Where to start?

lazer

Hi everyone,

We got engaged last weekend, and now its time to start planning the wedding!!

I'm excited but don't really know where to Start.

We are having a church wedding, followed by a hotel reception.

Have to decide on which Church I want - the parish where I now live, or the one where I grew up (They are only 3 mile apart, so distance isn't an issue)

Then decide on reception venue - going to see a few places next weekend!

Basically we're hoping to get married early October 2012 - which doesn't give us long to plan!

Any help appreciated!

White_Sapphire

Congratulations and welcome to the wedding board!

Have a read through of the Wedding Tips Start Here (some of it; its length can now only be described as 'epic') and Planning Your Wedding stickies at the top of the board. Then join the October 2012 thread - they're very friendly (I have a tendency to lurk on other threads ).

You have plenty of time to sort everything; I'm getting married in September 2012 and people are still joining our thread having only just got engaged, so don't worry!

Budget, venue and guest numbers (rough idea, as this will affect the other two) are the main things to sort first, and you're already well on your way with booking visits to venues.

Enjoy planning!

x

VICSH

HI

I would agree, once you have decided on guests and then budget find a venue that suits the type of wedding you want. You can then get the date and check wiht the church they can do it and then move on to the bigger things.

I then did the big things :
Photos, videographer, wedding party (decide how many BM etc and who), cars, etc

Good luck

johannalf88

Yes, come and join the October 2012 thread! We are very friendly!

It's sounds like you have already started! you have an approx date, know what type of ceremony and have the ceremony venue down to 2! Budgeting is the next thing you need to do, if you have a small budget you may need to compromise, so work out what is most important to you and your OH.

One word of advice- if having bridesmaids think very hard before asking them. Some bridesmaids can be very difficult (a girl in my office has had a nightmare with one refusing to do anything), the fewer you have the cheaper it is and the less people can let you down. Sorry if this sounds a bit synical, but I wish someone had told me this!!

lazer

johannalf88 wrote: »

Yes, come and join the October 2012 thread! We are very friendly!

It's sounds like you have already started! you have an approx date, know what type of ceremony and have the ceremony venue down to 2! Budgeting is the next thing you need to do, if you have a small budget you may need to compromise, so work out what is most important to you and your OH.

One word of advice- if having bridesmaids think very hard before asking them. Some bridesmaids can be very difficult (a girl in my office has had a nightmare with one refusing to do anything), the fewer you have the cheaper it is and the less people can let you down. Sorry if this sounds a bit synical, but I wish someone had told me this!!

Thanks for the word of warning on the bridesmaids! I'm planning on having at least 2, but that may change.
I will definately think carefully about it, I know who my chief bridesmaid will be, its my best friend, we get on brilliantly and I know we'll have a great time shopping and stuff!

wanchai_2

Agreed! I'm only having one BM, way less stress and it makes her feel extra special that she is the only one

lazer

Well everyone,

Its time for an update - the wedding is now booked!

Church and Hotel sorted and the wedding is the 6th October 2012! Can't wait now.

I'm looking forward to starting the planning, was the a Bridal Fayre yesterday, and i'm so looking forward to everything now!

johannalf88

Whoop! Same date as me!

lazer

johannalf88 wrote: »

Whoop! Same date as me!

I bet you've a lot more organised than me too!

lovecake

Congratulations! :j

This is probably similar to some other replies, but I would say that once you set a rough budget and approximation of how many guests you would like then you can start to look at venues that will suit your budget and numbers.

Once the venue is booked, we then started to book the 'big' things that you really need to book in advance - we sorted the band and photographer as soon as we had the date, then I started to look at dresses and booked in with a dress maker. Then we sorted the florist, OH's kilt, BM dresses and transport. Other details like cake, favours, chair covers, stationery, jewellery and gifts etc. can be done after the big stuff is sorted.

My tip would be to make a list and prioritise what you need to sort out first and work through it. Another big tip would be to go to local weddings fayres - there are usually some in Jan/Feb in most places. They are great for inspiration and for special offers and discounts!

On the BM issue - I think yes, be careful who you choose, but don't limit yourself if there are girls that you really want to be with you on your big day. I am having 3 - my oldest and dearest friend who I trust completely, my sis and OH's sis. They have all been brilliant so far! As long as you think they will be a help and not a hindrance with the planning and the big day and you trust them then it will be fine! To be honest, I'm a wee bit bossy so everyone seems to go along with whatever I say anyway :rotfl:Just be firm and take charge - let them know what you need them to do and what you expect from them and keep in touch, that way there should be no miscommunication and everyone knows where they stand.

Happy planning!

lovecake

Sorry - just noticed you've set your date! Congrats! So ignore the first bit of my post and crack on with the other 'big stuff'!