Do it today

• Tell relatives and close friends of your good news
• Set your date with your minister, priest or rabbi
• If it’s a civil ceremony, book the register office or approved venue
• Set a budget and decide who’s doing what
• Choose your chief bridesmaid, best man and other attendants
• Decide on the number of guests and draw up a list with both sets of parents
• Visit possible venues for your reception – if it’s a popular place, book it asap!

6-9 months to go

• Discuss menu options and pricing with caterers
• Make your all-important bookings for the reception
• The fun bit – look for your wedding dress, bridesmaid dresses and attendants’ outfits!
• Begin your bridal beauty regime
• Book your photographer
• Organise wedding insurance

3 months to go

• Arrange a second meeting with your minister, priest or rabbi. If the wedding is taking place in a church other than the Church of England, notice must be given to the superintendent registrar.
• Choose the ceremony music, book the musicians
• Order your wedding cake
• Order your wedding stationery
• Order and start making your favours and confectionery
• Decide on your florist and discuss your perfect bouquet
• Discuss your bridal hairstyle ideas with your hairdresser
• Book your first night and honeymoon
• Check passport – your surname on your passport must match the name on your travel documents – and arrange jabs
• Choose your wedding rings
• Book the wedding cars to and from the ceremony/ reception
• Organise your gift list with your chosen company
• Post your invitations complete with your gift list details

2 months to go

• Reconfirm all your prior bookings
• Book hairdresser and make-up appointments for the wedding morning
• Send out thank-you notes as gifts start to arrive
• Buy all your jewellery and accessories
• Check the groom and best man have organised their wedding clothes
• Choose gifts for all your attendants

1 month to go

• Type up a list of any must-take shots and send it to your photographer
• Compile a wedding playlist for your DJ and start practicing your first dance

2 weeks to go

• Enjoy the important Hen Party
• Try on your dress and practice walking around in those gorgeous shoes!
• Confirm the number of guests with your caterer and draw up a seating plan

1 week to go

• Check and confirm all reception arrangements
• Have a rehearsal at the venue, if necessary
• Confirm photographer, flowers, transport, etc.
• Start packing for your honeymoon and order your travelers’ cheques

The day before

• Decorate the venue – or get someone else to!
• Organise the cake to be delivered to the reception
• Treat yourself to a manicure
• Have your honeymoon luggage sent to your venue
• De-stress, have a long bath and an early night

On the Day

• Relax – and give yourself plenty of time to get ready
• Have the bouquets, buttonholes and corsages delivered or collected from the florist
• The mother-of-the-bride and bridesmaids leave first, then the bride and her father
• The groom and best man make their own way there and should arrive at least 30 minutes before the bride
• Speeches are usually made as coffee is served. The bride’s father speaks first, followed by the groom and best man
• Traditionally, the bride and groom leave the party before the guests (but don’t feel you have to!). It’s your wedding – so do it your way
• Enjoy your first night together as Mr & Mrs ….