Wedding Countdown
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With so much to orgainse we thought this handy guide would help you to schedule your wedding plans. Print it out and tick off as you have finalised items on the list.
We have divided plans up into 9-24 motnhs before the wedding, 3-6 months, 1 - 3 months before your wedding day and 1 month before the wedding.
Before you start to plan anything...
Together as a couple define your top priorities and stick to them. For some it’s the dress and shoes or the photography and the flowers. For others it might be the stationary, the venue and the food. Remembering what is important to you makes prioritizing everything else a lot easier. Also make this the first thing you do in planning your wedding, if you don’t it’s easy to get caught up in the moment and start to write cheques like there’s no tomorrow (and there is a tomorrow).
9 - 24 months before the wedding
ANNOUNCE YOUR ENGAGEMENT
As if you need any encouragment to do that! It is howver polite to tell immediate family and friends face to face, so that they don't find out on Facebook!
DISCUSS AND SET A BUDGET & DECIDE HOW EXPENSES WILL BE SHARED
Think of an amount you'd like to spend, then double it! As much as at North-West-Wedding we do not believe that having a beautiful wedding means breaking the bank, you have to be realistic about what what everything will cost...including all of the 'nice little extras'.
If you are asking family for financial help then why not mention that you would like them to pay for specific items. The brides parents might quite like to pay for the dress, while the grooms family might contribute towards photographs and flowers.
If you are on a budget then why not read our guide to cutting the cost of your wedding.
DISCUSS LEVEL OF FORMALITY
For inspiration about what type of wedding you and your partner might like, look at our wedding guides to:
- Traditional Wedding
- Large Fairytale Wedding
- Boutique Wedding
- Countryside Wedding
- Eco-Friendly Wedding
- Intimate Wedding
CHOOSE AND BOOK YOUR RECEPTION SITE
There is a massive choice of wedding venues in the north west to choose from.
Check out our guide to North West Wedding venues.
DISCUSS THE CEREMONY AND RELATED ISSUES
If you are having a church ceremony, start to look into churches in your chosen area or speak to your local church to tell them your plans. If you are having a civil ceremony, find out details of the registery office nearest to your chosen venue. You can book your date at the registery office exactly 12 months in advance.
MAKE A NEAT FILE FOR CONTRACTS, FORMS, IMPORTANT PAPERS, ETC. CHOOSE YOUR BRIDAL PARTY
This includes best man, bridemaids and ushers.
START COMPILING AN INVITATION LIST
See our article on who to invite
ATTEND BRIDAL SHOWS/EXPOS
See our list of north west wedding fairs
TAKE AN ENGAGEMENT PHOTO
This often comes as part of a package with a wedding photographer, as a chance for them to get to know you as a couple before the day.
DISCUSS APPAREL FOR THE BRIDE, GROOM AND BRIDAL PARTY
This includes deciding on a wedding colour theme, and is made easier when you have decided on the level of formality of your wedding.
ORDER BRIDAL GOWN
See your list of Wedding Dresses in the North West here
ORDER BRIDESMAIDS' DRESSES
ORDER GENTS SUITS
See your list of Formal Mens Suit Hire in the North West here
CHOOSE AND HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER
See your list of North West Wedding Photographers
Plus, questions to ask your wedding photographer
CHOOSE AND HIRE A DJ/BAND/OTHER ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE RECEPTION
See North West Wedding Entertainers here
SCHEDULE SPECIAL EVENTS
- Stag Night
- Hen Party
RESERVE ROOMS AT THE WEDDING VENUE OR NEARBY HOTELS
Hotels often offer discounts for guests who are booking for as part of a pre-arranged wedding group booking.
RESERVE ADDITIONAL ITEMS FOR THE CEREMONY & RECEPTION (if necessary)
- Marques
- Gazebos
- Tables
- Chairs and Linens
- Dishes
- Glasses and Utensils
- Arches
- Balloons
- Additional Decorations
- Other Items
HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER
See our list of wedding photographers in the north west
MAKE NECESSARY ARRANGEMENTS FOR TIME OFF FROM WORK
MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO TAKE DANCING LESSONS IF NECESSARY
MAKE HONEYMOON PLANS AND RESERVATIONS
3-6 Months before your wedding
FINALIZE HONEYMOON PLANS Be sure to find out about passports, photo identification and other documents required if you will be leaving the country. Ask your doctor about any vacinations you both may need.
HIRE A FLORIST AND CHOOSE FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS
North West Wedding Florists can be found here
ORDER INVITATIONS & THANK YOU NOTES & ORDER OF SERVICE CARDS
Invitation and Stationery suppliers can be found here
FINALIZE YOUR INVITATION LIST
Having troublee? Read aour article about 'Who to invite'
START ADDRESSING INVITATIONS
HIRE WEDDING TRANSPORT
HIRE A MAKE-UP ARTIST AND/OR HAIR STYLIST
HELP BOTH MOTHERS SHOP FOR THEIR DRESSES
See the best clothes for Mothers of The Bride in the north west here
PURCHASE SHOES, GARTER AND OTHER ACCESSORIES FOR THE BRIDE
See our list of Bridal Accessories shops here
BUY YOUR WEDDING RINGS
GROOM BUYS A WEDDING GIFT FOR THE BRIDE
BRIDE BUYS A WEDDING GIFT FOR THE GROOM
BUY GIFTS FOR THE BRIDAL PARTY
SELECT SPECIAL SONGS
- Walking into the reception
- Signing the register
- Walking out after the ceremony
- Reception drinks
- First Dance
SELECT SONGS FOR EVENING RECEPTION
Begin your list of songs to give to the evening DJ or live band. If you are going digital then start a playlist on your ipod and add to it whenever you think of a song that will sound good for the wedding. It's a great idea to ask wedding guests for song requests. This can be done as part of your reply cards, as an invitation on facebook, or as a form on your wedding website.
