Planning Your Wedding Day with Panache

‘’ PLANNING YOUR WEDDING DAY’’

1 YEAR TO GO:

• Discuss priorities, such as the type, size & formality of Ceremony & Reception.
• Make a list of your top ten priorities, which will guide all spending decisions.
• Discuss finances, including if and what family member/s will contribute.
• Establish a budget.
• Open joint banking accounts and/or credit cards.
• Select wedding date and an alternative date.
• Get a rough idea of the guest list.
• Discuss and visit possible ceremony and reception locations.
• Set up an organisational system e.g.: a binder or a computer spreadsheet.
• Look through magazines, visit bridal fayres to get ideas on attire, invitations, flowers, cakes etc.
• Hire a wedding planner.
• Finalise the wedding date.
• Book the ceremony site.
• Book the reception venue.

9 MONTHS TO GO:

• Find out requirements for the marriage license and other legal issues. Visit the registrar if you’re having a civil ceremony. If you’re marrying in church, make an appointment to visit your minister.
• Select bridesmaids, best man, ushers, flower girl to take part in your wedding. Make sure they are all available on your chosen date.
• Select wedding stationery.
• Post “save the date” cards.
• Register for gifts in store/s.
• Begin shopping for bridal attire, photographer, florist, cake artist, caterer, wedding rings, transport & musicians/DJ or band.
• Check budget that you are not overspending.
• Order you wedding dress & bridesmaids/flower girl attire or ensure the dressmaker has started making the dresses.
• Book photographer.
• Book caterer.
• Book cake artist.
• Book florist.
• Book transport.
• Book a band, DJ or other entertainment for the ceremony & reception.

5 MONTHS TO GO:

• Select and order men’s attire.
• Finalise guest list.
• Choose and meet with officiant and schedule any required premarital classes.
• Select musicians for ceremony.
• Select music for the ceremony.
• Appoint a venue dressing co-ordinator to purchase or make decorations for the venue.
• Reserve a block of hotel rooms for guests.
• Make honeymoon plans.

3 MONTHS TO GO:

• Mail invitations.
• Finalise photography needs.
• Finalise menu.
• Finalise cake.
• Finalise flowers.
• Purchase or make favours.
• Purchase or make gifts for attendants & other special helpers.
• Make arrangements for the rehearsal, including dinner.
• Finalise wedding day transportation between venues.
• Finalise wedding rings.
• Finalise ceremony details, including vows and order of service.
• Review and update gift registry.
• Collect bridal attire and arrange alterations.
• Schedule appointments with hair stylist and other beauty – related services.
• Begin writing thank you notes for gifts that have been received.

1 MONTH TO GO:

• Get marriage license and finalise all other legal matters.
• Finalise honeymoon plans.
• Attend bachelor / bachelorette parties.
• Continue writing thank you notes for gifts that have been received.
• Have a final dress fitting.

1 WEEK TO GO:

• Confirm that vendors have your schedule.
• Give final head count to the chef or caterers
• Collect any rental attire.
• Pack wedding day bag, including accessories and emergency items.
• Pack Honeymoon bags and arrange foreign currency if required.
• Attend rehearsal and dinner.
• Go to beauty related trial appointment.
• Run through any last minute details.

YOUR WEDDING DAY:

• Start your day with a healthy breakfast.
• Relax in a warm bubble bath.
• Make sure the best man has the rings.
• Relax while your hair & make-up is applied.
• Get dressed
• The photographer will be there to capture the moment.
• The wedding car arrives to take you to your ceremony.