PLANNER
• Choose the members of the bridal party, groom’s men,
• If you want a wedding day organiser, evaluate the
ushers, flower girls, page boys, ring bearer, witnesses
options
and any other roles you may wish to assign • Design and send out your Save the Date cards if you so wish to • Shop around for and book the florist for all your floral
• Start discussing wedding cakes with your caterer or with your baker of choice, and ask for tastings.
needs, including flowers for the church, reception, bouquets for the bride and bridesmaids, boutonnieres for the groom and his party, and flower arrangements for the bride and bridal party’s hair and wedding cake • Secure your hairdresser and make-up artist • If you’re throwing an engagement party, set the date and send out the invitations • Start planning your honeymoon and looking around for different packages to suit your budget • Advise your employer about the date of your wedding, and book your leave in advance to give enough time for work arrangements to be made if necessary.
• Book your beautician and nail technician • If you still haven’t finalised the guest list, it’s a must that you have by now, and inform your caterer accordingly of any changes • Book the wedding cake • Buy and engrave your wedding rings • If you’re planning to honeymoon right after the wedding, now would be a good time to book flights and accommodation, and look into all the necessary arrangements in terms of visas and vaccines if required. Also, make sure your passport is not expiring around the time you need to use it, and apply for the European Health Insurance Card if you haven’t already, if you’re travelling to Europe (you can obtain an application form from your local council) • Discuss bachelor/ette plans with your maid of honour, best friend or organiser, and choose a few tentative dates within a month or so of the wedding • If you’d like to have a ceremony rehearsal, book it now. If not, it would still be a good idea to meet with the priest presiding over your wedding mass, to discuss any queries you may have about the day • Schedule hair and make-up trials for around a month’s time • Think about your wedding souvenirs – if you’re ordering custom-made objects, do so now, and if not, narrow down your choices and consider placing your
10 months before • Encourage your respective parents to look into their wedding attire • For the bride: If you didn’t find THE dress on your first round of appointments, have another look, consider buying it online, or book a dressmaker. By this point, you should have your wedding dress, veil and accessories sorted, or almost there • Finalise attire for the bridal party members, as well as for the groom and his party • Book venue décor such as carpets for the church and reception, additional furniture such as seating, lighting, tents, umbrellas and any other décor which you desire to dress up your venue.
8 months before • Select a wedding list if you’re having one • If you’re opting for anything DIY, come up with a plan of action, and get started on whatever it is you decide to make yourself • Research wedding invitations and associated stationery such as the wedding mass booklet and thank you cards. Reach out for design/printing prices, and book your preferred vendor
6 months before
order soon nonetheless, especially if it’s a big one.
3 months before • Request the Publication of Marriage Banns from the Public Registry • The bride and groom (and their respective parties, if applicable) should be getting one of their final fittings done in case of any alterations • Send invitations to overseas guests and create a spreadsheet for RSVPs and addresses 97