Weddings take a huge amount of planning and youll have plenty of things to remember along the way. Theres no need to panic - the wedding experts at Brides magazine have created a comprehensive 12 month checklist. Simply follow the step-by-step guide and everything will run to plan.
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The big day!
12 months to go:
* Set a wedding date.
* Draw up a guest list.
* Agree your budget.
* Book the ceremony and reception venue.
* Start trying on wedding dresses.
back to top11 months to go:
* Book a photographer or videographer. Check that photos can be taken during the ceremony.
* Order your wedding cake.
* Choose your bridesmaids, best man, pageboys and ushers.
back to top10 months to go:
* Choose your wedding dress - allow at least four months for a made-to-measure dress.
* Choose your bridesmaids dresses.
* Confirm food and drink with the caterers.
* Organise flowers, including buttonholes, bouquets and flowers for the ceremony and reception.
back to top9 months to go:
* Organise a wedding gift list.
* Choose the wedding rings.
* Confirm food and drink with the caterers.
* Start looking at honeymoon brochures. Book early if youre going at peak season.
back to top8 months to go:
* Confirm arrangements for the ceremony and discuss the service, readings and music. * If youre getting married in a church, talk to the minister about the music and see the organist. If youre getting married in a civil venue, decide if you want music for the ceremony.
* Discuss the form of service and choose your readings.
back to top7 months to go:
* Order invitations and envelopes - youll only need one invitation per married couple or family - plus stationery for the reception, such as place cards, favours and a table plan.
* Order your order-of-service sheets for the ceremony.
* If you plan to send out wedding cake after the day, order boxes from a stationer.
back to top6 months to go:
* Order your wedding transport.
* Buy going-away and honeymoon clothes.
* Make sure outfits are organised for the groom, best man and ushers.
* Choose wedding jewellery for you and your bridesmaids.
* Choose thank-you gifts for your bridesmaids, best man, both sets of parents and other members of your wedding party.
back to top5 months to go:
* If you are changing your name, allow at least six weeks for a new passport. Notify your bank, building, doctor, dentist, etc.
* Book your first-night hotel.
* Choose your first dance.
back to top4 months to go:
* Let the caterers know of the final number of guests.
* Work out a seating plan.
* Visit the hairdresser with your headdress or veil.
* Practise your wedding make-up.
back to top3 months to go:
* Send out invitations at least six weeks before the day.
* Make a list of acceptances and refusals.
* As wedding presents arrive, send out thank you notes.
* Finalise guest numbers with caterers.
* Work out seating plan.
* Finalise your honeymoon plans.
* Start to plan your hen and stag parties.
back to top2 months to go:
* Make sure that your fiance has organised the rings, his wedding clothes and accessories, the first night hotel and honeymoon. Check whether you need visas or inoculations and order foreign currency.
* Check your wedding clothes and try on the whole outfit, including
headdress, shoes, underwear and jewellery.
back to top1 month to go:
* Hold a ceremony rehearsal.
* Check if traffic delays are expected on the day en route to your place of marriage.
* Send your honeymoon luggage to the reception or first-night hotel.
* Make sure your outfit is complete. Wear-in shoes at home.
* Have a final hair/make-up practice. Remind your groom to have a trim.
* Remind your fiancé to write his speech.
back to topThe big day!
* Check the best man has the wedding rings.
Most importantly, relax and enjoy your day
