BUDGET TIPS: This guide is based on The SWD’s undercover investigations and was compiled to give you an indication of typical prices when you’re just starting out with your wedding plans. These figures are generalisations – costs depend on a lot of factors and you may be quoted more or less for various reasons. Remember to discuss what you’re looking for with potential suppliers; most are willing to work to a budget.
COUNTDOWN: Wedding arrangements usually happen in fits and spurts; the initial excitement wears off then you suddenly have another surge of enthusiasm. Everyone works at their own pace and we don’t want you to panic when you take a look at this helpful list of tasks. This is merely intended as a guide as to when, in an ideal world, most couples would start thinking about the various aspects of planning their wedding.
PAPERWORK: Wedding vows must be made before a registered registrar or minister. Although everything can be done by post either the bride or groom must attend the registrar's office before the date of the wedding to finalise arrangements with the registrar.
WHO DOES WHAT: Weddings are full of etiquette and tradition - but who is supposed to do what - and when? Rather than expect people to know what they're doing, it's much easier to ask your friends and family to take their traditional roles! Etiquette dictates that everyone involved has different duties.
MONEY MATTERS: Money isn’t the most romantic of subjects, but there are certain financial issues that it pays to think about when you get married – before you get all caught up in daydreams of Champagne fountains and layers of organza. The SWD asked legal guru Gillian Black for some tips.
SPEECHES: It is normally the father of the bride, groom and then the best man who deliver speeches, but there is no reason why a mother of the bride shouldn’t make a speech herself, or raise a toast. It is becoming more common for the chief bridesmaid to speak too, and the content usually mirrors the best man’s role, only applying the same rules to the bride instead of the groom.
