1. Start
your wedding plans early, start your preparations from the day you
get engaged.
2. You must
decide with your partner exactly what sort of wedding you would both
would like. Formal or informal? Intimate or extravagant?
3. When it
is time to choose the date of the wedding, allow yourself enough
time to plan the wedding of your dreams.
4. Once you
have decided on the venue for the ceremony, book it as early as you
can. Popular dates during the summer, are booked anything up to a
year in advance.
5. Money is
an important factor which must be taken into consideration and a
realistic budget should be set. Then arrange a meeting for everyone
who will be contributing towards the cost involved in the initial
discussion.
6. You must
both decide at an early stage who will be paying for what. You don't
want any nasty surprises at a latter date and nor does your dad!
7. Consider
buying some wedding day insurance. Many companies now offer packages
to cover accidents prior to and on the big day itself - just in
case.
8. The
reception venue needs to be booked and confirmed as soon as
possible. It is a good idea to visit as many possible reception
venues as you can to compare what each one has to offer. It is a
good idea to ask for written quotes so you can make your decision at
home without feeling pressurised.
9. You now
need to compile a guest list and then decide on the type of catering
your require. A lunchtime buffet works well when your guests are a
mixture of young and old. It also keeps costs down. A formal
sit-down meal is wonderful but is also your most expensive option.
10. Ask the
experts' advice on getting value-for-money and your best choices of
drinks for the number of guests.
11. The
caterers will have many years experience on menu planning so take
there advice when given. They will have lots of valuable experience
about what works and what doesn't.
12. Once you
have found a suitable venue, book the date, time and exact room(s)
you will need in writing. Ask for written confirmation in return.
13. If you
would like menu cards for the centre of the tables ask your
stationers to print them and place-names if you are having a
sit-down reception. It would be a good idea to have two large table
plans to post either side of the dining room.
14. Ask your
parents to help with the seating plans to avoid any family upsets.
15. Now it
is time to start looking for a wedding dress for the big day. You
may be surprised how long it takes to make a gown, even one brought
off-the-peg. The minimum notice for any gown is about eight weeks.
16. Consider
the colour of your skin when choosing the shade of your dress. Pure
white only really suits brunettes or black brides, blondes and
redheads look better in ivory.
17. Try on
as many different styles of dress as you can. Some wedding dresses
have little hanger appeal but look wonderful once they are on.
18. Wedding
dresses are expensive so you could consider hiring the dress. You
can hire a one-off designer gown for about the same as you would pay
for an off-the-peg manufacturer's dress.
19. Decide
on your 'something old, something new, something borrowed and
something blue'. This is the prefect opportunity to wear treasured
family jewellery and gifts from very special friends.
20. Go
shopping with your bridesmaids to choose dresses that suit them all.
If they are of varying ages, use a theme rather than asking
teenagers to wear the frills and flounces that only look cute on the
under-tens.
21. Sit down
with your groom and work out what he will be wearing. Most men hire
their wedding attire and this needs to be done about for weeks in
advance.
22. Once you
have chosen your dress, buy suitable bridal lingerie and take it to
one of the fittings to ensure a perfect fit.
23. You now
need to arrange to photographers and a professional to video your
big day. It would be a good idea to interview them and ask to see
examples of their work and only book someone who seems flexible and
has lots off ideas. Get confirmation of the booking in writing.
24. Setting
a colour theme for the whole wedding can make it easier when
choosing your dress, the bridesmaids' outfits, the flowers and the
reception decorations.
25. Visit a
number of florists but not on a Saturday when they are usually very
busy. A good florist should work with you to create something to
suit your individual style of wedding. Be wary of anyone who just
shows you pictures of 'standard' bouquets.
26. Ask your
florist to prepare two very special bouquets as thank-you for both
mums. These are traditionally presented by the groom during his
speech.
27.
Invitations need to be sent out about two months in advance. There
are many different designs from the formal to the hand-made.
28. Book
your wedding transport and confirm the exact model of car and the
colour if it's part of your theme.
29. If you
want your new surname on your passport to take on honeymoon, apply for
the name change as soon as you can as this can take some time.
