By: Alison Kirk
February 2021
Your wedding will be one of the most exciting times of your life and perhaps also the most stressful. Here are some tips and a checklist to help you as you make plans for your big day.
- Set the date. Enjoy the excitement of your engagement and the anticipation of your big day.
- Set your budget. This is vital as expenses can run away with you.
- Decide what is important to you and your fiancé. Prepare to spend more on those things and then split the budget into different categories.
- Decide on the style of wedding you would like. Visit suitable venues and book one as soon as possible. This is important as venues can be booked up years in advance. You can liaise with the venue regarding the menu or arrange for outside catering.
- The wedding ceremony will shape your entire day. Whether you decide on a religious ceremony or a civil ceremony you need to meet with your marriage officer. The venue for the ceremony will have to be booked well in advance if it is a church or temple. Arrangements will have to be made with your marriage officer if you are planning a destination wedding,
- Photographer. Photographs will be a lifetime of memories so choose a photographer that you can relate to, who understands what you want. A bridal fair is a good place to be able to meet and view the photographer’s work. If this is not possible, have a look on line, but it’s best to meet and chat to a photographer so you get to know each other.
- Ideas, styles and themes. Keep a file with all your ideas and inspirations for dresses, flowers, food, etc. Be organised. It will save a lot of time and stress if all your lists, quotes and expenses are in one place. When you have decided on your style of wedding choose your colours to go with the season.
- Flowers are a really important part of a wedding. A florist will advise you on what flowers are in season. These will be less expensive than imported or hot house flowers.
- Transport. This will also need to be booked well in advance. There are many options to choose from, e.g. a horse and carriage, vintage cars, or even a special friend with a smart car to do the honours..
- Invitations. When all the above have been decided on and booked, it’s time for the invitations. A good idea is to send a ‘Save the Date’ card well in advance. This will ensure that those guests you really want at your wedding will be able to come. A wedding stationer will be able to put together a beautiful theme, from ‘save the date’ to invitations, place names, seating plan, etc. Send the invitations about 6 weeks before the wedding so that guests will know what to expect as well as the dress code.
- Beauty. Make a trial hair and make up appointment to see what goes best with your veil, if you are wearing one, and the style of your wedding. Don’t forget to also book an appointment for the Big Day.
