Today

It may seem like an impossible task, but with some sensible planning, a good sense of humour and a little help from your friends, organising a wedding can be a simple countdown to the best day of your life.

The Early Stages

• Tell your friends and relatives about your engagement and show off the ring.
• Introduce both sets of parents if they haven't already met
• Announce your engagement in a local and/or national newspapers
• Open a bank account for the wedding
• Organise wedding insurance
• Set a budget and organise who is paying for what
• Choose the key members of the wedding party (best man, bridesmaids etc.)

12 – 6 Months To Go

• Decide on what type of wedding you want e.g. traditional/modern, big/small
• Decide on the time of year you want it to take place and set a date
• Interview and hire a wedding co-ordinator if required- if not then start delegating
• Meet with the minister, priest or rabbi if you're having a religious service or book the register office/ civil venue
• Research reception venues in your chosen area, visit possibilities and reserve your favourite
• Book transport
• Book a photographer and/or videographer (do some research – you can't beat a good recommendation)
• Choose a florist and meet to discuss ideas and a budget
• Order stationary (invites, save-a-date cards, thank you notes)
• Choose bridesmaid's outfits
• Meet with dress designers or visit bridal shops to choose your own outfit
• Book the honeymoon and don't forget to book time off work
• Research bands/DJs/musicians and book your favourite to play at the ceremony or reception
• Send out 'save-a-date' cards if using them

6 – 4 Months To Go

• Organise dress fittings
• Choose and purchase your wedding rings
• Confirm arrangements with your minister/official and discuss the service including readings and music
• Give notice of the marriage to the superintendent registrar if marrying in a church other than the Church of England
• Book your caterer and order your wedding cake (after enjoying lots of samples!)
• Make a first draft of your invitation list and contact venues with estimate of numbers
• Book your hairdresser/make-up artist for the big day
• Reserve accommodation for guests who will need it
• Choose your gift list company
• Groom to organise outfits for himself and best man
• Choose or start making your wedding day favours
• Begin fitness regime

4-2 Months To Go

• Send out invitations including gift list information
• Write thank you notes as and when gifts arrive
• Confirm booking if you're marrying a register office
• Finalise honeymoon arrangements – remember insurance and passport validity!
• Organise vaccinations and visas (if required) for the honeymoon
• Discuss menu options with the cater – try all dishes and wine
• Schedule rehearsal time and dinner
• Book dance lessons for that first dance
• Think carefully about the first song
• Buy you're going away outfit if you have one
• Begin beauty regime
• Write personalised wedding vows if necessary
• Have order-of-service sheets printed
• Book first night hotel

2-1 Months To Go

• Choose gifts for the wedding party
• Chase all unanswered invitations and draw up a final list
• Confirm, in writing, the final number of guests to your caterer and venue and work out a seating plan
• Check the wedding outfits will be ready and have a final dress fitting with shoes, jewellery and lingerie
• Book your final hair appointment
• Finalise transport
• If you're changing your name notify your bank, doctor, mortgage company, DVLA etc.
• Plan hen and stag parties – it's advisable to organise the celebrations at least a week before the big day
• Remind speakers to write their speeches
• Buy the wedding certificate from the registrar
• Write place cards or send to calligrapher/printer
• Book travellers cheques/foreign currency
• Speak with the photographer and type up a list of any 'must have' shots to be taken on the day
• Buy a guest book

1 Week To Go

• Confirm photographer, flowers, cars, bands and DJ
• Re-confirm final numbers with the venue and caterers
• Make final honeymoon checks and pack
• It's also worth arranging for someone to bring your luggage and going-away outfits to the venue if you're leaving form the reception
• Hold ceremony rehearsal with wedding party
• Double check your outfit is complete
• Make sure the best man has arranged for the hired outfits to be returned on time
• Have a final hair and make-up practice
• Appoint a punctual pal to bring the cake knife, toasting glasses and other heirlooms to the venue early (and be responsible for taking them home too)
• Wear in your wedding day shoes at home

The Day Before

• Have a manicure, pedicure and any other pampering treatment sot make you feel your best
• Greet out of town guests
• Help decorate the venue if necessary
• Do some yoga or take a long walk to help you relax and sleep well
• Have an early night

The Big Day

• Relax and enjoy yourself!

Source: Living North Weddings