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.
- 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
- Choose/order outfits for the wedding party
- Choose and buy wedding rings
- Choose the presents for the list
- Choose thanks you gifts.
- Look into arrangements for the honeymoon.
- Send out invitations
- Ensure hen and stag parties are being organised.
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.
- 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 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
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| 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.
Up to 30 minutes.
The Wedding Meal
Two hours for three courses.
Speeches
30 - 45 minutes
Cake Cutting
15-20 minutes.
Two hours for three courses.
Speeches
30 - 45 minutes
Cake Cutting
15-20 minutes.
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