No one ever said planning a wedding was easy, so we’re here to help! A lot of brides do not realise the importance of starting as early as possible to avoid stress and the disappointment of missing out on suppliers that they really want. Most brides (and grooms) start their planning between 12 and 18 months before the wedding, but it varies. A wedding countdown planning tool is a bride’s best friend.
The Big Countdown To Your Wedding
12 Months Before The Wedding
- Announce your engagement!
- Set a Budget
- Decide on approximate number of guests (this may impact your choice of venues)
- Decide whether to get married at home or abroad
- Select you ceremony venue
- Research reception venues
- Set a wedding date (remember to ensure that your ceremony and reception venues are both free)
- Book reception venue
- Decide what type of wedding you want do you want a theme, colour scheme, black tie etc
- Choose your bridesmaids, best man, groomsmen & ushers
- Book Your Wedding Photographer
- Book Your Wedding Videographer
- Book Ceremony Musicians
- Book Band, DJ for reception
- Choose your wedding dress
9 – 12 Months Before The Wedding
- Choose bridesmaids’ dresses
- Book Cars
- Book Florist
- Research Honeymoon Destinations
6 – 9 Months Before The Wedding
- Book Hair Stylist
- Book Make-up Artist
- Book Honeymoon
- Arrange hair and make-up trials
- Select invitations
- Order wedding cake
- Plan Hen & Stag Parties
- Book Groom’s and Groomsmen’s Suits
- Book Pre-Marriage Course
3 – 5 Months Before The Wedding
- Organise the legalities give at least 3 months notice to registrar (in person)
- Give at least 3 months notice to the Catholic Church
- Organise paperwork for Church Pre Nuptial Enquiry, Baptismal Cert, Confirmation Cert, Letters of Freedom
- Decide on prayers, readings and music for mass booklets check with your priest / registrar
- Organise invitations and order of service booklets
- Ensure passports are in date for honeymoon and order new ones if necessary!
- Arrange travel vaccinations if necessary
6 8 Weeks Before The Wedding
- Send invitations
- Attend dress fittings
- Choose wedding rings
- Select gifts for bridal party, parents
3 5 Weeks Before The Wedding
- Follow up any unreturned RSVPs
- Finalise guest numbers
- Contact reception venue with final menu details, approximate numbers
- Arrange the table plan for the reception
- Contact suppliers to check final arrangements
- Attend final dress fittings
1 – 2 Weeks Before The Wedding
- Attend Rehearsal
- Collect dresses
- Pack for the honeymoon
- Order foreign currency for honeymoon
The Final Week
- Confirm final numbers and dietary requirements with reception
- Make last minute changes to table plan if necessary
- Get manicure, massage, waxing and fake tan done
- Do full dress rehearsal from underwear to veil
- Pack an overnight bag for the reception
- Organise money to be paid to suppliers on the day
The Day Before
- Ensure the cake is collected from cake shop and delivered to reception
- Go to bed early and get a good night’s sleep
The Big Day!
- Relax!
- Get flowers delivered to the bride’s house
- Allow plenty of time to get dressed, and have hair and make-up done
- Eat properly
- Enjoy the day!
