Congratulations on your engagement! This is such an exciting time for you and you must be buzzing with enthusiasm and joy.
Not sure where to begin with all this wedding planning? Don’t worry, here is a countdown that will guide you from 12 months in advance to your big day. Remember that no two weddings are alike and this is a just guideline, there are no set rules.
Create your own fairytale, one that is special to you both.
1 Year Before
Before you get carried away on the rollercoaster, sit down and have a chat with your beloved; write down ideas of what elements are important to you. What type of wedding do you want? Will it be a small, private one or an extravagant and big wedding.
Set a budget.
Set your wedding date and choose and reserve your venue and book your registrar.
Send out Save the Dates.
Ask around for recommended photographers and videographers.
Have a look at magazines, photos and consider what colour combinations and styles you are partial to.
Decide roughly how many guests you would like to invite.
Select your best man, maid of honour, ushers and bridesmaids.
Have a look for suppliers such as a florist, cake maker, caterer, it is never too early to start looking. The earlier you start the less overwhelmed you will be in the long-run.
Book transport.
6 Months Before
Buy your wedding rings, remember to allow time if you are having them custom-made.
Book your honeymoon and check that your passports are valid.
Book your hairdresser, facial, tanning session and make-up artist. Ensure you also book your hair and make-up trial so that there aren’t any unwanted surprises.
Select the dresses and accessories for your bridesmaids and bridal party. Select the suits for your groom, fathers, best man and ushers.
Order your wedding favours and stationery.
3 Months Before
Have a meeting with your caterer and organise the menu and drinks.
Send out your wedding invitations and wedding gift list.
Arrange your hen and stag do’s.
Plan your order of service and ceremony details, choose the music, hymns and readings.
Go to your first dress fitting.
Order gifts for your wedding party including bridesmaids, maid of honour, best man, ushers and parents of the bride/groom.
1 Month Before
Confirm your guest list and arrange any special meal requirements and the seating plan.
Prepare and rehearse your speeches.
Practice your wedding dance.
Book your last dress fitting and have fittings for the rest of your bridal party.
Double-check all bookings with your suppliers.
1 Week Before
Prepare an emergency kit for your wedding day; include plasters, sanitary wear, safety pin, scissors, sewing kit, make-up, painkillers etc.
Confirm all outfits are good to go.
Prepare and distribute a schedule of the day to all members of your wedding party. Include a map to the event and a contact list in case of last minute emergencies.
Withdraw cash to take with you to pay suppliers on the day if needed.
Have your wedding rehearsal.
1 Day Before
Delegate someone to collect all the outfits.
Organise someone to decorate the venue and arrange delivery of items there.
Hand over rings, speeches, vows and supplier details with payments to the best man.
Prepare your dress, underwear, jewellery and accessories ready to wear the next day.
Try to get a good night’s sleep and go to bed early.
Set your alarm to get up early, so that you have lots of time to prepare.
Your Wedding Day
Enjoy your day.
Take some time during the day to gaze into each other’s eyes and enjoy the moment.
Let the celebrations begin…
by Pamela Sommers
Pamela is a London wedding jewellery specialist and founder of SommerSparkle, an award-winning online boutique creating fairytale weddings with their beautiful bridal jewellery & accessories.
Looking for Wedding jewellery & accessories? Click here
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