1-3 months before your wedding
DISTRIBUTE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS TO BRIDAL PARTY
- Wedding Day (Time & Place To Meet and Other Details)
- Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner
- Bachelor Party/Stag Night (if available)
- Bridesmaids' or Bachelorette Party/ Hen Night (if available)
- Final Fittings and Pick-Up Dates for Tuxedos/Suits and Dresses
CHECK MARRIAGE LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
- Blood Tests
- Medical Exams
- Birth Certificates
SET UP WEDDING GIFT LIST
Or decide what you would like to include (if anything) in your invitations about suggestions for gifts from guests.
SEND OUT INVITATIONS (AT LEAST 8 WEEKS IN ADVANCE)
SEND OUT EVENING INVITATIONS (AT LEAST 6 WEEKS IN ADVANCE)
SCHEDULE FINAL GOWN/HEADPIECE & DRESS FITTINGS
SCHEDULE FINAL TUXEDO FITTINGS
ORDER YOUR WEDDING LINGERIE
PURCHASE OTHER NECESSARY ITEMS FOR THE CEREMONY & RECEPTION
- Guest Book & Pen
- Flower Girl Basket
- Candelabras
- Rice or Confetti (check that your ceremony venue allows it!)
- Centrepiece Items
- Favours
GET THE MARRIAGE LICENSE
FINALISE APPOINTMENT TIMES WITH HAIR/BEAUTY SALON
MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO HAVE YOUR TEETH CLEANED OR BLEACHED (optional)
CONFIRM HONEYMOON RESERVATIONS
ARRANGE FOR TRANSPORTATION TO THE AIRPORT
START PACKING AND PREPARING FOR THE HONEYMOON
1 month before
FINAL CONSULTATION/CONFIRMATION WITH ALL SERVICES DISCUSS ARRIVAL TIMES, LOCATIONS, SPECIAL DETAILS AND PAYMENTS DUE
- DJ/Band/Other Entertainment (don't forget SPECIAL SONGS you want played)
- Ceremony Musician(s) (don't forget to discuss any SPECIAL DETAILS)
- Photographer (don't forget to discuss any SPECIAL PICTURES you want taken)
- Wedding Transport (don't forget to discuss TIMES, LOCATIONS & DIRECTIONS)
- Florist (don't forget to discuss ARRIVAL TIMES at ceremony/reception sites)
- Baker (don't forget to discuss any SPECIAL DETAILS)
- Suit Hire (don't forget to discuss FITTING & PICK-UP dates)
- Bridal Gown & Dresses (don't forget to discuss FITTING & PICK-UP dates)
- Clergyman/Judge (don't forget to discuss CEREMONY & REHEARSAL DETAILS)
- Rehearsal Dinner Site (don't forget to discuss MENU & OTHER DETAILS)
- Make-Up Artist (don't forget to discuss any SPECIAL DETAILS)
- Hair Stylist (don't forget to discuss any SPECIAL DETAILS)
- Other Service(s)
ARRANGE FOR NAME AND ADDRESS CHANGES
- Bank Accounts & Loans
- Credit Cards
- Driver's License
- Social Security
- Passport
- Other Important Documents
CONTACT GUESTS WHO HAVE NOT RESPONDED
MAKE SEATING PLANS FOR THE RECEPTION
PREPARE RECEPTION PLACE CARDS
FINALIZE YOUR MENU WITH CATERER AND/OR RECEPTION SITE
CHECK ACCOMMODATIONS FOR OUT-OF-TOWN GUESTS
REMIND BRIDAL PARTY OF SPECIAL EVENTS AND OBLIGATIONS
WRAP GIFTS FOR THE BRIDAL PARTY
On the Day
ENJOY EVERY MINUTE!
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North-West-Wedding.co.uk is here to help you with every aspect of organising your wedding day in the north west of England, with advice on everything from the Engagement through to finding your perfect north west wedding venue, in Liverpool, Chester, Preston, Southport, Ormskirk, Bury, Blackburn and Manchester, plus other smaller wedding venues in towns in Lancashire, Merseyside, Cheshire, and Greater Manchester.
We have wedding information on finding your ideal Wedding Dress, Wedding Shoes, Bridesmaid Dresses, Wedding Menswear, Mother of the Bride Outfit, Wedding Rings, and more personal ideas about your Wedding Speeches, Wedding Invitations, North West Hen Party and North West Stag Party. We hope you enjoy browsing through North West Wedding, and don't forget to login in (using the tab at the top) to add your own reviews and ideas to the site.