Thursday 29 September 2011

Wedding Planning: Simple Guide

Planning a wedding can be very hard work and one of the first things to do is to sit down with your partner to discuss the kind of wedding you would like and can afford.
Start researching suppliers within your price range.  You can do this by visiting wedding fairs, reading magazines and searching online wedding directories. 

Create a list of things that need to be done and delegate tasks to friends and family so you won’t be overwhelmed or stressed.

Since the average cost of a wedding is now more than £20,000 remember to track your spend carefully.  This can be done by creating a detailed spreadsheet of all your wedding costs.  Allow for contingencies just in case there are extras that you haven’t thought about.

Here is a 12 month timeline to help you plan for your wedding:

12 months
  • Set your wedding date and create a budget
  • Hire a wedding planner (optional)
  • Decide on the style/theme
  • If you are having a religious or civil wedding – arrange asap
  • Create your guest list
  • Book your reception venue and entertainment
  • Choose your bridesmaids, best man and ushers
  • Look for wedding outfits for yourself plus wedding party – allow time for alternations and fittings
  • Book your photographer and/or videographer
  • Decide on your honeymoon destination and book airline tickets and hotel
  • Check your passports and renew if necessary.  Research if visas etc are required
  • Choose your cake maker and cake design
  • Look for accessories
  • Look and choose wedding rings
  • Book florist, hair and make-up stylist
  • Organise your gift list
  • Send out “Save the Date” cards (optional)
6 months
4 months
  • Send out the invitations – include a list of local hotels for guests who require overnight accommodation
  • Confirm your honeymoon booking
3 months
  • Give caterers your estimated number of guests
  • Make final alterations and fittings for wedding outfits
  • Buy or order a guest book for the wedding reception
  • Organise a hair and make-up trial appointment
2 months
  • Sort out your seating plan for the reception
  • Delegate organisation of hen and stag parties to your bridesmaids and best man
1 month
  • Finalise details with wedding suppliers
  • Make necessary arrangements for name / address change, if required
  • Write speech
  • Discuss final details of the day with wedding party

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