30. Start
shopping around for the best deals for your honeymoon. Room upgrades,
champagne, flowers and a free dinner are readily available for
honeymooners.
31. Once the
honeymoon destination has been decided upon ask about necessary visas
and make an appointment with your doctor for any inoculations.
32. Help your
mum and future mother-in-law to choose their outfits. Ask your florist
to design special corsages to match their colour schemes.
33. Go shopping
with your groom for your wedding rings. It is a nice idea to have the
rings engraved inside. Even just your initials and the wedding date is
very romantic.
34. For the
reception you will have to decide on the type of music you would like. A
DJ is always a good option as they can play a variety of music. If you
want to have live music, listen to tapes from potential groups and try
to hear them live at least once.
35. If you are
having a live band, remember they need to take regular breaks so you
will need some kind of entertainment to fill in the gaps. Ask your venue
about facilities for taped music.
36. Visit your
baker or ask your caterers to recommend someone to make the wedding
cake. Expect to pay at least £200 for a three-tiered traditional cake, a
lot more if you want a cake with a theme.
37. Save about
half the cost of your cake by getting a clever mum or friend to make the
basic cake then take it along to a professional to have it iced and
decorated.
38. Ring around
all the local department stores and ask to be sent details of their
wedding gift list services. Choose one or several stores and spend an
afternoon choosing your gifts with your groom, your mum or your best
friend.
39. Ask someone
in your family to be in charge of the guest list, ticking off names as
and when they accept. Your venue will probably want you to confirm final
numbers a week or two in advance.
40. Obtain
permission from your venues to throw confetti. If this is not permitted,
tell your guests to bring rice, which the birds will eat, or rose
petals.
41. A month
before the wedding visit your venue when it is not being used and plan
your room decorations. Flowers everywhere are expensive and two well
placed displays can be just as effective.
42. Book your
first night accommodation. Visit all the local hotels and ask to see the
bridal suite. Check what 'extras' are included in their honeymoon
package, like a chauffeur-driven care to drive you to the airport the
following morning.
43. Buy a supply
of disposable cameras and put a couple in the centre of each table at
your reception. This gives your guests something to do and you should
get a supply of wonderful behind-the-scenes informal pictures to
supplement your album.
44. You need to
buy gifts for the best man, ushers and bridesmaids. Get the gifts
inscribed with your names and your wedding date.
45. Have a
trial-run at the hairdressers a week or two before the big day. Take
along your headdress and veil and even a polaroid camera to make
recreating your wedding hairstyle easier.
46. Treat
yourself to a make-up lesson with a professional. Take careful note of
all the colours they use and how they use them so that you can do the
same on your wedding morning.
47. It would be
a good idea to pack your honeymoon cases and take them to your first
night hotel the day before the wedding.
48. Nominate one
of your bridesmaids or a close friend to pack up your wedding attire
following the reception and store it for you until after the honeymoon.
49. Assemble a
small bag with your wedding day essentials, like a hanky, a lipstick, a
aspirin, a comb and hair grips and ask someone to keep it for you.
50. Smile, relax
and above all have a wonderful day.
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A-Z
A is for
Alcohol - If you can afford it, use genuine
champagne for the toasts and have a choice of red
and white wines. Remember, there may be people who
don't drink alcohol, and those who are driving, so
have an option for them.
Accommodation - provide
a list of places to stay
B is for Breakfast - A nutritious breakfast
is the best start for any bride and groom before
their wedding. It'll help calm your stomach and
nerves. Go for cereal, toast and fruit.
Bridesmaids - have as many
as you like
C is for Cosmetics - Brides
should wear make-up they feel comfortable in and
shades that bring out the best in their outfit.
Don't be pushed into using too much by beauty
consultants wanting to get some commission from
selling you lots of make-up.
D is for Dress - This is what
all the guests have been waiting to see, but don't
be tempted to go over the top, especially to impress
or please relatives.
E is for Entertainment - Most
receptions are followed by a party. Think about your
guests before you book a band or DJ, so Great Aunt
Edna isn't forced to dance to techno.
