We all know that getting engaged is one of the best days of a couple’s lives, filled with excitement. However I am sure that everyone can also agree, that it comes with a fair amount of stress, pressure and a lot of decisions that need to be made as couples try to navigate planning a wedding and possibly holding down full-time jobs. If I could give one piece of advice to couples, it would be that it is your day, so enjoy it! In order to ensure that your day is stress-free, I suggest that you plan, plan, plan, and plan some more! Also, remember that you are a team, discuss what you both want, and plan based on those ideas. So when and what do you need to think about? 

12 – 18 months prior: Start with the big things!

What: What theme/style wedding do you want? Do you want an elegant manor house wedding or a rustic marquee wedding? Think about the type of ceremony you want within this. Remember it’s your choice!

Where: Where do you want to get married and at what venue? Do you want a wedding in your home town or do you want a destination wedding?

When: When do you want to get married? Do you want a summer or winter wedding?

How: What is your budget? This is key, decide it with your partner and stick to it! Easier said than done, I know!

 Who: Who do you want to invite and how many people do you want to attend? Remember each invite comes at a cost so think carefully. Don’t invite people because you feel like you ‘have to’!

6 – 12 months prior: Get into the detail!

Suppliers: Select your final suppliers; caterers, florists, entertainment, photographers, etc. Remember, good suppliers get booked up fast. So, in order to get your first choice, you need to get in there early!

Insurance: Make sure you secure wedding insurance. It may seem like an unnecessary expense but it may be your saviour!

Save the Dates: Ideally, these should be sent out 12 months prior to the wedding. You want your guest to be free!

The Dress: Possibly one of the most exciting times for the bride! Dresses take 3 – 4 months to be made and alterations can take 6 – 8 weeks, so start looking early. 

1 – 6 months prior: It’s all in the detail!

Bridesmaids/Ushers: Start shopping, get their outfit’s sorted and wedding ready!

Rings: Enjoy a couples day and buy your rings.

Ceremony: Finalise your order of service.

Invitations: Traditionally, invites are sent out 3 months prior to the day.

Table Plan: Create your table plan – remember it’s your day so try not to stress about it, it will change several times!

Wedding Dress: Final fitting! Avoid a last-minute crash diet. Your dress is fitted perfectly to the size you are on your final fitting, so this is how it will look best. Rather than a crash diet, try and maintain the same weight, however tempted you are!

0 – 1 month prior: The Final Countdown!

Confirm: Confirm final timings and movements with each supplier. The best way to do this is to create an itinerary of the day with everyone’s movements which can be sent to each supplier easily. 

Sit Back and Relax: Once you have sent over the final details, enjoy the build-up to your wedding!