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Countdown to your perfect wedding

Wedding Countdown

- Get engaged! Can’t have a wedding without this bit.  Obviously the length of your engagement is entirely up to you!  Some couples prefer a long engagement, whereas other just can't wait to get hitched!

- But once you've made the decision to marry, you might find this simple checklist provides you with some timely advice. 

12 Months

- Tell the parents early; make them feel involved, they might even give you some financial help.
- Set the wedding date. Don’t try to please everyone, it’s impossible so go for a date that suits you and those closest to you.
- Book your church or civil ceremony venue.
- Book your wedding reception venue.  This is where you might need to 'get in early' as your preferred day, especially Saturdays in the Summer months, can fill up fast as popular wedding venues.  It is not unusual for venues to take bookings one, two - even three years in advance of the big day.  Try to have alternative dates in mind.  Remember that venues often charge a premium for Saturday weddings, and you might get the same venue and catering cheaper on an alternative day, such as a Friday.  Many couples have found that due to more of their guests working outside office hours anyway, having the wedding on a Saturday isn't as relevant as it traditionally has been.
- Get wedding insurance. You’ve spent money, paid deposits, so get it covered. You will never regret buying insurance, but you might regret not buying it!
- Start looking for the magical wedding dress. Many made-to-order dresses can take three months - look through magazines to get some ideas and book some appointments to try on different styles.
- Often left too late, start looking for photographers early. Just like wedding reception venues, the best photographers get booked up very early.
- Draw up your guest list. Be sensible you can’t feed the 5000 at your wedding reception.
- Send out your wedding invitations. The earlier the better to ensure the people you really want to be there can make it.

6 Months

- Choose the Bridesmaid dresses.
- Book music and entertainment for the wedding reception.
- Decide upon your vows and music and meet with the person who will conduct your marriage ceremony.
- Choose your wedding rings
- Decide on your gift list and send it to your guests.
- Book your florist and meet with them to decide on your different requirements for the marriage ceremony and the wedding breakfast.

3 Months

- Order your wedding cake.  Not a bif fan of traditional cakes?  Consider one made of Cheese (a "cake of cheese") or even a chocolate alternative!
- Choose the menus for your wedding breakfast. Try to be neutral with your choices, then most people will be happy.  We always say a good starting point is to think what you would order in a restaurant and start from there.
- Order the wedding stationary you’ll need for the day such as Orders of Service, Place Cards and Tableplans
- Book a make-up artist and hairstylist for the big day.
- Book your wedding transport; you want to get to that church on time.
- Choose and book your honeymoon.

2 Months

- Go shopping for gifts for those mothers, bridesmaids and ushers etc.
- Order your table favours and any goodies to keep children entertained and quiet on during your church or civil ceremony and those all important wedding speeches.

1 Month

- Have the final fitting for your wedding dress.
- Confirm your final numbers for your wedding breakfast with the venue and pay any final deposits.
- Re-confirm your bookings with all your wedding suppliers.
- Pick up the tickets for your honeymoon.

Wedding Day

- Get married, have a beautiful wedding day. You’ve planned it so well you can relax and enjoy your perfect day!