Some brides are more organised than others… some book our services two years in advance, but most are a bit more relaxed. Some leave everything to the last minute. To help you, whatever kind of bride you are, we’ve put together a checklist. For those of you getting married this year, only the second half will apply!
We hope this helps!! Jen and Bek x
One year ahead, or more:
- Set your date
- Book your church or register office
- Start writing a guest list
- Book a marquee / reception venue
- Take out wedding insurance
- Set your budget, breaking it into separate parts
Less than a year to go (9-12 months)
- Send out ‘save the date’ cards
- Choose your bridesmaids, best man ushers etc
- Choose and book your photographer / videographer
- Start looking at wedding dresses and filing pics of your favourites
- Compare and choose your caterers: start planning the menu
- Book bands / DJ etc
- Work out logistics, ie accommodation and transport for guests
Six months and counting
- Choose and book your florist
- Choose and book your cake-maker
- Start trying on / shopping for your wedding dress
- Order / plan your wedding favours
- Book your hair dresser and make-up artist
- Book extra entertainment such as fireworks
Six-three months to go
- Discuss details with your florist / book your flowers
- Start looking at / buying your shoes, underwear and accessories
- Choose bridesmaids’ dresses, keeping in mind their height, figures and personal preferences
- Get the groom and ushers to choose their suits, then either buy or hire them
- Buy your wedding rings
- Book your honeymoon
- Book your wedding night accommodation
- Set up your wedding list
- Start writing your vows
- Arrange a meeting with your vicar or registrar to discuss the order of service
- Choose readings, poems and hymn, and who will do them
Last 3 months:
- Send out invitations
- Have your dress fittings, and those of your bridesmaids
- Buy gifts for the bridal party
- Have a trial run of your wedding hairstyle and make-up
- Write speeches and thank yous
- Get your hair trimmed
- Collect your wedding dress and outfits
Final week:
- Confirm all your timings with suppliers, including your florist
- Pay final balances
- Confirm numbers with venue and caterers
- Brief your bridesmaids, ushers and best man on your plans and give out emergency numbers
- Collect clothing, if you’re hiring suits etc
- Have a manicure and a pedicure
- Visit the venue to check that set-up is going to plan and talk to the organisers
- Collect your flowers