If you haven’t already done so, formally announce your engagement

Decide on a wedding date (normally in consultation with the church or registrar)

Work out a budget for your wedding, in consultation with parents, etc. if necessary. Be realistic.

Draw up a provisional guest list so that you have an idea of numbers to accommodate/cater for

Purchase or download a wedding planner - this is an invaluable tool for recording and reminding you of all those things that you need to do in the months approaching your wedding day

Visit locations for your wedding reception and book the venue of your choice

Book the DJ, musicians or band for your reception (and for your ceremony if this is required)

Arrange for caterers if the reception venue doesn’t provide catering themselves

Book the photographer, and/or videographer if required

Book the wedding cars and transport

Book the florist

Book overnight accommodation for your wedding night. Also the night before unless you are intending to travel to the wedding from home

Start arrangements for the wedding dress

Decide on the people who will be your Best Man, Bridesmaids and Ushers

Confirm all bookings that you make in writing

Finalise fitting for the wedding dress

Obtain accessories, shoes, etc. for the wedding dress

Decide and order Bridesmaids dresses and accessories

Choose the wedding attire for the Groom, Best Man, Fathers, Mothers and Ushers – book with Hire Company if required

Choose the Bride and Groom’s wedding rings

Order wedding favours for your guests if you are having them

Order the wedding cake

Arrange your honeymoon and (the bride) may need to apply for a new passport in her married name. Note that if a new passport is obtained it will invalidate any existing passport and you will not be able to travel on the new one until after your wedding date – so careful consideration and timing may be needed

Notify Authorities, Banks, Building Societies of the change of name, including the date that it will take effect

Order wedding invitations and stationery

Arrange wedding Insurance, if required

Discuss hairstyles, nails and make up with appropriate beauticians

Send out wedding invitations

Draw up your wedding gift list and circulate it to the guests

Check that guests requiring accommodation for the wedding night have made bookings (you may be able to arrange special terms for them at a local hotel)

Confirm ceremony arrangements with the church minister or registrar, including music to be played/hymns

Get Order of Service sheets/cards printed, if required

Buy gifts for the Best Man, Ushers and Bridesmaids

Buy Bride and Groom’s gifts for each other

Finalise the seating plan and room decoration for the reception with the venue/caterers

Make arrangements for any vaccinations you may require for your honeymoon

Start to plan your Hen Night and Stag Night

Arrange final fitting of the wedding dress

Obtain the marriage license if you need to do this ahead of time

Reconfirm all the arrangements with suppliers. Wedding Reception, Caterers, Florist, Wedding Cars, Photographer, Videographer, DJ, Hotel, Honeymoon Travel Agent, etc.

Contact any guests who have not responded to your invitation

Review and finalise the seating plan for the reception, ensuring that there is a seating plan to be displayed for your guests on the day

Arrange a date for the wedding rehearsal with all concerned (if required)

Arrange a date for delivery/collection of the wedding dress and for collection of any suit hire

Prepare speeches

Hold the wedding rehearsal

Pack for your honeymoon

Pack for the day after your wedding, especially important if you are going on to the honeymoon suit after your reception

Wear-in your wedding shoes

Organise someone to carry an ‘emergency kit’ for the bride and groom on the day. This should contain at least spare make up, repair kit for the wedding dress, needle and thread, spare tights/stockings, list of contact names and numbers for all suppliers, etc.

Make sure Order of Service cards will be at the church/venue on the wedding day

Arrange any foreign currency you may need for your honeymoon

Give the wedding rings to the Best Man

Take the day off work!!

Have a nail manicure (Bride and Groom, as close up photographs may be taken of the rings)

The groom and best man go and have their hair trimmed/cut

Get an early night!

The time of your wedding service will determine the events prior to it. Get up in plenty of time to prepare for the day ahead, have a relaxing shower or bath and have a breakfast (nothing out of the ordinary, but bear in mind that you are probably not going to eat until much later in the day – and you don’t want to have a rumbling tummy during the quieter moments of the service!)

The rest of the arrangements that you have made should drop into place as the people and professionals around you arrive to play their part in your big day.