• Plan Ceremony and Reception Details – Lighting, Table Centrepieces, Colour schemes etc.

• Arrange Marriage Licence.

• Choose Music and Readings.

• Order Wedding Cake.

• Decide if you are having favors and order them

• Draw up Guest List

• Decide on Invitation Designs and Other Stationery.

• Choose Wedding Rings

• Draw up Wedding Gift List or Decide on a Registry

• Book Transport (if required between ceremony and reception).

Twelve to Six Weeks Ahead

• Send out Invitations.

• Book Hairdresser and / or make up artist if required.

• Purchase any wedding day accessories.

• Discuss Menu with Reception Venue or Caterers.

• Discuss Flowers with Florist.

• Arrange Wedding Rehearsal and Dinner.

• Arrange Spartan / Diva Nights.

• Arrange Passports/Visas/Vaccinations for Honeymoon.

Six to Two Weeks Ahead

• Buy Thank You Gifts for Attendants.

• Send Wedding Announcement to the Newspaper.

• Ceremony and Legal Arrangements.

• Check Reception Venue & Parking Arrangements.

• Check Florist.

• Check Photographer / Videographer.

• Check Transport.

• Check Caterers and Finalize Number of Guests.

• Finalize arrangements with the entertainers.

• Provide a list of music you would like played and for special moments i.e.; first dance etc...

• Draw up Seating Plan for Reception.

• Check Outfits – final fittings.

• Check Honeymoon Arrangements and Clothing.

• Pick up Wedding Rings.

• Create a Wedding Day Time Table.

One Week Ahead

• Double Check All Arrangements.

• Pack your baggage for your honeymoon and collect currency.

• Hold a Wedding Ceremony Rehearsal.

• Go over Wedding Day Timetable with Attendants.

• Nominate Attendant to take care of day’s schedule and any problems that may arise so that you can enjoy the day.

The Day Before

• Have a manicure, pedicure, fake tan and any other pampering treatments.

• Check on venue decorations.

• Relax and have an early night.

Your Wedding Day!!

• Have Fun!!!

• Relax and remain calm

• Take time out for yourself during the day to reflect and take in sights, sounds and expressions as the day will pass very quickly.

Select a Wedding Date and Time.

Many weddings occur on a Saturday (or Sunday in some religions). This day is generally chosen so that most guests can attend the wedding event without taking a day off. Friday is the second most popular day, especially if you've set your heart on a certain month and your reception venue is already booked. Memorable dates are popular (7th July, 2007) (07/07/07). If there is a bank holiday coming up and your venue is available - book the Saturday before! or even save yourself some money and have your wedding on the Sunday instead.

Consider the weather too. The one thing you cannot control. If you've been dreaming of a sunny wedding day, or having flowers that bloom in summer months, choose to get married in June, July or August. Allegedly, the weather in the UK is better at this time of the year. Other popular times of the year are Christmas, spring (especially April), early September and Valentine's Day. But, it's always worth considering that on dates such as Valentine's Day, Mother's Day and Easter weekend, florists are likely to be very busy, flowers are in high demand, and prices tend to rise.

Alternatively, think about a day that means something to you in particular? The anniversary of when you first met or kissed, or your parent's wedding anniversary. Pick any wedding day you like and make it unique and unforgettable. Remember, the earlier you book, the more chance of getting the chosen wedding day you have.
 

A wedding planner

Buy a lever arch binder and 1-20 filing system and list on the index, the following:
Budget, Reception Venues, Ceremony, Guest List, Entertainment, Photographer, Video, Cake, Flowers/Bouquets, Cars/Taxis, Ring, Stationery, Dresses/Suits, Gift List, Table Plan/table decorations, Hair and Beauty, First Night/ Honeymoon, Hen/Stag Party, Misc

We have an electronic version of this too as an excel spreadsheet containing all aspects of your wedding day that will allow you to keep track of the wedding. Its already filled out an you just fill the blanks with details about your wedding. Its worth keeping the binder as well as the electronic version so you can keep track of absolutely everything. This binder will become your Wedding Bible {more details to follow}

Research - Local Wedding Shows

Start Gathering Information about weddings, visit bridal shows, buy those lovely magazines to get ideas and find wedding web sites on the Internet. Ask family, friends, colleagues, who they would recommend for wedding suppliers. Collect brochures, photographs, adverts, articles and web pages of things that you like and file them in the binder. You will start to see a colour, theme or style appearing. This style could be determined by the venue, the season, fashion or the colour of your eyes! Whatever you choose will make your day very special for you and will reflect your personality. It is important to make this decision as will affect all the other choices you have to make. Even if you want associated themes to your wedding, go for it - we've seen Romantic, Contemporary, Traditional, Celtic, Fairytale, Medieval, Gothic, No Frills and organise weddings with the London underground theme, holiday moments and even Football.
 

Research - Bridal Magazines

Check out the bridal magazines to give you some ideas on making your day unique and special. Heres a list of the top magazines that contain lots of good information.

You and your Wedding http://www.youandyourwedding.co.uk/
Bride http://bridesmagazine.co.uk/
Cosmo Bride http://www.cosmopolitanbride.co.uk/
Wedding and Home http://www.ipcmedia.com/southbank/wedding/
Wedding Planner http://www.weddingplannermagazine.co.uk/
 

-- more tips to follow --

Your special day only happens once!, make the most of it and ensure your guests have a GREAT TIME