F is for Family - You love them
dearly, but you haven't seen some of them for years.
Take time to talk to everyone on the big day.
G is for Gifts - Make sure
you give all your guests a list of wedding presents
and double-check there's a wide price range to
choose from to save any embarrassment.
H is for Honeymoon - Not the
most important part of a wedding or a marriage, but
getting away from it all with your new spouse will
be a relief after a busy day. Book early and look
out for special honeymoon offers at travel agents.
I is for Invites - These
should be sent out at least six weeks before the
wedding day, so people have time to reply. Don't
forget to include the basic details of when and
where the ceremony is!
J is for Jewellery - Brides
should either wear their everyday items or simple
matching pieces which compliment their dress.
Remember the ring is the most important item, so
other pieces of jewellery should not dominate.
K is for Kind Advice -
Family members excel in this department. Listen to
what they have to say, but take everything with a
pinch of salt. Remember, it's your day.
L is for Laughter - Remember
to enjoy the ceremony. A little laughter goes a long
way to helping everyone relax.
M is for Money - Budget your
wedding carefully and make sure you can afford it.
Don't start married life in a financial mess.
N is for Nails - Make sure
they're at least manicured, preferably with a clear
or opaque polish, for showing off that all-important
ring - everyone will want to see it.
O is for Organisation -
Careful organisation of every aspect of a wedding is
the key to success.
P is for Photographer - Make
sure you've seen previous examples of their work
before you book them. And get a written quote.
Q is for Qualms - Most
people suffer from a few qualms before the big day.
It's perfectly normal and if there are really big
questions then maybe you should discuss them with a
friend or even a professional counsellor.
R is for Reception - This is
an enjoyable part of the day. Keep it traditional,
simple, but not too long. Don't settle for the first
place that is available and make sure you visit the
reception room and see examples of the menu before
making any commitment. Get a written statement of
what the venue intends to provide.
RSVP -
please respond to us by…
S is for Speech - The main
men usually make them, but these days the bride
often has a go too. Do it if you feel comfortable
and use notes if you need to.
T is for Transport -
Everyone needs to get to the church on time, so make
sure arrangements for this are spot on. Again, get
several written quotes before choosing.
U is for Underwear - Wedding
lingerie is traditionally a firm favourite with
brides, so why not splash out - it'll make your
wedding night even more special!
V is for Vows - Most people
still follow tradition when it comes to wedding
vows, but adding something of your own can add a
personal touch to the ceremony.
W is for Wedding Rings -
These days you can choose from more than just the
traditional band of gold. If you want something more
personalised, forget the High Street windows and
find a local jeweller or goldsmith who can design
and make a ring.
X is for Kisses - Keep a
stick of lip balm handy - both bride and groom will
get plenty of kisses throughout the day!
Y is for Why? - The bride
and groom should find some time to be alone during
the day in order to remember that a wedding is about
a long term commitment and not just a big
celebration. Give yourselves a few moments of
contemplation. .
Z is for Zzzz - According to
recent reports, one third of newly-weds fall
straight to sleep on their wedding nights. Ah well,
you've got the rest of your lives...
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IDEAS
As we are involved in the wedding
business we have gather lots of ideas. We hope you will be able to
use some ideas and adapt them to your special day.
Table names
1.
Mountains,
2.
lochs
3.
castles
4.
flowers,
5.
musicians,
6.
songs,
7.
places you've been,
8.
famous couples,
9.
'love' in different
languages,
see links
10.
different quotes about weddings,
11.
different facts/superstitions about weddings,
12.
different items you/groom are wearing - tiara etc.,
13.
food/
14.
drink,
15.
wine
16.
local places
17.
old children's TV
programmes
18.
trees
19.
crystal
Postcards as guest book
If you are getting married abroad and then having a
reception when you come home why not buy loads of different post cards when you
are away and put them at each seat - announce that guests are to write their
message and post their postcard into a box -
Put these postcards into a clear sided photo album as a
memory of your honey moon and reception.
Signed Table cloth
Why not get guest to sign a table cloth or write messages
and get some one handy with a needle and thread to sew over them for you.
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