A brief guide to your wedding planning journey
So, you’ve said ‘YES’ - congratulations! It is now time to start planning your wedding. This day will be one you remember for the rest of your life and it all starts here. The best part is you’ve done the hardest part - you have found ‘the one’. The rest is easy, honest! It’s all down to good planning and finding people you can trust to help realise your plans. Here are a few thoughts and ideas to help you out.
What type of wedding do you want?
You may not want to have the typical ‘big’ day or you might want to go ALL out. Finding what works best
for you, your priorities and your budget is really important. It is about making it special.
1. Know your number - how many people do you want to invite? This can help with the type of venue that you choose.
2. How much do you want to spend? To save money, consider how much you can do yourself and the time you have available. Also, plan out what is most important to you and allocate funds proportionally
3. Lock in the date! Once you have found the perfect venue, book it in as soon as possible. This will then give you time to map out the rest of the wedding plans. If it is likely to fall during a busy holiday period, you may want to consider sending out ‘save the date’ cards to make sure that your important people have the day in their diary too.
Now the fun begins...
At this point, you will want to start considering the ‘feel’ of your wedding. Will it be formal, traditional or fun? Do you have a theme or story to share? What will your guests experience be? Have you booked a food van, fun games or activities? If you are looking at what to do when, here is a suggested timeline:
9-12 months
Say yes to the dress!
Choose and book your wedding photographer
Find your cake supplier - the good ones get booked early
Explore who will do hair and make-up and book your date
Organise and book the stag and hen do
Plan and book the honeymoon
6-8 months
1. Choose and order your rings
2. Get measured and order suits, remember the Groomsmen too
3. Go Bridesmaid shopping - make a day or weekend of it
4. Speak to your hair and make-up company about styles
5. Order your wedding cake
3-5 months
1. Food tasting - check this with your venue
2. Send out invitations
3. Got a favour planned? Speak to us at Request a Guest
4. What finishing touches do you need?
5. Get your marriage license
2-3 months
1. Book in dress alternations
2. Finalise the guest list
3. Order your on-the-day stationery
4. Buy the wedding party gifts - it's nice to say 'Thank You'
1 week – 1 month
1. Confirm bookings with suppliers
2. Pay any the final bills
3. Speeches need planned and written
4. Learn to dance (ha, ha) - choose your first dance song
5. Rehearsals
