Wedding_plans. Lots to do before your special day!

PLANNING YOUR WEDDING DAY

• SELECT A DATE!
If you select a date in the holiday season it is a good idea to let your proposed guests know it! Send a ‘save the date’ card.

• DETERMINE YOUR BUDGET
Prioritise and highlight those things that are important to both of you and put them to the top of the list.
• BOOK THE CHURCH/REGISTRAR
• SELECT BRIDESMAIDS , BEST MAN AND USHERS
• BOOK THE RECEPTION VENUE
• BOOK THE CATERER (make sure to sample the menu!)
• BOOK THE PHOTOGRAPHER click here Essential Images Photography
Never be afraid to ask questions. It is your day and a record of your memories will be an important part of it. Build rapport with your photographer. It is important to feel relaxed and comfortable for those important wedding photographs . Ask the photographer if they include a pre-wedding shoot. This enables you and the photographer to become acquainted and gain a good understanding of each other and your requirements. Ensure you inform the photographer of any special requirements ie. Divorced parents etc.

• HIRE THE FLORIST
Communicate with the florist on colours, flowers, bouquets, button holes and arrangements for the tables and church.click here for beautiful bouquets by Flower Haus Studio

• ORDER THE BRIDAL GOWN, BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES.
Allow plenty of time for fittings and final adjustments.

• BUY THE RINGS

• HIRE SUITS FOR GROOM, BEST MAN, USHERS
Organise appointments for fittings.

• ORDER WEDDING STATIONERY
Choose your design and order co-ordinating invitations, RSVPs, Thank You’s, Order of Service and Menu cards for the tables. Visit www.flowersforeveryours.co.uk for handmade stationery or for a direct link go to the links page on this site.

• BOOK HONEYMOON (ensure your passports are up to date!)

• BOOK TRANSPORT FOR THE BRIDE, BRIDESMAIDS ETC

• ACCOMMODATION FOR GUESTS OVERNIGHT STAYS
Reserve rooms for those guests who require them. Most Hotels will give a group discount.

APPROXIMATELY 8 WEEKS BEFORE

FINALISE GUEST LIST
Bear in mind that on average you will have 25% unable to attend.

FINALISE MENU
Meet with caterer/Hotel and finalise menu and table decorations, name cards etc.

• ENTERTAINMENT
Decide on type of music and research bands, DJs etc. Some bands will give you a demo CD to ensure you like what you hear.

• MEET WITH REGISTRAR/VICAR
Discuss any special readings for the ceremony and once you have decided send a copy to those who will be responsible for reading them.

• ORGANISE WEDDING LIST
Many large department stores will help with this.

• WEDDING PARTY GIFTS
Buy Thank You Gifts for the bridesmaids, Mum’s, Ushers, Best Man

• MAIL INVITATIONS WITH DATE FOR RSVPs

• ARRANGE TRIAL RUN WITH MAKEUP ARTIST AND HAIRDRESSER
A bride needs to be comfortable for the whole day and into the evening and confident that her makeup will be resilient and hair remain in place throughout. If a veil is being worn then the hairdresser will need to do a trial run with it (bear in mind if hair is washed on the morning of the wedding it will be soft and silky and the veil and head dress needs to stay in place for several hours.

FINALISE SEATING PLANS (involve both sets of parents in this as they can help where there are family rifts!)