The secret of a successful and happy wedding lies in the planning, so follow our handy timetable and get hitched without any hitches.
When you set the date
- Agree a budget for the wedding and honeymoon and
agree who will pay for what - Decide between a traditional formal wedding or a
more intimate affair - Choose a church wedding or civil ceremony
- Visit potential venues for wedding and reception and
book as soon as possible, including overnight accommodation
if needed - Visit a wedding fair if possible, or start a scrapbook of
ideas - Invite your chosen bridesmaids and best man to do the
honours - Book the photographer, video company and florist
- Think about taking out insurance against the worst
case scenario
Six months to go
- Choose dresses for the bride and attendants
- Order wedding cake
- Book the wedding cars
- Order wedding stationery
- Compile guest list
- Put together a gift list, and register with a store if using
a gift registry service - Book the honeymoon and make sure passports will be
valid. Check whether vaccinations are needed for your
chosen destination
Three months before
- Confirm arrangements with the minister, if marrying
in church and select music and form of service - Discuss both mothers’ outfits to avoid clashing colours
- Send out invitations with notification of where
your list is held, maps on how to find the venue
and suggestions for overnight accommodation
for guests coming from afar - Visit hairdresser and beautician for initial consultations
- Buy wedding lingerie and shoes, plus accessories
for the day and going-away outfit if needed
One month left
- Visit hairdresser with veil and/or headdress to finalise
style - Book final appointments with hairdresser and beautician
- Have final dress fittings
- Buy thank-you gifts for the bridesmaids
- Make a seating plan for the reception and prepare
place cards - Finalise numbers with caterers as soon as possible, and
advise of any special dietary requirements - Plan your honeymoon wardrobe
- Inform the tax office, doctor, employer, credit card
companies and bank if you are taking your husband’s
name
One week left
- Hold a wedding rehearsal with all key people present
- Make final checks on flowers, catering, photography
and cars - Arrange delivery of cake to the reception venue
- Take delivery of brides and bridesmaids dresses
- Wear your wedding shoes round the house to break
them in gently - Have stag and hen parties
The day before
- Pack honeymoon suitcases and take them to the reception
- Locate the rings and give them to the best man for safe
keeping - Don’t panic and have an early night – it’s a big day
tomorrow…
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