Wedding Planning Checklist to help you plan the perfect wedding.
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.
Just in case 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?
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.
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. Questions to ask when considering your wedding reception venue
Choose you Wedding Music We have selected a number of Wedding Music CDs for you to choose from.
Order your Wedding Stationary. Send out invitations to guests along with a wedding gift list, and instructions on how to reach the church and reception. Read this article for more information on your Wedding invitations
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.
Decide on who you would like to be the Best Man, Bridesmaids and Ushers.
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.
Bridesmaids. Try to choose a colour that will not only complement the Bride's Dress, but will look good on each of them.
Wedding Dress. Try on as many styles as you can to get a feel, and try ivory as an alternative to white as it may suit your complexion better. As this is a large expense consider hiring. Some department stores now offer suitable bridal / bridesmaid dresses at reasonable prices. Read our Wedding Dress Buying Tips for more advice.
Arranging flowers for the Wedding is an important item on your Wedding checklist. You may like the florist to provide church flowers and flowers for the reception on the same colour scheme. More detailed information on Wedding bouquets and the meanings of flowers.
Visit local bakeries to get styles and quotes. Most bakeries have photographs of the cakes they provide. We have selected some Books on Wedding Cake Decoration which may be of interest.
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.
Arrange your Wedding transport, either by hiring transport or by using reliable cars from family / guests. For the best man don't forget the wedding car decorations.
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
Wedding Budget
Wedding Insurance
Wedding Planning Advice
Wedding Countdown
Wedding Theme Accent Colours
Civil Wedding Ceremony
Notice of Intention to Marry
Wedding Order of Service
Wedding Vows
Reception Venues
Wedding Table Plans
Wedding Speeches
Wedding Entertainment
Wedding Flowers
Wedding Traditions
Bridal Lingerie
Wedding Dress Buying Tips
Wedding Rings
Inviting Children to your Wedding
Wedding Car Decoration / Hire
Wedding Cake Decoration
Choosing Wedding Music
If you have not already done so we strongly recommend that you take out a Wedding Insurance policy. For as little as £20 (May 2011) you can insure your wedding arrangements against any cancellation or change. You can then continue arranging a wedding with confidence.
