Wedding Checklist
Plan well in advance. Decide as a couple, right from the start, what kind of day that you would like.
Map it out on a large piece of paper, adding telephone numbers and contacts as you go along. Show the plan to anyone who is involved in the planning of your day.
Here are a few of ideas to get you started
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Set a provisional date for your wedding.
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Decide on the type of ceremony, religious or civil. If civil decide between a register office or a licensed venue.
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Check the legal requirements including any residency requirements and documentation that will be needed.
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Agree a budget
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Book venue and reception.
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Book the photographer
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Send out the invitations
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Order the cake
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Book the transport to and from the ceremony and reception.
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And dont forget to put together a list of telephone numbers in case of an emergency such as a local taxi firm or your Doctor's surgery
Other things to consider for your big day
1. Compile a provisional guest list for both the ceremony, day and evening receptions
2. If getting married in a church, visit the minister and provisionally book the wedding date
3. If civil ceremony at a register office, provisionally book the register office
4. If it is a civil ceremony at a licensed venue provisionally book the registrar to attend the licensed venue
5. Provisionally book venue or marquee for reception
6. Make sure you know what traditions and ethnic or cultural customs you wish to include
7. Provisionally book first night hotel room
8. Arrange insurance before paying any deposits etc
9. Decide on the type of catering you want eg, sit down or buffet, book the caterers and select your menu
10. Select and book music and/or entertainment for your ceremony and reception
11. Choose your outfits.
- Decide whether you want a designer outfit, an 'off the peg' item or have something made to measure.
- Also consider buying second hand or hiring.
- Don't forget about shoes and accessories
12. Choose attire for
- The chief bridesmaid
- Bridesmaids
- Flower girls
- Best man
- Ushers
- Pageboys
- Ring bearer
13. Decide on the flowers and the amount of arrangements required such as
- Bouquets
- Posies
- Buttonholes
- Venue and ceremony displays
- Table centres
- Gifts for mums
14. Visit Florists for Quotes and discuss your requirements. Book preferred florist
15. Choose your rings and any other jewellery
16. Book hair appointments, manicure and make-up artist. Confirm whether you will be going to the salon on the day or having the stylists come to you
17. Decide on what type of honeymoon you want to have. Make any travel arrangements needed
18. If you wish to travel abroad on your honeymoon check passports are valid.
- Apply for your new passport if you intend to change your name.
- Arrange for any necessary visas to be issued.
- Order foreign currency and/or travellers cheques.
- Consult your doctor about any vaccinations needed
19. Order items of stationery eg.
- Order of service
- Menus
- Place cards
- Thank you cards,
- Guest book for people to sign
- Make sure you obtain your minister or registrar’s approval of your order of service before your go to print
20. Don’t forget extra items like
- Serviettes
- Cake boxes
- Menus
- Matchbooks
21. Choose your going away outfits
22. Make sure that guests have somewhere to stay and book rooms where necessary
23. Upon acceptances form guests, send out an information pack containing maps and directions to your venues, local information etc.
24. Arrange for credit cards in your new name (If you intend to change)
25. Send final number of guests to the caterer and the reception venue
26. Prepare speeches and start practising!
27. Choose and buy presents for
- Attendants
- Family
- Friends
If you complete all of these steps you are sure to have a fantastic big day!!
