3 minute read
Your Ultimate Check List
Planning a wedding can be a little daunting, with so much to think about, organise and implement we have created the ultimate checklist to help you with the most important details.
18 months to go
First thing’s first is getting that guest list sorted. You can’t determine the budget nor venue without this vital information. If you’re struggling for who to invite (or who not to invite), check out page 20 for our handy flow chart to give you a better idea of who are the VIPs and the VI nos!
It’s numbers time. This is when all that detailed (and boring) spreadsheet experience finally becomes useful. Breakdown your budget within a spreadsheet to be able to see the big picture and understand priorities.
The booking of the venue is one of the most important decisions to be made on our checklist. Wedding venues often get booked up well in advance, so be sure to shop around early. Take everything into consideration – themes, location, seating and don’t forget to check if they have a Registrar free!
Now is the time to appoint your wedding party. These will be the people who will help you on the day. From bridesmaids and best men, to ushers and ringbearers, choosing those who will be most helpful will ease your mind on the day.
16 months to go
If you haven’t already, now is the time to create a Pinterest account. You can create boards to visualise how you want your day to look and feel. So, decide the theme which best represents you both as a couple and get pinning!
Book your florist. Flowers are a statement piece on your big day. One of the key trends this year is to have more potted plants rather than fresh cut flowers, helping to reduce your carbon footprint. Although don’t be disheartened, you can still impress with flower arches and outstanding flower installations.
Other key things to book at this point in the process are your photographer, wedding band or DJ and caterers if needed. Get ahead and order your cake too, although this can usually wait until 8-10 months before.
12 months to go
A key and often unknown part of the pre-wedding planning is registering your intention to marry. You will need to book an appointment with your registrar where you will register your intention to marry, pay for your marriage certificate and give details of your wedding ceremony. Of course you don’t have to have a registrar conduct the ceremony on the day, there are some fantastic Celebrants in Lancashire who can help you create your dream ceremony, entirely bespoke to you.
Send out your save the dates! What’s a wedding without your loving friends and family there? If you’ve used our handy ‘wedding guest’ flow chart, then this process just got easier. With the time you’ve saved, why don’t you try your creative flair and design/make the invites yourself. It can be a fun activity with your future partner.
The second biggest decision (we believe) is your wedding outfit. It’s likely from an early age you’ve dreamt of the perfect dress or suit, whether it’s classic, glamourous or something completely unique – make sure you allow plenty of time for alterations.
6 months to go
Send out wedding invitations. They’ve saved the date but now make sure all your guests know the finer details of the day. Venue, timings, dress code and local accommodation should all be included.
Taste testing. Probably the most fun part of organising a wedding is to make sure that everything being served on the day is absolutely perfect. From the canapes to the main meal (and not forgetting the cake!), you need to be sure the food being served hits the spot.
This is the time to start pulling all the little bits together. Wedding rings, accessories, bridesmaid and groomsmen outfits, thank you gifts, and hair and make up trials can all be done now.
Lancashire is the perfect place to celebrate your upcoming wedding with your closest friends, on a stag or hen do. Whether you hire a quaint cottage, visit a luxury spa or play a round of golf, it’s the perfect place to let your hair down and begin the final countdown to the day.
One week to go!!!
Hopefully all the major tasks will be done by now and you can start to really look forward to the big day. Dedicate this week to going over everything and maybe planning a lovely wedding day surprise, like a handwritten letter, for your other half.