- Tell friends and family the good news
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- Arrange first meeting with minister, priest or rabbi to set the date
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- If wanted, hire a wedding planner!
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- For civil weddings make an appointment to discuss dates and procedures
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- Make your first guest list
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- Decide who is doing what in terms of the wedding plan
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- Start visiting possible venues for the reception (If it's a popular date, book ASAP)
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- Research then book a photographer
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- If possible, arrange a meeting of the families
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12 to 9 Months
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- Start booking appointments to view dresses at boutiques
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- Research and decide on stationary
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- Research and book florist
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- Research and book caterer (If not provided by venue)
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6 to 9 Months before
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- Send invites to those who will need to travel a distance
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- Order invitations and stationary
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- Hire equipment e.g. tables, chairs, tableware, marquee if necessary
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- Finalise guest list and send out save-the-date cards or emails
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- Book music for ceremony and entertainment for the evening if necessary
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- Book videographer if having one
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- Register with a store for a gift list (don't need to make the actual list yet but the details should go out with invites)
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6 Months before
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- Choose bridesmaid dresses
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- Organise the groom and his attendants' suits (including hire if necessary)
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- Book transport for the day
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- Make a gift list and register it with your chosen store
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- Make sure your guests who are not local have booked their accommodation
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- Book first consultation with hairdresser and make up artist
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- Attend first dress fitting
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4 to 6 Months before
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- If your ceremony is not in the Church of England, give notice of the marriage to the superintendant registrar
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- Confirm your vow choice, readings and music with your minister/registrar
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- Select hymns and order of service
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- Discuss menu options with caters
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- Ensure passports and inoculations are up to date
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- Discuss banns with minister
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3 Months before
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- Send our remaining invitations with directions and gift list information
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- Sign up for dance lessons if desired
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- Draft timetable of the day
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- Finalise honeymoon plans including insurance
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- Confirm all bookings (including registrar!)
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- Plan hen and stag details
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- Choose presents for attendants and parents
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- If changing your name, prepare the necessary documents
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- Have makeup and hair trial with headdress and veil
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2 Months before
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- Final hen and stag arrangements and the do itself
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- If possible, pay for marriage license from registrar
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- Confirm honeymoon booking
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- Finalise event order for ceremony
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- Book any pampering treatments to have before the wedding day
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- Have order of service printed
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1 Month before
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- Make a list of must have shots and discuss with your photographer
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- Check arrangements for groom and his attendants' outfits
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- Finalise event order for reception
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- Confirm in writing the final number of guest to caterer
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2 Weeks to go
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- Break in shoes (bride and groom!)
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- Write out place cards or get them printed
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- Sort out money for the honeymoon
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- Ask someone to keep an eye on your home and sort out keys for them
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1 Week to go
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- Update caterer with final guest count and specials e.g. children and vegetarians)
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- Arrange for cake to be delivered/collected
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- Pack for honeymoon, confirm any last minute details and leave contact details with friends and family
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- Finalise seating plan and creating a seating plan to be displayed
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- Have final makeup and hair trial
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- Give attendants contact details of all who will be in the wedding party should they need it on the day
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- Check arrangements with musicians, florist, photographer and videographer
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- Groom and attendants have haircuts
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24 Hours to go
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- Have manicure/pedicure/other pampering
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- Go through attendants and those who are involved, checking they know what they are doing
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- Organise note/gift to be sent/given to your partner for the big day
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- Have rehearsal at church with wedding party
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- Make sure that at least one of your attendants is in charge of taking gifts on the day and get them to organise with the venue storage (and collection afterwards)
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- Try to relax and have an early night!
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On the day
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- Make sure you have plenty time to relax and get ready
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- Make sure you have something to eat in the morning - fainting should not be scheduled!
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- Get bouquets, buttonholes etc (either delivered or collected)
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- Get bridal hair and make up done
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- Get an attendant to liaise with photographer on who to make sure they have captured in a photo
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