Getting Started

There are many things to consider and plan about your wedding but the main thing to remember is that it is your wedding day.

You are the one planning it and probably paying for all or part of it so it is very important that you get what you and your partner want from the day and not to be pushed into anything you are not 100% happy with.

Having everything your own way may seem harsh and selfish but it is impossible for you to take into account all the ideas and preferences that your family and friends will suggest to you, so don't feel guilty.

Bride and groom confused about how to get started planning their wedding

	Find out what is important to you both by making two separate lists, the essential parts (dress, venue, flowers etc) and optionals (limo, harpist, dove release etc). This will give you a good idea of each others dream wedding.

	Discuss the overall style and look of the wedding day. Will it be a religious or civil ceremony? Do you want a traditional wedding or a more modern style with your own ideas incorporated into the day? Do you want a very formal affair or something more casual?

	Allow at least one year to organise your wedding as lots of venues and even registrars are booked up well in advance. Make a list of vendors and start contacting them as soon as you have set a date. It is impossible to book anything until you have chosen the wedding date.

	You need some kind of binder or folder to keep everything together, this will make keeping track of everything much simpler and less stressful. You could also use a computer and setup Excel Spreadsheets if you have the relevant skills.

	Keep detailed records of who you spoke to and when as you make booking enquiries, then if you contact them again you can speak to the same person which will stop you having to explain things again.

	Use a diary that has a large space for each day of the year where you can write down appointments and actions. A wall planner is also a good idea then you can see at glance how things are going.

	Ask potential service providers and suppliers for up to date references so there is less chance of being let down. If someone won't or can't supply a good reference then you may need to look for another supplier.

	Below is a free wedding planning list, it covers the main things to consider but there may be other details unique to your wedding that you may need to organise. The printed version has space for making notes about your decisions and preferences. Click the link below.

FREE Printable Version

Budget	Who is paying? How much can we spend? Do we need wedding insurance?
Ceremony	Time of year? Possible dates? Church or civil ceremony? Home or abroad? Choose exact location?
Church	Available dates? Arrange reading of the Banns? Video cameras allowed? Photographer allowed? Choose music?
Civil	Available dates? Book venue? Purchase marriage licence?
Reception	Reception venue? Dates available? Booked well in advance? Number of guests? Seating plan? Entertainment required?
Catering	Food and drink? Vegetarians or dietary requirements? Wedding cake?
Entertainment	Style of music required? Book a band? Book a disco? Arrange a magician? Choose first dance music?
Evening	Evening reception required? Food and drink? Capacity of venue? Entertainment required?
Wedding Dress	What style and colour? Have at least 2 fittings? Choose accessories?
Rings	Select wedding rings? Do they need resizing? Give them to the best man?
Bridal Beauty	Use professionals? Hair style? Bridal makeup? Arrange trials? Arrange wedding day timings? Get nails done?
Attendants	How many bridesmaids? Who will be bridesmaids? Choose flower girls? Choose dresses? Select accessories?
Flowers	Choose colours and type? Bridal bouquet? Church flowers? Venue flowers? Button holes for guests?
Photographer	Choose photographer? Covered by insurance? How many cameras? Dates available?
Videographer	Choose videographer? How many cameras? Dates available?
Transport	Limo, vintage or carriage? How many cars needed? Dates available? Arrange timings?
Groom	Organise attire? Prepare speech? Choose best man? Arrange ushers?
Stationery	Traditional, themed or funny? Check proof before printing? Accurate guest list? Who is writing Invitations? Who will post them? Who will collate the responses?
Gifts	Create wedding gift list? Purchase wedding favours? Purchase thank you gifts? Send thank you cards?
Honeymoon	Arrange time off work? Home or abroad? Select destination? Passport required or in date? Book dates required? Book taxis?

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