Plan ahead for stress-free ceremony
Most people do it at some time in their lives, and it can cost anything from a few pounds to several thousand pounds.
From the moment that ring is slipped on to the engagement finger wedding fever begins to take a grip.
But there really is no need to panic. All weddings need some planning and the better planned they are, the more likely you are to be free from worries on the day itself.
Choose the date, place and time. See the minister or registrar. Discuss the wedding service, number of guests and kind of reception.
Decide on the place for the reception. Get estimates and book as early as possible, particularly if you plan to marry in the summer.
If you wish to hire professional caterers do that now. Order wedding cake. Book the musicians. Order wedding cars or make arrangements to borrow from family/ friends. Choose and book a photographer. Choose and book a florist. Start looking around at the different styles of dress. Choose and ask the attendants, bridesmaids, page boys and ushers. Decide on colour schemes. Choose/order dresses for attendants.
Discuss wedding music. Decide where to go on honeymoon.
Order wedding invitations. Discuss the order of service. Order wedding stationery. Order favours. If you are having professional caterers discuss the menu and give them an idea of the numbers to expect. Discuss and arrange any extra parking or signposting required at the church or reception. Choose your wedding rings. Buy them now to allow for any alterations or engraving you would like to have. If you don’t find designs you like, have your rings made. Plan a list of wedding presents. Make an appointment to see your doctor and dentist for check-ups. If you need to lose weight visit your doctor now for advice. Find out about inoculations you may need if you are going on honeymoon abroad. Arrange visas if necessary. Organise a new passport in your married name.
Finalise your guest list and send out invitations. As replies come in make sure you tick off acceptance and refusals on your guest check list. As soon as you receive wedding presents write thank you letters. Supply the florist with details of the colour scheme of the wedding and agree on the choice of flowers. Order buttonholes for the mother of the bride and the mother of the groom after checking what they will be wearing. Choose and order the presents for the bridesmaids and best man. Make arrangements for the attendants for the day of the wedding.
Check that all licences are in order for the ceremony. Attend church to hear your banns read.
Have final fitting for the dress. Check that groom and best man have organised their clothes. Arrange seating at reception and for church ceremony. Visit the hairdresser with veil and headdress and discuss ideas for the day. Book an appointment for the big day. Go for a make-up session. See the minister and agree a date for the rehearsal.
Try on wedding dress with all accessories. Look out honeymoon clothes and put them aside, ready to pack.
Send wedding announcement to local newspaper. Wrap gifts for attendants. Remind groom to place correct fees for ministers, church, in envelopes. Pack honeymoon luggage. Have wedding rehearsal. Then enjoy the day!