COUNTDOWN TO YOUR BIG DAY!



Planning a wedding requires high levels of organisation and many, many to-do lists!
Give yourself enough time - depending on the size, allow between 9 and 12 months to plan your wedding.

There's lot's of elements to consider - this will provide a useful planning checklist.
 12 - 9 months before the wedding date
  • Set the budget
  • Set up a filing system for details and receipts.
  • Choose the wedding date
  • Draw up a guest list
  • Decide on the type of ceremony religious or civil.
  • Meet religious minister/registrar to discuss ceremony
  • Choose and book venues for wedding and reception.
  • Obtain menus and cost estimates
  • Investigate photographers and entertainment
  • Choose the best man, bridesmaids, pageboys and ushers.
  • Make appointments to try on wedding gear
  • Look into florists and check seasonal flowers.
  • Look into honeymoon ideas and destinations.
  • Book time off work for the wedding and honeymoon.

9 - 6 Months before the wedding date

  • Finalise the requirements for the style of ceremony chosen.
  • Discuss the  music and book ceremony performers if required, discuss readings and ask who might want to do a reading at the ceremony
  • Choose the caterers 
  • Research table settings, menus and seating plans
  • Choose and order the drinks and wedding cake 
  • Choose flowers for bridal flowers 
  • Finalise the guest list
  • Design and order the invitations
  • Book and pay deposits for the all suppliers 
  • Confirm and book musical entertainment
  • Book wedding cars 
  • The groom should book a hotel room for the wedding night (if required).
  • Buy/order the wedding dress and accessories
  • Book the honeymoon 
6 - 3 months before the wedding date
  • Choose/order outfits for the wedding party
  • Choose and buy wedding rings
  • Choose the presents for the list
  • Choose thanks you gifts.
  • Design and print the order of service
  • Look into arrangements for the honeymoon.
  • Send out invitations
  • Ensure hen and stag parties are being organised.
3 - 2 Months before the wedding date

Start the reception seating plan but allow for changes.
  • Chase guests for RSVPs to finalise the guest list
  • Set a ceremony rehearsal time
  • Meet the hair and make-up stylists 
  • Final dress fittings for bride and bridesmaids.
  • Order favours for the reception (if required).
  • Choose a first dance and consider practising.
  • Reconfirm honeymoon details.
  • Check that visas, passports and inoculations are all up to date.
1 month before the wedding date




  • Confirm prices with suppliers, double-check delivery or arrival timings.
  • Pay any outstanding amounts to suppliers.
  • Reconfirm all details with suppliers and staff involved on the day
  • Reconfirm all transport arrangements
  • Confirm final number and special requests with the caterers
  • Draw up the final seating plan
  • Make a list of telephone numbers in case of any emergencies on the day: local cab firms, the wedding party's mobiles and suppliers. Also, brief wedding party of what they need on the day.
  • Brief the best man on final payments due on the day, and supply cash or cheques, as required.
  • Collect the wedding dress/bridesmaid dresses 
  • Practice putting on the wedding dress, including accessories and shoes, with whoever will be helping on the big day
  • Keep an eye on the forecast; make provision for adverse conditions
The Day before the wedding

The night before the wedding is a time for relaxing - usually apart from one another - brides' party usually stays with the bride, the groom's party with the groom.

The rehearsal may take place during the afternoon or evening preceding the wedding, sometimes followed by a final get-together with family and key members of the bridal party.

The Day of the wedding

Photo by George Rutter Photography

Having a running order for your wedding is good practice - here's a rough timeline, from the ceremony to the end of the reception.   
Arrivals
Ushers: 45 minutes before
Best man and groom 45-30 minutes before
Guests: up to 30 minutes before;
Groom's parents: 15 minutes before
Mother of bride and bridesmaids ten minutes before
Bride and father five minutes before.
Photographs 
Allow 20-30 minutes 
Seating Guests
Up to 30 minutes.
The Wedding Meal
Two hours for three courses. 
Speeches
30 - 45 minutes
Cake Cutting
15-20 minutes.
Above all - enjoy your day!

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