So, the big question has been asked. The ring is sitting beautifully on your finger. Friends and family have congratulated you both and now, reality sets in. You have to plan for your big day. There's no getting away from the fact that planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but if you take it one step at a time, you’ll get through it. But...where do you start? The first step is probably the hardest step of all - creating your plan to plan. Yes, you did read that correctly. I am advocating that you plan how you are going to plan this mammoth event. Benjamin Franklin famously said, 'By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail',
I suggest that you get yourselves a large notepad and set aside a some quiet uninterrupted time together. There will be a lot of things to think about so take your time, switch off the TV, take a few deep breaths and start...
Just in case your minds go blank, the list below might help:
Insure your engagement ring
Decide on possible dates for the big day – consider the following:
· Special dates for you as a couple
· Do you need to save money for the day?
· Which day of the week to hold your big day (budget hint - Non-Saturdays = lower prices from event day suppliers, venue and other costs)
· Which time of year to hold big day (budget hint: Off-peak months = lower prices from event day suppliers, venue and other costs)
Choose your wedding party - bridesmaids, groomsmen etc.(this will help when budgeting)
Guest lists. Write two:
· Main guest list - those who will be invited to the ceremony, wedding breakfast and evening celebration
· Additional guest list for evening celebration
Create a budget – do lots of research before you do this as some costs may come as a big surprise. Consider researching the following first:
· venues – your possible dates and guest numbers will help you to obtain quotes.
· ceremony and legal needs
· wedding insurance
· photographers
· videographers
· wedding planners
· wedding stylists - pick us! 😂
· wedding stationery
· caterers – food and drink
· cake makers
· florists -pick us! 😁
· reception entertainment - live band/disco/magician
· transport - vintage cars/horse and carriage
· toastmasters
· hair and make-up artists
· honeymoon
· dresses and suits
· gifts and favours
You’ve done your research and sussed out your favourite venues and wedding professionals, now it’s time to visit venues and meet the people who will make your dream day complete.
· Visit at least three of our favourite venues. Remember to take a list of questions with you. Have your possible date and guest numbers with you so that you can see if the venues can accommodate you.
· Set date and book venue
· Book celebrant/church/registrar
· Decide if you need wedding insurance
· Book your wedding stylist – pick us!😉
· Book your florist – pick us!😎
· Meet with planners
· Meet with your favourite photographers – perhaps you could have an engagement shoot to see if you like how they work with you,
· Book your favourite photographer
· Decide on your stationery needs and book it
· Meet with caterers – sample lots
· Book your favourite caterer
· Meet with cake makers – sample lots
· Book your cake
· Book your bar
· Book your entertainment
· Book your transport
· Book toastmaster
· Meet up with hair and make-up artists – ensure that you can have trial sessions before the big day. Book the one that suits you best
· Book your honeymoon
Hit the shops:
· Shop for wedding dresses
· Shop for bridesmaid's dresses
· Shop for grooms suit
· Shop for groomsmen's suit
· Shop for wedding rings
· Shop for gifts and favours
Finalise your guest list
Send out invitations
Create a seating plan
Make a gift list
Plan stag and hen nights
Select your song for your first dance
Write your wedding vows
Write your wedding speeches
Have a wonderful day!
Write thank you letters
When you have completed your list, decide who is going to do what and when by - this will give you a planning timeline.
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