Planning your special day
From your engagement to the big day itself, careful planning and scheduling will enable you to truely enjoy every moment of your wedding day.
Begin by following this guide and set deadlines for yourselves, checking off each task as you complete it. Planning within these time frames will secure your first choice in everything from your dress to the honeymoon and enable your suppliers to provide the best quality and service as possible. But if you have less than six months to plan your wedding, don't panic; just get sorted as soon as possible.
But remember, never allow the details to overshadow the joy of your special day. From 24 Months
- When any woman accepts a proposal, her next thought is usually The Dress... so start looking early for your perfect style. Take into account the time of year and whether your wedding is traditional, themed or informal.
- Decide the date and place of wedding
- Consult both sets of parents, draw up your guest list
- Book your photographer . Discuss whether you want black and white or colour photography and if you prefer posed or candid shots
- Book your videographer. Remember to give on outline of the day including timings and any special memories you particularly wish to be captured. Also check with the minister if filming of the ceremony is permitted
From 12 Months
- Select your Chief Bridesmaid, Best Man witnesses and other attendants
- Organise wedding insurance before you pay any deposits
- Apply for marriage licence with local registrar if planning a civil ceremony
- Decide on the colour scheme of the wedding
- Order your dress, attendants outfits and accessories
- Order the wedding cake and favours, consider serving your cake as desert
- Book florist and choose arrangements for bouquets, church and reception site
- Book your desired form of transport to and from the ceremony
- Book a toastmaster if required
- Book your honeymoon and apply for passports if necessary
- Reserve marquees and rental equipment if necessary
From 6-9 Months
- Select a stationary company for invitations, order of service, menus, table plan, place cards, thank you notes, photo albums and memorabilia boxes
- Select and book musicians, DJ and entertainment. make sure you have seen your musicians perform, preferably live but if not, on video tape. Also start thinking about pieces of music for your ceremony, first dance etc
- Arrange hire of suits for groom, best man, fathers and ushers
- Select and book decorations and balloons for the reception. It is possible to transform a room to suit the location by using balloons, fabric, garlands, flowers and plants
- Book firework company if required. This is a spectacular ending to the day but check regulations of your venue first
- Order your rings. This will allow time for custom designs and inscriptions
- Book dental appointments to allow time for any work needed. Consider getting your teeth whitened and make necessary arrangements for any cosmetic surgery for the perfect wedding day smile
From 2-4 Months
- Compile wedding present list and register. If you already have a home together consider registering with a travel agent for gift vouchers to use for your honeymoon or future dream holiday
- Send out invitations and keep track of RSVP's, gifts and thank you notes. Don't forget a directions map and local accommodation list for out of town guests
- Book your first night accommodation
- Discuss details of menu with venue or caterer
- Book / organise choir and bells with the church, discuss service with officiare and choose hymns
- If you are writing your own vows, do so now. This is a lovely way to personalise your ceremony and you don't have to be poet, there are a few books to offer guidance but the best way is to just say what's in your heart
- Schedule rehearsal time and dinner
- Buy gifts for bridal party and each other
- Buy any special lingerie your dress requires and take to your next fitting
- Buy shoes and start breaking them in around the house. Cover them with shoe bags to protect them.
- Go shopping for mum's outfits, your going away outfit and honeymoon clothes
- Make any appointments with hair and beauty salons
- Apply for postdated name changes on passport if applicable
- Select dry cleaning and gown and bouquet preservation companies and arrange for an appropriate person to take them in after the wedding
- Start writing your speeches. Or consider having professional speeches written for you. This need not be expensive, after all everything else is taken care of by professionals, why not your speeches?
From 4 Weeks
- Have a mini run wit hair, makeup and headpiece
- Have final fittings for yourself and your attendants
- Hold hen / stag nights
- Finalise details for the wedding and prepare checklists for bridesmaids, best man and ushers. There are many ways your attendants can help you with both the planning and the smooth running of your day, so let them!
- Prepare seating plan
2 Weeks before
- Send out thank you notes as gifts are received
- Start course of tanning sessions or book self tan appointment or beauty salon
- Confirm final arrangements in detail with all services
- Pick up wedding rings
- Confirm time of rehearsal with wedding party
- Ask best man to take charge of returning the groom and ushers clothing, if hired
1 Week before
- Pick up your wedding gown
- Notify venue / caterer of final guest count
- Have facial and other beauty treatments
- Give best man envelopes for paying any remaining fees and tipping on the day
- Start gathering wedding ensemble and packing for honeymoon
- make a detailed list of everything to be collected or delivered in the next few days and delegate as much as possible.
- Plan some quality time with your friends and family so you can all share special memories before starting this new chapter in your life
- Get plenty of beauty sleep
1 Day Before
- First of all take everything in your stride and enjoy the run up to your wonderful wedding day
- Lay out wedding ensemble and pack overnight bag
- Have your manicure and pedicure today - it saves you smudging them tomorrow!
- Soak in a hot bath at the end of the day, or book a massage if you have time
On the day
- Relax, Enjoy, and Remember...
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