Track 9:


Countdown to your wedding. 

Once the initial excitement about getting married has calmed down, the amount of work 
organising a wedding entails will hit you. We know how time-consuming arranging a wedding 
can be so we have compiled a checklist of basic tips and suggestions to make the process easier. 

Once the date is set:

1. Draw up a rough budget for your 
wedding plus the guest list. 

2. Book the registration office or 
approved venue and arrange a 
Notice of Marriage for you both. 

3. Book the reception venue, 
caterers and entertainment. 

4. Choose your bridesmaids, best 
man and ushers, if applicable! 

5. Book the photographer and/or 
videographer. 

6. Order your invitations, if you are 
having them made. 

7. Decide on what sort of transport 
you will be using and book cars. 
for the ceremony and going away 

8. Plan the honeymoon and make 
the travel arrangements .

9. Start shopping for the bridal 
dress, bridesmaids’ dresses and 
groom’s suit. 

 10. Decide on and speak to a 
hairdresser and/or your beauty 
salon for your Big Day.
 
Three months before.
 
1. Order the wedding cake. 

2. Pay your wedding ceremony fees. 

3. Choose the rings. 

4. Send out the invitations, order 
menu cards and place cards. 

5. Book a florist and choose flowers 
for the bridal party and reception, 
including buttonholes and corsages. 

6. Decide on your wedding gift list 

7. Have a first fitting of your 
bridal dress (if it is being made 
to measure) 

8. If you are honeymooning abroad, 
arrange any necessary visas and 
vaccinations 

9. If you are changing your name, 
allow at least six weeks (preferably 
more in the peak holiday season) 
for a new passport and remember 
to change your driver’s licence and 
bank details 

10. Book a hotel for the wedding night 

Six weeks before.
 
1. Finalise your guest list 

2. Choose gifts for the bridesmaids, 
best man and mothers 

3. Order gift boxes if you plan to 
send out wedding cake to guests 
who cannot attend 

4. Attend a second dress-fitting 
(if appropriate) 

5. Speak to your Registrar about 
the ceremony, discussing your 
readings, vows and music choices 

Four weeks before.

1. Have the final fittings for the 
wedding outfits 

2. Take your headdress and veil 
to the hairdresser’s for a practice 
run 

3. Confirm numbers with the 
caterers and arrange the seating 
plan 

4. Prepare thank you letters for the 
presents you will receive 

Two weeks before.

1. Work out a rough timetable for the reception and run through it with the best man and bridesmaids.

2. Write out any place cards for the reception.

3. Order travellers' cheques and currency if honeymooning abroad.

4. Wear in your wedding shoes at home.

On the day.

This is your day, remember, so ask friends and family to see that the following arrangements are made for you on the day.

1. The cases for your honeymoon are sent on to your over night hotel.

2. The wedding dress and groom's suit are packed and taken home an any hired items are returned as soon as possible.

3. The wedding presents are carefully packed up and taken home.

4. Wedding cake is sent to anyone unable to attend.

