As the New Year is well and truly here, I know many of you will be planning weddings for 2009, 2010 and of course, those who just can’t wait, this year!

Here is a guide to get you going on Planning your Wedding, and remember – if in doubt sort it out and book it early.

As soon as possible

  • Choose and book date for Ceremony and the reception venue
  • Choose and book a wedding coordinator/planner
  • Put together a guest list, check with both families and be sure that everyone understands who is paying for what

Twelve months ahead

  • Book your honeymoon
  • Send out save the date cards, earlier if in the holiday season or around bank holidays- Christmas or New Year
  • Choose and Book your Photographer/DVD, Transport, Caterers, Florist and Entertainment
  • Start making decisions for wedding outfits for Bride and Groom, Ushers, Bridesmaid, Flower girl, Page.
  • Suggest the Mums, or Principle Female get together to ensure there will be no clashes or duplicates on the day

Nine months ahead

  • Decide on wedding outfits and book
  • Start to look at wedding rings
  • Choose and book baker for the wedding cake
  • Meet with Florist to discuss options for flowers
  • Start thinking about Hen and Stag Parties

Six months ahead

  • Choose wedding Stationary
  • Start making map/directions to Ceremony, Venue etc
  • Make sure all hired outfits are booked
  • Book Hen and Stag parties
  • Start thinking of your wedding gift list

Three months ahead

  • Send out invitations and maps 10 weeks before the wedding
  • Check special diets
  • Make wedding gift list and book
  • Decide on flowers and confirm bookings.
  • Choose gifts for Bridesmaids, Best man, Ushers, Mums
  • Buy or order for hire children’s wedding clothes i.e. less than 10 years (They grow too fast to buy any earlier!)

Six weeks ahead

  • Check sizes for children and confirm
  • Decide on hairstyles for bridal party and have a trial with headdresses
  • Finalise Hen and Stag Parties

Four weeks ahead

  • Have a dress rehearsal for outfits. Try on everything together. Check lengths of dresses with shoes. Make any alterations. Look carefully at attendants and take photographs of them standing together. This will enable you to look and check details. Look very carefully!

Two Weeks ahead

  • Finalise all reception details and confirm all arrangements, Cars, flowers, photographer etc
  • Wrap attendant’s presents and write cards
  • Hold a trial for Hair and make up – make a note of all products used, colours and most important the timing!

One week ahead

  • Hold a wedding rehearsal
  • Pack honeymoon case, Finalise clothes for going away and place them together

Day before

  • Hold a Bridesmaids Picnic and have some Girly fun! Don’t drink too much and have a good night’s sleep – Remember blurry eyes don’t look quite so attractive in the photographs!

Enjoy your very special day and happy planning!