the SWD countdown - what you should be doing and when
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. If you follow our advice you won’t miss out on the very best suppliers or get supremely stressed out!
As Soon As Possible
- Decide your style of wedding and budget
- Find venues for your ceremony and reception
- Discuss the wedding dates with the registrar or celebrant
- Arrange the wedding date
- Choose the best man and bridesmaids
- Get wedding insurance
- Send Save the date reminders (particularly to those overseas)
12 – 9 months to go
- Select photographer
- Select videographer
- Order wedding cars/means of transport
- Select entertainment for reception
- Select a piper and daytime musicians, eg string quartets
9– 6 months to go
- Select wedding gown
- Select attendants’ dresses
- Select men’s formal wear for the groom and ushers, if applicable
- Order wedding cake
- Book a toastmaster
- Formulate a guest list for ceremony and reception
6 – 4 months to go
- Obtain a Marriage Notice Form from the district registrar
- Order invitations and stationery
- Select a florist
- Select a venue decorator
- Organise the honeymoon (If it’s the groom’s job, don’t forget to tell him!)
- Arrange a gift registry list
- Select accessories required such as headdress, shoes and veil
- Select wedding rings if being commissioned/engraved
4 – 2 months to go
- Submit Marriage Notice Forms with appropriate documents
- Write and address wedding invitations
- Order bridal favours
- Buy wedding rings and thank you gifts for attendants
- Consult beauty therapist/hairdresser to arrange a timetable
- Arrange dance classes
- Consult with mothers regarding outfits
- Shop for any accessories required, eg ties, cufflinks, stoles, corsages
2 months to go
- Send out invitations
- Arrange accommodation for close family, plus first night
accommodation
- Schedule appointments with beauty therapist and hairdresser
- Arrange a final fitting for your gown
- Start planning seating arrangements for your guests
- Check passports and change your name on it if travelling as Mrs.
- Check all other items affected by your surname (eg driving licence, credit card, insurance documents)
1 month to go
- Start to record wedding gifts. Put the name and address of the sender on the card attached with a description of what it is; this makes it easier to write your thank you notes
- Check all dresswear and accessories for the wedding party
- Confirm a rehearsal date and time and advise those in the immediate wedding party of this as soon as possible
- Review seating plans and prepare place name cards
- Hold hen/stag party
2 weeks to go
- Confirm all arrangements with suppliers
- Give final numbers to venue/caterer
- Check that speeches are prepared
1 week to go
- Pick up Marriage Schedule or meet with registrar to finalise
arrangements
- Check all travel documents for honeymoon and arrange their
safekeeping
- Pack cases for overnight stay and/or honeymoon. Arrange for them to be in one place for pick up
- Ensure best man has rings and money to pay any services on the day (traditionally, the groom gives the best man cash to pay for anyone who requires paid on the wedding day)
- Ensure relatives are met/picked up from airport if necessary
- Book any taxis that may be required on the wedding day
On the day
- Have breakfast
- Ensure there are light sandwiches for bridesmaids and mums
- Avoid drinking too much alcohol
- Take a moment to step back and absorb what’s happening - preferably as a couple
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