How to start planning your wedding now you’re engaged…

Now you’re engaged it’s a good time to start planning your wedding.

When I get to speak to my brides, they are usually at the final planning stages of their wedding.  But for those at the beginning of this journey, it’s good to know where to start.  I thought I’d write a checklist of the important things you need to know to plan your wedding.

Obviously, the first place to begin is with the engagement and where the excitement begins.  But how do you avoid the initial excitement and euphoria turning in to stress and worry about your big day? 

1. Start with that plan.

The best way to avoid this, is to plan.  Have one in place as early as possible,  You want to find the right suppliers, and the perfect venue, and be able to have the date you want. The earlier you start the less compromises you’ll need to make.

 2. Start with the big things.

About 12 to 18 months before (ideally) you want to decide what type of wedding you want, where and when you want to get married, and what your budget will be.  All of these have a direct impact on what is possible and how far ahead you will need to book. Many venues will be booked up for months in advance (sometimes longer); and churches are just as busy in the summer months.  Friday and Saturday dates are the most popular days but many couples are now choosing to book weekdays. So it’s worth checking if a weekday would suit you. 

Make sure you don’t confirm your venue booking until you have checked your registrar or church is available on the same date.

 3. Create your checklist.

Now is the time to create that checklist and perhaps break it down into a monthly to do list to make it more manageable. It also means you can share out the jobs between you, your partner and your wedding party.  With about 12 months to go, it’s a good idea to start thinking about all the details.  What suppliers will you need? Are you considering a wedding planner? What photographer will you use? Do you need caterers, florists, a cake? What sort of entertainment will you want? What about transport, and accommodation? All these will need to be booked well in advance. 

Your wedding dress will also need to be ordered if you aren’t buying off the peg, and most bridal shops have a minimum 6 months lead time (some designers are longer).

 4. Your wedding guest list.

Begin thinking about your wedding guest list. Your choice of wedding venue will have been influenced by how many people you want at your wedding and your budget. And getting your list started now means less stress later. It’s also helpful to send out your ‘save the date’ notifications. 

5. Wedding Insurance.

Insurance really is a must have now.  Try and organise your wedding insurance as soon as you start booking and buying. You’re then be covered the moment it starts. It’s not just for the big day, but everything between now and the wedding day.

6. The last 6 months.

By now you will be a bit closer to your wedding date. In the last 6 months lead up to your wedding day, this is the time to start considering the finer details. Start to plan your ceremony, invites, bridesmaids, ushers and groom, maids of honour and all their outfits. Wedding colours, makeup and hair styling.  Table plans and decorations will need some thinking about and make sure whatever you decide, you can alter if you need to. Often table plans will change. This is the point where you can make this wedding personal to you.

It should be a fun and enjoyable time, so don’t put too much pressure on yourself, and share the work. That way you get to enjoy this wedding journey with your friends and loved ones. 

 7. The last 3 months.

With the last 12 weeks to go, start confirming and finalising details like your accessories (this is where I come in), get your hair and makeup trial booked in; order your wedding rings, arrange your final dress fittings. Firm up details with the florist, cake maker and photographer.

Will you have wedding gift list? Now is the time to get it set up. You’ll want this ready to send out all your final invitations.

8. The last few weeks.

In the last few weeks get in touch with all your suppliers and confirm all the details, timings and go through any contingency plans if there are any hiccups. You want to know your suppliers have got you covered if something should happen.  Register your intention to marry and pay for your marriage certificate. You must give notice of your marriage at a registry office before your wedding if you intend to get married here in the UK (check the local countries requirements if it is abroad). So make sure you check how far in advance you need to do this before your wedding day.

Make all the final payments you need to, create your schedule for the day and make sure everyone that needs it has a copy. Then it’s really all down to those last little details to finish off your perfect day. x

Where can I get more ideas?
For more inspiration, pop over to my Pinterest pages where you can find lots of ideas for your Wedding Day. 

Malcolm X  ‘The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.’.