Planning your Wedding

INTRODUCTION

There is a lot to remember when organising a wedding and because we can't help you with everything, we've included a checklist to make sure everything goes according to plan.

STAGE 1

Arrange your wedding ceremony with your Clergyman or Registrar and decide with the Celebrant if you want an organist, choir and church bells. A registrar can be booked three months in advance - other venues may require more notice.
You may be able to hold your wedding in the hotel or the grounds. Ask your wedding co-ordinator for details.

STAGE 2

Book your honeymoon.
Check your passports if you are travelling abroad.
Choose and purchase wedding outfits for those concerned.
Book the photographer and a video company if required.
Prepare your guest and wedding present list.
Book your reception at the Hotel.
Decide upon and book all transport to and from the service and reception.
Order wedding stationery: invitations, service sheets, menus, place cards, card boxes and any printed souvenir gifts for your guests.
Order your wedding cake.

STAGE 3

Organise all flowers for the church, reception, guests, bridal bouquet and corsages.
Choose wedding rings.
Buy presents for your attendants and your family.
Finalise all food and drink arrangements for your reception.
Finalise honeymoon and wedding night details.
You may want to consider taking out a Wedding Insurance Policy.

TWO MONTHS TO GO

Send out wedding invitations including a map and details of the hotel accommodation arrangements if necessary.
List all acceptances and refusals.
Send out 'Present List' and 'Thank You' letters as presents arrive.

ONE MONTH TO GO

Finalise numbers with the hotel and detail any special dietary requirements your guests may have.
Arrange an appointment with your hairdresser for a 'practice run'.
Try on all wedding outfits and 'going away' attire to ensure it all fits and co-ordinates.
If you are going abroad, order your travellers Cheques and local currency.
If you are gong away straight from the reception, arrange for the Best Man to bring your cases to the reception venue and take away your bridal wear the next day.
If the bride is changing her name, don't forget to arrange a change of name for all documents i.e.: passport, bank details, Doctor etc.

RECEIVING LINES

You may want to organise a receiving line to welcome your guests formally and to make sure that your wedding party is introduced to everyone.

Bride's Mother - Bride's Father - Bride - Groom - Groom's Mother - Groom's Father

You can also invite your bridesmaids and best man to join the receiving line or, for a less formal reception, you may want to greet your guests on your own.