Wedding Planning Checklist to help you plan the perfect wedding.
Congratulations on your forthcoming Wedding!
if at all possible try to allow yourselves enough time on your calendars to arrange the Wedding you both wish for, then work though this free wedding planning 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.
Wedding Planning 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.
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 details
of the ceremony 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.
Wedding Planning 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 as little as £26 (June 2008) you can insure your arrangements against any cancellation or change. You can then continue arranging a wedding with confidence.
Wedding Planning 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 so put this on your wedding planning checklist
- 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.
Free Wedding Planning Checklist Advice (continued)
