Weddings

CHECKLIST FOR YOUR BIG DAY...

If you got engaged over the festive period, your mind will now be turning to planning your big day – a special day of your life and one where you will be centre stage.

Planning a wedding is a long, involved and quite complicated process. There is a lot to think about, and it can be very easy to panic over the arrangements.

The key to reducing your stress levels and actually enjoying the whole process is to break everything down into bite-sized chunks on a timeline. This way, everything becomes a lot more manageable, and the whole wonderful picture of the biggest day of your life becomes all the more clear.

The following guide will serve as a good rough plan you can use to help put your wedding together.

We’ve structured it into a time-frame – running from 24 months right up to the big day itself – that will help you know when to book all the different elements.

Your wedding may not fit the bill exactly, and that’s ok. But this guide should help get everything crucial sorted, and help you to enjoy the run-up to your wedding without worrying about things you may have forgotten.

From 24 months:

l The dress – keep an eye out at this stage for styles that you may favour once other influential elements are sorted l Consult both sets of parents, draw up your guest list l Book your photographer/ videographer.

Check with the minister if filming of the ceremony is permitted

From 12 months:

l Book photo booth, DJ and any other entertainment l Apply for marriage licence with local registrar if planning a civil ceremony l Order the wedding cake and favours l Book a florist and choose arrangements for bouquets, church and reception site l Book your desired transport to and from the ceremony l Shop for your dress, attendants’ outfits and accessories l Book your honeymoon

From 6-9 months:

l Arrange hire of suits for groom, best man, father and ushers l Order your wedding rings

From 2-4 months:

l Compile wedding present list and register. If you already have a home together, consider registering with a travel agent for gift vouchers to use for your honeymoon or future dream holiday l Send out invitations and keep track of RSVPs, gifts and thank you notes.

Don’t forget a directions map and local accommodation list for out of town guests l Discuss details of menu with venue or caterer. Schedule rehearsal time and dinner l Buy shoes and start breaking them in around the house l Go shopping for mums’ outfits, your going away outfits and honeymoon clothes l Make appointments with hair and beauty salons. l Select dry cleaning, gown and bouquet preservation companies

Two weeks before:

l Start course of tanning sessions or book self tan appointment at a beauty salon l Pick up wedding rings l Confirm final arrangements in detail with all services – prepare checks and payment for: DJ/band/entertainment; ceremony musician(s); ceremony venue; reception venue; caterer; rehearsal dinner site; photographer/ videographer; transport service; florist; baker; suits; wedding dress and bridesmaids’ dresses; make-up artist; hair stylist

One week before:

l Pick up your wedding gown l Notify venue/caterer of guest count l Have a facial and other beauty treatments l Start gathering wedding ensemble and packing for honeymoon l Make sure all of the following are ready for the rehearsal and wedding day:

Wedding rings; ring pillow; flower girl basket; wedding dress and bridesmaids’ dresses; accessories; suits; attire for rehearsal/rehearsal dinner; gifts for the bridal party; reception place cards; favours for the reception; toasting glasses; cake knife, server set and cake top; guest book and pen; rice or confetti; music for the DJ or band (if required)

Celebrate your wedding in luxury

Lilleshall House and Gardens is a stunning 19th century stately home, amidst 200 acres of English Heritage Grade II listed grounds nestled in the Shropshire countryside, and an idyllic venue for weddings, events and private parties. The building stands in expansive, beautiful grounds overlooking Capability Brown-inspired gardens, a perfect backdrop to capture striking wedding photographs. At Lilleshall we can offer a unique collaboration of old meets new, following a recent £4 million refurbishment of the main house with exquisitely designed accommodation and modern, contemporary features. As a venue steeped in history we can offer luxurious surroundings with a warm, intimate atmosphere which, combined with our dedicated and experienced team you can be assured your special day is in safe hands. We appreciate that every couple and every wedding is unique, and we can offer tailored, bespoke packages to suit most budgets and requirements. To find out more speak to our specialist Wedding Co-ordinator on 01952 603003 or email us: enquiries@serco.co.uk

One day before:

l Lay out wedding ensemble and pack overnight bag l Prepare an extra bag with the following items: Aspirin, breath mints or gum, safetyt pin, extra lipstick and make-up, brush and comb, hair spray and gel l Have your manicure and pedicure today

On the day:

l Relax, enjoy and remember!