March 2013 | Ideal Bride Magazine
Help & Advice
Wedding Planning Schedule
You have just got engaged and your big day is 18 months away, that’s ages away right? Those 18 months will fly by if you are not organised. With so much to do, it can be difficult to know where to start. Follow the Ideal Bride 18 month wedding planner schedule to take the stress out of planning your special day.
Credits: header image courtesy of The Wedding of my Dreams.
18 Months
ages away right?
First things first you need to announce your engagement and flash that ring!
You both need to sit down and discuss the kind of day you would like
Decide on the type of ceremony, discuss venue ideas
Agree a budget and start saving, use our budget planner tool to help
Best start that diet now!
Set the date for the big day
Visit plenty of venues before you book one, you want it to be perfect
12 Months
still got ages, right?
Write your guest list and send out save the date cards to family and friends
Decide on the bridesmaids & best man and ask them
Organise the wedding license, book the registrar and the ceremony
Consider starting a scrapbook – great for looking back on after the big day
Start looking for photographer and book one
Now the fun starts,it’s dress time! Be sure to try on plenty
Think about your colour scheme and theme
9 Months
plenty of time
Start attending wedding fayres for inspiration
Book caterer, don’t be afraid to ask for samples
Choose the florist and book them
Order the cake, be sure to sample and don’t be afraid to say what you want
Order your stationery
Book consultations for your hair and make up
Order that dress!
6 Months
getting a bit close?
Decide on and book the transport
Choose the bridesmaid dresses
Choose men’s outfits and accessories
Time to go for your first dress fitting, be sure to take photos from all angles for the scrapbook
Choose your readings
Post the invitations
Book your honeymoon, your going to need it!
3 Months
not far away!
Purchase the wedding rings
Order the wedding favours
Book your 1st night hotel & buy wedding lingerie
Devise a seating plan
Decide upon table decorations
2 Months
where’s my list?
Register your gift list
Finalise the menu
Decide on music for ceremony and for the reception
Confirm all bookings
Add finishing touches to seating plan
1 Month
only four weeks left!
Attend the final dress fitting with accessories, more photos for scrapbook
Issue your venue with copies of the supplier contracts
Organise place cards
Discuss duties with best man, ushers and bridesmaids
It’s party time, have hen and stag do’s
Write your vows
Time for hair and make up dress rehearsal
Final Weeks
There’s no time!
Pack your bags for that all important honeymoon
Discuss must have photos you want your photographer to capture
Purchase thankyou gifts for the wedding party
Confirm everything, honeymoon, venue, ceremony, suppliers
Have a wedding rehearsal at the venue
Have the cake delivered
Take some time out for yourselves
The Day Before
We did it!
Have a manicure and pedicure
Decorate the venue tables
Get your luggage to the hotel
and…………….relax!
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