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The Great Wedding Planner

MrsTinks
MrsTinks Posts: 15,239 Forumite
Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Combo Breaker Name Dropper
edited 6 January 2014 pm31 8:19PM in Weddings & anniversaries
There are SO many threads to work your way through, Mrs Thrifts long standing thread started a few years ago, [URL="[B]http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/cheaper-weddings[/B]"]Martins article on money saving weddings[/URL] to name but a few. So I thought keeping an index of them was needed so that everyone could find what they were looking for. Therefor there will be a wedding index. One thing I couldn't easily find was a Wedding planner - so other than linking to some that are out there I thought I'd write one based on what I put together for my own folder that we lovingly have nicknamed "Our Wedding Bible" (not that we are religious!)

The list is in chronological order and time frames that match what suit us, alter it to fit in with your own timescale :)

Once you are engaged

"Guess what?" - You can announce it in local and national papers if you wish or even the local village newsletter.

"HOW much??" and decide on what your priorities are. If parents are helping with the finances then make clear who is paying for what and how much - this will avoid any arguments later!

"Where when how?"Book the church/registry office/registrar and licenced venue - if you don't book it straight away someone else might get in there before you!

"I know the perfect place!" - Decide on a venue and book it - some venues get booked up 12/18 months in advance!

"And this next tune is for the newlyweds!" - Book your entertainment - be this DJ, musicians, magicians, pipers or casino's.

No aunt Maud IS NOT coming - Draw up a guest list - if parents are helping financially then it's only polite to consult with them. If you don't want aunt Edna and uncle Dufus then the best way of avoiding having to invite them is to find the wedding yourself... Unless you have a guest list you won't know if your venue will be big enough or too big and might incur extra charges for being under the minimum number for avoiding fees.

12-6 months to go![/COLOR]

Wedding stationary - if you are going to order it then start shopping around for deals now. Keep your eyes peeled for special offers and see the thread about wedding stationary for ways of keeping costs low.

"Say CHEEEESE" - book your photographer and videographer if you are hiring them. Ofcourse you might be lucky and have a good photographer in the family or you can chance it and have disposable camera's on the tables.

"Bring round the car Parker" - if you are not having your ceremony and reception at the same place or need to get there in the first place in style - now is the time to book your transport.

"Let them eat cake!" - Decide on whether you are making your own or paying someone to make it. If you are not DIYing it then start thinking about where to get it from and how big, how, tall and how pink/blue/yellow etc you want it.

"HELP!!" - If you haven't already now is a good time to pick your bridesmaids, ushers, best man and pageboys.

"Like a princess" - Start looking at wedding dresses - decide on style and colour - this could seriously affect your colour scheme so deciding now is a good idea! Also start thinking about attendants outfits. If your partner is Scottish you might want to check what colour their tartan is and whether this might affect your decision in colours on your dress and accessories.


6-3 Months to go!

"Pretty as a Rose - Order your flowers - check with your venue and see what florist the use. It might be possible to match the venues own decorations with yours saving money - and they might be open to negotiation as they will be delivering flowers to the venue anyway...

"Tahiti? Bermuda? Inverness?" - Start thinking about where you want to go on your honeymoon - are you flexible about where you are going? Can you book last minute to save money? If you are going in high season and you ONLY want to go to Hawaii - book early!

"But where shall we go?" - look a possible accomodation for relatives near to your venue. Not everyone will want to drive home after the reception... Include a list of places to choose from with your invitations.

Three months to go!

" I want THAT one!" Wedding gift lists need to be organised too. If like most people you have lived together for some time then chances are you have all the toasters you need, and waffle irons are not gonna be top of your list. Some shops give you £50 if you set up a list with them but can be poor value for your guests. Or maybe money would be more helpful? A donation towards your honeymoon?

"One ring to rule them all" - pick your wedding rings - don't forget that wearing two rings of different metals will usually wear one down faster than the other. So if you have a white gold engagement ring, don't get a platinum wedding ring - it will rub the white gold and eventually wear it down.

"Walk this way" - Run through the order of the service, choose music and what readings you want and check them with the minister/registrar.

"Is this going to hurt nurse?" - get your jabs if you are going to places that needs them and make sure your visas are in order and passports are showing the right names and if you are not going last minute then BOOK the honeymoon.

"Please please please come!" - Send invitations at least 6 weeks before the wedding. Ideally 12 weeks before. You could send "Keep the date free" cards out if you want to make sure that people don't pre-book the date.

