Organiser who will take care of any or all aspects of your wedding.

 

First things first… Set the date.

There are a few things to consider when choosing the date for your big day.  Firstly how far in advance are you planning your wedding/Partnership 2 years, 1 year, 1month!  Remember the sooner you book suppliers, the less likely you are to be disappointed if they are not available.  Below we have used a typical 12 month Planner.

Set yourself a budget, then, draft an initial guest list for both day and evening celebrations. 
Once you have an idea of numbers of guest, you can start to check out the availability of various Venues to hold both ceremony (Church or Civil) and reception.

Visit your local Bride & Groom show for inspiration and advice.

 

Tip Many venues offer discounts for weddings that are not held on a Saturday or are held off season… a Winter wedding can be just as magical as a Summer one.

12 months to go and the Venue is booked

Start looking at wedding dresses / Outfits

Choose bridesmaids, best man, ushers and attendants

If possible, book your photographer and/or videographer.
It is also wise to think about entertainment, many discos and bands can get booked up month’s even years in advance.

Arrange to visit your local Registrar

Start looking at honeymoon destinations (never too soon to do that!)

 

9 months to go

Choose and order Cake

Choose and order Flowers (bouquets, buttonholes) and ceremony/Reception decorations)

Choose your bridesmaids’ dresses

Book your transport

Confirm food and drink with catering team

Choose wedding Rings

Decide if you’re having a wedding gift list and organise

 

6 months to go

Confirm details of your service, readings music choices etc.

Choose your wedding stationery

Choose and book outfits for groom, best man and ushers

Choose any bridal Jewellery for the bride and bridesmaids’

 

3 months to go

Send out invitations

Book an appointment with your hairdresser to discuss some styles

Arrange for a wedding make-up trial

Inform reception venue and caterers of final guest numbers

Work out your seating plan

Finalise all honeymoon plans

 

1 month to go

Decide on your first dance (if you are planning to have one) let the Disco/Band know of your choice.

Check that the grooms party are organised Clothes, rings, duties etc

Have your final hair and make-up practice

Wear in your shoes at home

Have a ‘practice run’ at home with your dress/outfits

Hold your rehearsal

Plan and hold Hen and Stag night  (you may wish to hold your hen/stag a few weeks before the big day!)

 

1 Week to go

If they haven’t already contacted you, contact all your suppliers one last time to put your mind at rest.

 

1 Day to go

Arrange for your luggage and clothes to be at the hotel or reception on the day

Pick up the cake, button holes, flowers etc as late in the day as possible

Have an early night and RELAX!

 

Tip check with your florist and baker if they will deliver to your chosen venue when booking your flowers and cake… this will be one less thing you to do.

 

The Big Day

Just Relax and Enjoy - Let everyone else look after you!