? First things first, set the special date and arrange a time with the priest, minister or registrar.
? Discuss in full detail your plans with the person who will be performing the ceremony.
? Decide on a budget and stick to it.
? Remember to suit the ceremony to your budget, and to both your personal tastes and wishes.
? Talk it all out now!
? Decide on the type of ceremony, type of reception and hoe many guests will attend.
? Choose your venue and arrange a meeting with the people in charge.
? This goes for hotels, caterers, musicians (for the ceremony, the reception) etc.
? Plan your wedding cake, cars, photographer and florist.
? Think about wedding clothes and costumes, particularly your bridal dress, colors, fabrics and accessories.
? Remember you will probably want a color scheme and a style that carries throughout the day so talk your plans through with the your dressmaker, florist and caterer.
? Both of you should book in for a pre-marriage course. Start thinking about your honeymoon.
Six months before the wedding
? Order wedding stationery, cake boxes, and favours.
? Discuss the order of the service with the person performing the ceremony and decide on service sheets for guests.
? Discuss your wedding menu with your caterers/hotelier.
? Decide on a wedding present list.
? Choose the rings.
? A doctor and dentist check up is a good idea.
? Plan inoculations for your honeymoon if necessary.
? Organise visas, passports etc.
? Think about your 'going away' attire and clothes for your honeymoon
Three months before the wedding
? Make sure you have all the appropriate pre-marriage documents and certificates.
? Finalise details of your color scheme, bouquets, buttonholes with the florist.
? Finalise the wedding guest list and have the invitations sent.
? Remember to keep a careful track of replies.
?Choose gifts for the best man, bridesmaids and attendants.
?Arrange accommodation for attendants and advise travelling guests of the rates for your hotel.
A month before the wedding
? Organise the final fittings for your dress and for the bridesmaids.
? On the day of your final fittings make sure all the bridesmaids are wearing the same shoes that they intend to wear on the big day.
? Finalise fittings for the groom and best man.
?Have a hair and make-up rehearsal.
? On the day of the hair and make-up rehearsal remember to bring the head-dress with you for the experts opinion.
? Finalise seating arrangements for the church and wedding reception.
? Plan the wedding rehearsal with the priest, minister or registrar.
? Eat properly for the next few weeks, you will need all your energy with all the running around you will be doing.
A fortnight to go
? Arrange your honeymoon and going away clothes, including passports, tickets and visas.
? Now is the time to arrange travellers' cheques, insurance, car hire and all other documentation.
? Give advice to the hotelier of the approximate number of quests for the reception.
? Plan the table setting, place cards and linen etc.
? Finalise details with the florist, photographer and caterers.
? Try all your wedding clothes on and make sure all fits correctly and all is comfortable.
A week to go
? Have the wedding rehearsal.
? Nominate someone to look after the wedding dress and the groom's outfit after the wedding.
? Wrap all the gifts for the bridesmaids, best man and attendants.
? Arrange all fees for the church or registrar, musicians (best man should do these).
? Do one last check on all documentation required including passports for the honeymoon.
? Give all documentation to the best man for safe keeping.
Two days before the wedding
? Confirm your final guest list to your hotelier.
? Make sure the wedding cake is fine and arrange all transport to and from your reception.
The day before
Have a manicure and pedicure, a long hot bath and an early night
The Big Day
? Relax.
? Have a good breakfast.
? Get your hair and make up done.
? Give yourself plenty of time to reach the church or registrar and always allow for the last minute hiccup.