"It was an Act Of God!" - Wedding insurance... get it!

"It was a magical night!" - book your first-night hotel. And if you have any sense you will keep it's location secret and secure from the best man and probably the maid of honour and anyone else not trust worthy... bribe the hotel staff if need be!

"A face to launch a 1000 ships" - Make-up practice sessions are a must.

Only 4 weeks to go!

"DON'T do that!!" - Give ushers instructions for the day - write them down if you want to have ANY hope of them remembering them...

"Another toaster? Thank you!" - as your presents start flooding in write the thank you letters. Or you can leave it till after the day and use a good picture of you both and write a thank you note on the back and send as a thank you.

"So that is bright green and pink you wanted?" - Confirm everything for the reception, flowers, catering and the final guest numbers. Some places are happy to accept last numbers as late as a week before, others want much longer...

Uncle Bob next to uhmmm" - Seating plan... decide on your layout and who sits where.

"Organize organize organize!" - Wedding rehersal, hen and stag do's, best mans duties and don't forget FINAL DRESS FITTING!

OMG only a week to go!

"So much to say!" - Remind the groom to write his speech - he's a man, he WILL forget!

"Last chance Saloon" - Confirm everything! Reception, photographer, caterer, florist, cake maker, travel and so on.

"OUCH!" - Wear your wedding shoes around the house for a few hours during the week. Last thing you want is sore feeton your wedding day.

It's the BIG day!!

Make sure everything is organised and pre-planned, leave yourself NOTHING to do other than get ready - have a nice bath in the morning, if you have time then book a massage and manicure and pedicure but avoid facials on your wedding day.
Enjoy your wedding day and remember - this day is about the two of you - everyone else are there to celebrate you and it's not your job to worry about them now :) This is why you have best men and bridesmaids - they are your peacekeepers!

And finally:

CONGRATULATIONS!!
DFW Nerd #025
DFW no more! Officially debt free 2017 - now joining the MFW's! :)

My DFW Diary - blah- mildly funny stuff about my journey
«1345

Comments

  • ginger_spice
    ginger_spice Posts: 1,653 Forumite
    Have read the list of things, its amazing how much there is to organise, but with the help of these lists, reckon its gonna be easier than I thought.
    Murphys no more pies member 48:beer:
    weight at light bulb moment 12st 29th March 2007
    weight at 03rd April 2008 10st 6lb:j :T GOAL
    getting wed on 23/09/09 :j :T
  • gabyjane
    gabyjane Posts: 3,541 Forumite
    Of things we still have to buy..(apologies if this is already done somewhere)
    And then come back and update when we have bought/done it?
    I'll go first:

    Shoes for me: Bought
    Shoes for Df: Still to buy
    Shoesfor DD: Still to buy
    Suit for DF: Still to buy
    My dress: Bought
    Petticoat: Still to buy
    Shirt and tie: Still to buy
    Rings: Still to buy
    Dress for DD: Still to buy
    Bouquet and buttonholes:Still to buy

    Eeek so much still!! Anything i may have forgot?
    Thanks
  • Stephb1986_2
    Stephb1986_2 Posts: 6,279 Forumite
    Hi i noticed a few people doing a wedding planning course on here do you need any formal qualifications to do it? and do you have to pay for the course.

    I am really interested in doing this. sorry if i've posted in the wrong place

    Steph xx
  • mezelks
    mezelks Posts: 269 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    I married in May 07.
    I saved sooooooooo much, and here's how...
    1, I made the stationary myself. Bought a car boot copy of a diy invites computer programme, bought a load of card from 'The Works' and voila!
    2, I went to Black Bushe Market for Bridesmaids dresses, and found my wedding dress there too! There was a stall with a guy who makes of Debenhams, and, er, 'aquires' extra's! I'm proud to say my dress cost me £20!!!
    3, Don't be afraid to ask for help! Instead of a gift, my mum made the cake. Instead of a gift, my dad contributed to the hotel cost. Instead of being written into the will (sounds bad, I know), my nan paid for the honeymoon!
    4, When the hotel quotes the drinks, remember how many of the guests are under 18. Saved around £400 by saying 'hang on-you're charging full price for toddlers-they don't drink wine!'
    5, If somethings not right on the day, do something about it, but not so much so that it ruins the day.
    I am deathly allergic to coffee (not caffeine, coffee), and had told the hotel this. After dinner, a coffee pot was waved in front of me and offered. I had to rush outside and be sick! I had a quiet word with the manager, and £600 was put behind the bar as a 'goodwill gesture'
    6, Rope your mates in! Get them to do stuff, anything, for you!

