Welcome
Congratulations on your engagement!
You are about to start one of the most amazing times of your life and this is where the fun really gets going as you begin to plan your dream wedding day. Okay, before you get started. Rule number one: planning your dream wedding day does not have to be stressful. There is still a year or maybe more until your big day and you might feel there is time to relax, but now really is the time to get super-duper organised, so when your big day arrives you’ll be totally relaxed and enjoy every moment. Every wedding is different, so read through the planner and familiarise yourself with the task ahead - it’s a big one! Take each step one at a time, tick off your successes as you go and before you know it you will be making your dream wedding day a reality!
Good luck
Contents Page 1
2 Months or More * 1Before the Wedding Page 2
To 11 Months * 9Before the Wedding Page 3
To 8 Months * 6Before the wedding To 5 Months * 4Before the Wedding Page 4
Months Before * 3the Wedding Months Before * 2The Wedding Page 5
Month Before * 1the Wedding
3 Great tips to save you more Off-peak discounts
DIY touches
Family talents
Don’t be shy about asking venues about their ‘off peak’ packages and late availability deals.You can make great savings when booking these packages. Also, picking a weekday instead of a weekend or a day that is out of season could save you funds on other suppliers too who may offer weekday discounts. This can cut the cost of your reception venue by as much as half.
These days weddings are all about personal touches, so why not make a few things yourself and stamp your own personality on the day? The easiest things to make are cupcake favours, chairback details and hanging decorations like pom poms or bunting.
Make sure you tap into the talents of your nearest and dearest. Someone who loves baking could be enlisted to make your wedding cake and a close friend or your chief bridesmaid could do your hair and make-up on the day.These are all avenues worth exploring, it’ll make your loved ones feel valued and a special part of your day and you can save money at the same time.
Weeks Before * 2the Wedding Week Before * 1the Wedding Page 6
* 1 Day Before * Y our Wedding Day! * P ost Wedding Day This wedding planner should be used as a guide only
For any enquires please contact Jon Ashford Wedding Photography on 07986301503 or email me on hello@jonashford.com
Wedding Plan Checklist 12 Months or More Before the Wedding Announce your engagement Choose your engagement ring Decide on a wedding date and start searching wedding venues
Send save the date cards/emails to close family and friends Visit wedding fayres/look through bridal magazines, search the internet to gain ideas and inspiration for your big day
Decide the style and theme of your wedding
Make a list of what is important to you for a wedding this will help determine your budget
Discuss the wedding budget and who will pay for what
Find a wedding officiant (the person who will marry you) and apply for the necessary licence's 1 For any enquires please contact Jon on 07986301503 or email me on hello@jonashford.com
9 To 11 Months Before the Wedding
Begin your search for vendors:
Find your Bridal Gown Get the boys to sort out Formal Suit Hire Photographer Videographer Live Music, Disco, Entertainers or bands (if needed) Caterer (if needed) Florist Wedding Transport Hair and Beauty Stylist Bridesmaid Dresses Wedding Cake Shoes and Accessories Wedding Lingerie Venue Decoration/Chair Covers
If you the vendor is available on your chosen date book them IMMEDIATELY! Compile a preliminary guest list Finalise your wedding colours, theme and style Choose your bridesmaids, groomsmen, ushers, flower girl and ring bearer. Ensure they are aware of what their duties are
noteS
2 For any enquires please contact Jon on 07986301503 or email me on hello@jonashford.com
6 To 8 Months Before the wedding Start planning ceremony and reception music choices Start looking at invitation designs If you haven't already, purchase your wedding gown, veil and accessories Finalise and order/purchase attire for your attendants Sign up for your gift registry/honeymoon donation noteS
4 To 5 Months Before the Wedding Contact your florist and finalise your arrangements Order Wedding stationery (invitations, envelopes, order of service etc) Book you wedding transport Arrange accommodation for out of town guests (book blocks of hotel rooms if possible. Gather suggestions for other accommodation to be included in your invite)
M ake sure you reserve room for you and your partner on your wedding night if you have not already done so
Choose your wedding cake Decide on your wedding decorations including favours noteS
3 For any enquires please contact Jon on 07986301503 or email me on hello@jonashford.com
3 Months Before The Wedding Order your wedding cake Finalise your guest list Meet with your wedding officiant to discuss details of the ceremony Choose gifts for your attendants and parents Groom and male members of the wedding party to arrange for a suit fitting Reconfirm honeymoon arrangements Start writing your wedding vows, if you are doing them yourself Send out your invitations noteS
2 Months Before The Wedding Meet with vendors to finalise arrangements Schedule a hair and makeup trial with a consultant Start making/buying wedding favours Finalise music selections for the ceremony and reception If changing your name, complete the proper documents Meet with officiant to finalise ceremony details noteS
4 For any enquires please contact Jon on 07986301503 or email me on hello@jonashford.com
1 Month Before the Wedding M eet with your photographer, for your pre-wedding meeting and location shoot. This is a good time to discuss a list of required pictures you would like
Start working on your seating plan Decide and confirm your wedding vows and ensure your officiant has been sent copies Confirm all final payment amounts with your vendors as well as dates, times etc Collect marriage licence Confirm Honeymoon reservations Arrange for a final wedding dress fitting Make sure the men have their final suit fitting noteS
2 Weeks Before the Wedding Contact any guests you have not received an acceptance from Finalise Seating chart Confirm delivery time and locations with florist noteS
1 Week Before the Wedding Collect wedding gown, bridesmaid, flower girl dresses and accessories Give final guest numbers to venue/receptions/caterer Reconfirm everything with vendors one last time noteS
5 For any enquires please contact Jon on 07986301503 or email me on hello@jonashford.com
1 Day Before Attend rehearsal (if you are having one) Have a manicure/pedicure Confirm wedding day transportation Reconfirm hair and make appointments for the wedding day Confirm all duties required with the wedding party Try to get an early night and relax! noteS
Your Wedding Day!
Have breakfast, even if you think you aren't hungry Have your hair and makeup done Begin dressing two hours before ceremony is scheduled to begin Take a deep breath, relax and most importantly enjoy your big day!
After Your Wedding Day
If you are due to leave for honeymoon straight after the wedding day you need to ensure the following:
A ny formal attire such as suits that have been hired for the day are returned the next working day in good order to the vendor. (Perhaps delegate this task to the best man or a member of the wedding party)
E nsure the venue is aware of any table decorations or chair covers that have been
hired for the wedding from florists or venue decoration companies are stored safely for collection to ensure any refundable deposits are returned. (Perhaps delegate this task to the best man or a member of the wedding party)
E nsure thank you notes for any gifts or donations are sent out no later than 3 months after your wedding date
6 For any enquires please contact Jon on 07986301503 or email me on hello@jonashford.com