Your Free Wedding Checklist

When arranging a wedding try to allow yourselves enough time to organise the Wedding you both wish for, then work through this free wedding checklist to make sure you have covered the important items. Arranging a wedding can be a time consuming task, but before you start you to work through your free wedding checklist you must decide together the type of wedding you would like - e.g. a formal church wedding or an informal civil ceremony.

Free Wedding Checklist - The Budget

Both decide at the outset who will be paying for what. This is perhaps one of the most important things to do on your free wedding checklist and should take priority. It will save a lot of heartache later on if you get this step right!! As a large part of your cost will depend on how many people will be attending the ceremony it is a good idea to draw up a preliminary list at an early stage to give you some idea of numbers.

Free Wedding Checklist - Booking the Ceremony

Book the church / civil ceremony as soon as you agree on a date. Arrange to meet either the church minister or the registrar so that arrangements can be made and the "notice of intention to marry" can be issued.

Church Weddings: discuss the wedding order of service with the minister including the style of service, music to be played, bell ringing, choirs etc. Also find out whether photos may be taken in the church and if confetti is acceptable in the church grounds afterwards.

If you are arranging a wedding involving a civil ceremony you will need to see the local Registrar who will not only inform you of the legal formalities but, as an expert in arranging a wedding, will advise on the number of guests that can be accommodated at the ceremony, especially if held in a Registry Office. They will also inform you if photographs / confetti are acceptable.

Free Wedding Checklist - Insurance

If the unthinkable happened and your big day had to be cancelled or postponed, everything would go on hold - Except the bills. Could you really afford to pay for your wedding arrangements twice? Suppliers will request deposits the moment you make your booking - How much would you lose if something unforeseen happened today?

Therefore, if you have not already done so we strongly recommend that you take out a Wedding Insurance package. For a small sum you can insure your arrangements against any cancellation or change. You can then continue arranging a wedding with confidence. Wedding Insurance

Free Wedding Checklist Reception Venue

The next item on your free Wedding checklist is to look around / visit possible reception venues to see what each one offers for the money. Before you visit, write down a list of questions you would like answering. Don't make a decision on the spot; ask for a written quote and consider all the options together at home. Most civil wedding and reception venues will have their own planner who will be an expert in arranging venues and will be able to offer you plenty of advice. Here is a quick list of things to think about.

• If you are thinking of spending your honeymoon night there ask if they have a suite available and if so can you see it.
• Many hotels will offer a special price on rooms to guests travelling to the reception and some will offer free accommodation to the Bride and Groom.
• Make sure you see the function room where the reception will take place and ask what the hotel / venue provides in the way of table linen, decoration, flowers etc.
• A buffet meal usually works out less expensive than a formal sit down meal. Many couples decide on a small formal reception for a few close family and friends followed by an evening buffet / entertainment to include additional guests.
• Make sure you are aware as to what drinks (if any) are included in the quoted price.
• Music for reception; your reception venue may be able to recommend a local disco / entertainment or some larger hotels may have their own regular entertainers. Remember, if you book a live band that they need breaks and you may need a facility to play music during the breaks
• Spend time considering each venue and package offered. Once decided book and send written confirmation regarding date, time and the reception room you require. A deposit is usually required at this time.

Wedding Checklist - Flowers

Arrange flowers for the Wedding is an important item on your Wedding checklist. Plan to visit various florists, preferably on a quieter day of the week, and ask their advice on colours and types of bouquets to match the wedding outfits. You may also like the florist to provide church flowers and flowers for the reception on the same colour scheme.

Buttonholes are usually provided for the principal men of the Wedding party. Sprays are worn by the two mothers. Should you not be using a professional florist, you will still need to order several weeks in advance, especially if you are choosing out of season flowers. More detailed information on Wedding bouquets and the meanings of flowers.

Wedding Checklist - Music

Choose you Wedding Music We have selected a number of Wedding Music CDs for you to choose from.

Wedding Checklist - Photographs / video

You may know someone who has recently married who can give you a recommendation. Otherwise contact local photographers and ask to see examples of their work and prices. You will need to agree before the ceremony any specific photographs you require taking. If you require photographs inside the church / ceremony venue you will need permission. There are a number of selected books you can buy on Wedding Photography which may help.

Wedding Checklist - Invitations

Decide on who you would like to be the Best Man, Bridesmaids and Ushers. Order your Wedding Stationary. Send out invitations to guests along with a wedding gift list, and how to reach the church and reception.

It is also a good idea to include details of local accommodation and perhaps the phone number or email of the local tourist information centre.

Read this article for more information on your Wedding invitations

Why not consider having a personal wedding website to keep your guests informed of your wedding plans. This can even be in the same colour scheme and design as your wedding stationary if you order from Our Wedding Essentials.

Wedding Checklist - Outfits.

Groom's outfit - in most cases this is hired. Be sure this is done well in advance. The Best Man and Ushers also may wish to hire outfits.

Wedding Checklist - The cake

Visit local bakeries to get styles and quotes. Most bakeries have photographs of the cakes they provide. Alternatively some large stores stock suitable cakes for Weddings which will just require additional decorations. Don't forget to ask if stands are provided. We have selected some Books on Wedding Cake Decoration which may be of interest.

Wedding Checklist - Rings and Gift Registry

Shop together for Wedding rings and choose small presents for your attendants. You may find our article on the origin and tradition of wedding rings an interesting read!

Wedding Lists / Registry. Many couples find it easier to choose one or two large national department stores for their guests to select items from. Debenhams

have an excellent online service and stores in most major cities.

Wedding Checklist - Transport

Arrange your Wedding transport, either by hiring transport or by using reliable cars from family / guests.

And Finally:

If you are going abroad on a honeymoon remember a change of name will take time.

We have a much more detailed wedding checklist which takes you through on a monthly basis on our wedding countdown pages