    Good luck,
    Hope this helps a little
  • mezelks
    mezelks Posts: 269 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    Oh, more....
    I bought silk flowers-served as beautiful keepsakes for bridesmaids, mums, ushers etc
    ONLY book a photographer through recommendations
    Favours-I bought mine when Tesco were closing for refurb. Candles in glss holder. Normally £2.47 each, got them for 47p each
    Shop around
  • IamJen
    IamJen Posts: 704 Forumite
    Hey! It's spam! :(
    Pick battles big enough to matter, small enough to win. - Jonathan Kozol
  • Horace
    Horace Posts: 14,426 Forumite
    Here is an example of what to and when - this will help with your wedding planning:

    10 – 9 months – Initial meeting with your planner if using.

    Determine Date and time
    Visit clergy – local church – book venue – confirm religious orientation
    Discuss venue requirements
    Discuss budget
    Size of guest list
    Theme of the wedding – formal?
    Discuss Bridal dress styles
    Discuss and book reception venue
    Select wedding dress – then wedding accessories

    9-6 months

    Pick colour theme
    Discuss, choose and book live wedding band
    Compile guest list – send save the date cards
    Arrange meetings with caterers, photograher, videography, florist
    Choose attendents – confirm outfits
    Decide on ceremony music, poems/readings/vows
    Discuss Invitations' style
    Book suppliers (as above)

    6-4 months

    Place order for wedding stationery
    Organise wedding favours, decorations, placecards
    Book transport
    Wedding cake – discuss and order
    Book Honeymoon – think visa/vaccinations/travel insurance if applicable
    All deposits to suppliers to be paid

    3 – 2 months

    Buy Rings
    Arrange for registration of gift list
    Address and send invitations
    Hair and make-up rehearsal - book

    1 month

    Finalise all aspects
    Confirm honeymoon details
    Final fitting – Bride and attendents
    Marriage licence
    Pick up rings

    2 weeks

    Annoucement in local newspaper
    Contact guests who have not responded
    Pick up bridal gown and attendents outfits

    1 week

    Confirm final number of guests with suppliers
    Table plan
    Full dress rehearsal
    Facial/fake tan
    Final check – rings – licence – attire

    Day before wedding

    Dress reception venue/church if required
    Nails
    Confirm wedding day timetable
    Flowers/buttonholes delivery

    Wedding day

    Hair
    Make up
    Dressing
    Rings
    Licence
    Pay all outstanding bills from suppliers
    Wedding announcements

    Hope this helps someone.
  • Maybe i am being thick here, but H2B and i booked our venue in September - for the NEXT remaining weekend - which wasnt until October 2010. I have been in contact with photographers florists cake makers etc, and all have got bookings for 2010 - some have actually had to reject me as they were already full.

    The invitation companies i have contacted (3 in total) have all recommended i get my order in ASAP because they are getting booked up fast fro 2010 and cannot guarentee they can complete my order if i leave it until after xmas...

    How on earth have you all managed to do it in a year!! Obviously i know there will BE suppliers available, but i cant believe how ealy some of them get booked up!!
    BCT:[strike]£16,500 [/strike] £0 HFC CURRYS: [strike]£520[/strike] £0 HFC PC WORLD: [strike]£800[/strike] £0 ARGOS CARD: [strike]£795[/strike] £0 ADDITIONS DIRECT: [strike]£625[/strike] £0 NATIONWIDE CC: [strike]£1560[/strike] £0 VIRGIN CC: [strike]£1500[/strike] £0 :j
  • we have gone for a weekday wedding. Its also cut the costs down.
    Murphys no more pies member 48:beer:
    weight at light bulb moment 12st 29th March 2007
    weight at 03rd April 2008 10st 6lb:j :T GOAL
    getting wed on 23/09/09 :j :T
  • But for a saturday wedding we wud have been looking at 2011, we also have changed the venue from a well known one to one just as nice just not as known about.
    Murphys no more pies member 48:beer:
    weight at light bulb moment 12st 29th March 2007
    weight at 03rd April 2008 10st 6lb:j :T GOAL
    getting wed on 23/09/09 :j :T
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