Planning a wedding is stressful. Every bride knows how difficult it is to make sure you've booked and planned everything you need before the big day. Well, to make things easier for you, we have compiled a list of when and what you need to have booked and arranged before the day of your nuptials.
12-24 Months in Advance
Decide on a budget
Choose a date and time
Choose and book your reception venue
Choose and book your church, civil ceremony or celebrant
Look into catering options if your venue allows for outside vendors
TAKE OUT INSURANCE (This one is important, the amount of brides who have lost money because of a supplier going into liquidation etc is STAGGERING. Protect your wedding!
Put together a guest list
Choose your bridesmaids, maid of honour, groomsmen, ushers and best man
Look into potential honeymoon destinations and get an idea of pricing
9-12 Months in Advance
Choose and book your photographer/videographer
Book transport to and from the wedding
Book your DJ/Band and Entertainment for the day
Book your toastmaster (if you are having one)
Book musicians for the ceremony (if needed)
Send save the date cards
Book your honeymoon
6-9 Months in Advance
Find your wedding gown
Buy a veil/tiara and accessories such as your shoes and jewelry (Don’t forget to purchase the right kind of underwear for your bridal gown
Take your mother shopping for her outfit
Choose Bridesmaids dresses
Buy wedding rings
Book hair and make up
Dress fittings and alterations
3-9 Months in Advance
Order Invited and Stationary
Choose and book your florist
Choose and book your cake
Decide on a Menu – whether it’s at the venue or with a caterer
Book venue decorations
Book wedding night accomodation
Choose your readings, vows, poems etc. Agree Order of Service with the Vicar/celebrant/Registrar
Send out invitations
1-3 Months in Advance
Buy gifts for parents and bridal party
Decide on a table plan
Write and practice speeches
Cut/colour hair and trial run wedding hairstyle and make up
Confirm bookings
Check plans for hen and stag dos
Make sure all balances are paid off
1 Week before the Big Day
Collect Hired Menswear (if hired)
Make sure all outfits are ready
Arange for the return of all hired items
Pack a going away bag (or a holiday bag for the honeymoon)
Manicure and Pedicure
Rehearsal for a church wedding
Meet and brief with the wedding party so that everyone knows their job on the day
Last but not least, ENJOY your day!
