Wedding day countdown

When you set the date

• Agree a budget for the wedding and honeymoon and
  agree who will pay for what
• Decide between a traditional formal wedding or a
  more intimate affair
• Choose a church wedding or civil ceremony
• Visit potential venues for wedding and reception and
  book as soon as possible, including overnight accommodation
  if needed
• Visit a wedding fair if possible, or start a scrapbook of
  ideas
• Invite your chosen bridesmaids and best man to do the
  honours
• Book the photographer, video company and florist
• Think about taking out insurance against the worst
  case scenario

Six months to go

• Choose dresses for the bride and attendants
• Order wedding cake
• Book the wedding cars
• Order wedding stationery
• Compile guest list
• Put together a gift list, and register with a store if using
  a gift registry service
• Book the honeymoon and make sure passports will be
  valid. Check whether vaccinations are needed for your
  chosen destination

Three months before

• Confirm arrangements with the minister, if marrying
  in church and select music and form of service
• Discuss both mothers’ outfits to avoid clashing colours
• Send out invitations with notification of where
  your list is held, maps on how to find the venue
  and suggestions for overnight accommodation
  for guests coming from afar
• Visit hairdresser and beautician for initial consultations
• Buy wedding lingerie and shoes, plus accessories
  for the day and going-away outfit if needed

One month left

• Visit hairdresser with veil and/or headdress to finalise
  style
• Book final appointments with hairdresser and beautician
• Have final dress fittings
• Buy thank-you gifts for the bridesmaids
• Make a seating plan for the reception and prepare
  place cards
• Finalise numbers with caterers as soon as possible, and
  advise of any special dietary requirements
• Plan your honeymoon wardrobe
• Inform the tax office, doctor, employer, credit card
  companies and bank if you are taking your husband’s
  name

One week left

• Hold a wedding rehearsal with all key people present
• Make final checks on flowers, catering, photography
  and cars
• Arrange delivery of cake to the reception venue
• Take delivery of brides and bridesmaids dresses
• Wear your wedding shoes round the house to break
  them in gently
• Have stag and hen parties

The day before

• Pack honeymoon suitcases and take them to the reception
• Locate the rings and give them to the best man for safe
  keeping
• Don’t panic and have an early night – it’s a big day
  tomorrow…