Countdown to the Wedding Day

You should start planning for your wedding as soon as possible, especially if you are marrying in the popular months of June, July or August. Popular suppliers tend to get booked up very quickly, so it pays to plan ahead! Our wedding day planner begins 12 months before the wedding day, with a wedding in mid-July shown as an example. The format can be adapted easily to suit any period and to reflect your own priorities.

12 months before the wedding (Mid July the year before the proposed wedding date)

• Tell your parents and arrange for them to meet if they do not already know each other
• Make a list of everyone to tell about the engagement
• Notify family and friends
• Arrange press announcements
• Decide on style and type of wedding
• Agree on a budget with your partner and families
• Set a wedding date
• Book the church or register office
• Provisionally book the registrar if the location is a newly licensed venue
• Choose your best man, bridesmaids, ushers and other attendants
• Compose your wedding guest list in consultation with both families
• Book your wedding cars
• Choose and book the photographer and videographer
• Book the reception venue
• Decide the style of reception (sit down meal, buffet) and book caterers
• Research and arrange the entertainment for the reception
• Book the honeymoon, and make sure passports are valid
• Start looking for your wedding dress and bridesmaids dresses
• Take out wedding insurance

4 months before (Mid-March)

• Decide on a style for your wedding stationery (invitations, orders of service, place cards) and order them or start making them
• Choose and order your wedding rings
• Meet and finalise the order of service with the priest or minister - making your choice of music and readings
• Organise and book your flowers
• Choose design and order your wedding cake
• Arrange the hire of formal wear for the groom, best man, ushers and the fathers

3 months before (Mid-April)

• Confirm the booking of the Registrar if applicable
• Compile your wedding gift lift
• Book hairdresser and beauty therapist
• Book your wedding night accommodation
• Finalise your honeymoon plans and check for any visas or vaccinations that may be necessary

2 months before (Mid-May)

• Send out your wedding invitations at least six weeks before the wedding
• Write thank you letters as soon as any gifts are purchased
• Buy presents for the mothers, bridesmaids, best man, and any other attendants

1 month before (Mid-June)

• Finalise the guest list and chase up any late replies
• Arrange the seating plan and write out the place cards
• Attend dress fittings, and make sure that the wedding clothes will be ready on time (they need to be ready at least one week before)
• Advise caterers of the final guest numbers in writing two weeks before the wedding
• Make sure the stag and hen nights are arranged

One week before (July)

• Collect wedding dress, bridesmaids' dresses and morning ...

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