Simply Brides

of Didcot, Oxfordshire
DONE   12 Months to go …
  Decide if you are going to enlist the help of a Wedding Planner
  Choose time and date
  Decide on budget
  Decide on theme
  Choose ceremony location Take a checklist of questions to ask. Ask for written quotations and consider all options carefully.
  Choose reception venue
  Choose attendants
  Select wedding dress
  Select Groomsmen and Best Man outfits
  Select Bridesmaids and Page Boys outfits
  Compile invitation list
  Select Photographer
  Select Videographer
  Select Caterer
  Select Musicians
  Choose your colour scheme, bearing in mind the colouring of your attendants and the decor at the chosen venue (you don't want to clash with the wallpaper or the carpet!)
  Decide if you would like a pre-nuptiual agrrment
  Select witnesses
  Order wedding cars
 

 

 Send Out "save the date" cards

Take out insurance if required
  Discuss honeymoon plans (don't forget if you are having a Winter Wedding buy suitable clothes in UK Spring and Summer for a Tropical Honeymoon) and check your pasprt dates as most countiries require at least 6 months remaining time
   
  12 - 8 Months to go…
  Select music for ceremony
  Arrange for any special License if required
  Select Toastmaster
  Select wedding rings
  Order invitations
  Select any other forms of entertainment
  Arrange to give Notice of Marriage
  Order wedding cake
  Book honeymoon and travel insurance
  If required, book your reception band or DJ, ask for demo tapes from bands before deciding
  Select florist
  Select and book your transport for the wedding day.
  Advise attendants of their duties
  Start a fitness regime if you feel you need to
   
  8 - 6 Months to go…
  Consult Hairdresser
  Consult Beautician
  Give notice of marriage
   
  6 - 4 Months to go…
  Catch up things on your 'to do' list
  Book a hotel for your wedding night if required
  Arrange visas for honeymoon if required
  Arrange Inoculations for honeymoon if required
  Send out wedding day and evening invitations 
  Book hair and make up trial
  Select attendants' gifts
  Buy shoes and accessories
  Arrange for the banns to be read in church if necessary
  Select gift registry
  Keep a careful record of wedding gifts as you receive them and update gift list when necessary.
  Consult with Mothers regarding their outfits
  Order Bomoniere/Favours
  Select gown cleaning company
  Reserve accommodation for guests who require a room
  Arrange rehearsal times
  Arrange Best Man. Groomsmen fittings
  Finalise flowers, don't forget Mums' bouquets

Think about Table Plans
  Make Hen and Stag party arrangements
   
  1 Month to go…
  Arrange a final fitting of your bridal gown
  Acknowledge replies, include gift list, directions and accommodation suggestions
  Buy each other wedding gifts
  Chase up any remaining RSVP's
  Arrange for attendants' final fittings
  Pick up your wedding rings if you have them on order
  Confirm final timings with entertainment, venue and transport companies.  This will avoid any nasty surprises!
  Review final table plans
  Make any baby-sitting, house-sitting or pet care arrangements that may be necessary during reception or honeymoon.
  Order any foreign currency required
  Arrange for honeymoon transportation or airport parking
  Arrange where everyone will get ready on the day and how they will get to the venue
  Start shopping for honeymoon clothes if you haven't already
   
  2 Weeks to go…
  Make sure the reception venue have the final table plan
  Record Wedding gifts as you receive them
  Double check the attire and accessories for all member of the wedding party
  Confirm date of rehearsal for those concerned
  Collect honeymoon tickets
  Have a final consultation with any suppliers, let them know if anything has changed
  Give final details of numbers to caterers and give information of any dietary requirements of guests.
  Advise Florist of final numbers for button holes
  Ensure people making speeches or readings have prepared
  Have Hen and Stag nights
  Ensure reception venue has final numbers
  Complete your wedding outfit – jewellery, stockings, gloves, evening bag, something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue
  Wear in your Wedding shoes
  Arrange for name changes
   
  1 Week to go…
  Relax as much as possible, all of the hard work is done!
   
  1 Day to go
  Pack going away clothes and have suitcase taken to reception
  Lay out your Wedding dress, accessories and jewellery
  Drop off anything necessary at the reception venue, including the wedding book and a pen, your change of clothes, name card for place settings, table decorations
  Pack tickets, passport and currency
  Arrange for a safe place for gifts brought to the reception to be stored
  Set your alarm if you have to get up early on the day.
  Relax and have an early night

These are Vickie's things to do on the day and beyond

 

  • Don’t forget to eat!
  • Flowers will be delivered.
  • Attend your hairdressing appointment.
  • Best man collects the rings, messages to be read out, luggage etc.
  • Buttonholes and order of service programs should be collected by an usher.
  • Your bridesmaids and pageboys will arrive.
  • Give chosen gifts to bridesmaids etc.
  • Bride dresses for the big event.
  • Photographer arrives to take pre-marriage portraits and video.
  • Best man places speech in jacket pocket! Checks that he has rings and fees – and groom!
  • Groom arrives 20 minutes before the start of service.
  • Cars collect bridal party and convey them to wedding venue.
  • Bride arrives for wedding service.
  • Ceremony takes place followed by the photographs.
  • A receiving line can greet guests as they arrive after the wedding.
  • After the meal, formal speeches can be made.
  • Bride and groom may leave for their honeymoon or stay for the evening celebrations.

After the wedding:

  • Return any hired clothing.
  • Collect your dress and gifts from the reception.
  • Submit wedding photo to a local paper.
  • Mail your wedding cake to those who could not attend the wedding (remember to check customs regulations if sending overseas as, some countries have strict regulations about receiving foodstuffs via post).

After honeymoon:

  • Send out any change of address/name cards.
  • Write your thank you letters.
  • Update legal documents.
  • Order your photographs.
  • And – most important of all - be happy.