Wedding Planners

• 6 months or more
• 4 to 6 months
• 2 to 3 months
• 1 month

Six Months or More Ahead

Choose the Date

Decide what sort of wedding you would like. Bear it in mind if you are planning your wedding at a traditional time of year, have alternative dates ready. Be flexible, you may not be able to have the date you would like. Arrange to see your minister, priest, rabbi or registrar to arrange the ceremony.

Guest List

When you know how many guests you would like, you than can plan your budget. Reserve accommodation at local hotels for out of town guests.

Arranging the Reception

Visit venues and hotels. If you are planning your reception in a marquee, arrange for at least three estimates from reputable marquee companies. Confirm as soon as you have made your choice.

Entertainment

Arrange to see any bands or music you would like and book them as soon as you have made your choice.

Dress

Order your dress, shoes, gloves, veil and accessories. Start to think about any special lingerie, stockings or hair accessories, that your dress design will require.

Hair and Makeup

Book your hairdresser and makeup artist.

Plan budget and priorities

Now you can plan what style and where you would like your reception, within the budget you have set. Your dream may be to have the most amazing flowers; this will be a large part of your budget. Or, food may be your passion. So decide what elements are important to you.

Photographer

Discuss with your photographer what style you would like. What does the price include and how much are the prints. It also applies if you wish to have your wedding videoed. Check that the minister or registrar will allow photos taken during the ceremony.

Flowers

Arrange to see florists who will understand the style you like. When you have your choice, confirm immediately, good floral decorators are in demand.

Bridesmaids & Page Boys

Start to think about whom you would like.

Choosing a Caterer

The cost of the food and drinks served will depend entirely on the budget you have set. If you are using a hotel or civil venues they may have deals that include, pre lunch or dinner drinks, canapés, three course dinner, wines, soft drinks, a wedding cake, a toast master, and sometimes the music.

Most caterers will provide sample menus. Ask them to include all the elements; food, service, hire of equipment, drinks, ice etc. Don't forget to give timings. A good caterer will arrange for a tasting, usually at their offices. Ask to see the table set, the florist will be able to do a centrepiece as well. Confirm as soon as you have made your choice.

Honeymoon

Plan and book your honeymoon. If you are marrying in the high season, have some alternative destinations in mind.

Four To Six Months Ahead

Invitations & Service Sheets

Arrange to visit printers and choose your style of invitations. If you wish to have the invitations designed, start planning now. Plan place cards, seating cards, menus, service sheets and favours. Place your order for invitations and stationary.

Wedding night

If you plan to stay in a local hotel for your wedding night now is the time to make your choice and book the room.

Attendants gifts

Choose thank you gifts for your attendants and best man.

Name Changes

If you are changing your name, allow time for a new passport to arrive Notify your bank or building society.

Honeymoon Clothes

Buy any clothes for your honeymoon.

Grooms & going away outfits

Purchase or reserve the groom's outfit. Arrange the hire of the best man's and other male members of the bridal parties outfits.

Ceremony

If you are marrying in a church or synagogue, arrange to see the minister about the service, music and readings. If you are getting married in a civil venue, discuss music and readings with the registrar.

Wedding cake

Choose the style of cake and place your order.

Wedding Gift List

Make your lists and register with your chosen outlets.

Wedding Rings

Order or purchase wedding rings.

Transport

Arrange any necessary transportation.

Two To Three Months Ahead

Invitations

Send out invitations at least seven weeks before the day. Make a list of acceptances, refusals, special requests. Confirm any hotel arrangements for guests who require accommodation.

Honeymoon

Check if you require any visas or inoculations.

Hair and makeup

Make an appointment with your chosen hairdresser and beautician to discuss your requirements.

Gifts for the bride and groom

Choose presents for the bride and groom, and for parents of both parties.

One Month Ahead

Wedding announcement

Send wedding announcement to your chosen newspaper.

Presents

Start sending thank you notes as gifts arrive.

Arrangement of Nikkah Registrar (Qazi)

Obtain Nikkah Namah.