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The Wedding Planning Checklist Was Created To Help Eliminate Some Of The Confusion And Fear That Something Will Be Missed During Your Once-in-a-lifetime Special Day. We Understand That You Want Your Wedding Day To Be Perfect.
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Congrats on deciding to take the ultimate step of becoming a legal entity with a civil partnership, much nicer to call it an engagement though, followed by a gay wedding. Well. depending on how OTT you are planning the ceremony you are going to have to get organised. Which one is more organised? Well now that is decided you can use the list below to help you. This is really something to stick on your fridge door just so that you know where you are in the proceedings. You really should start a folder to keep everything together and to keep an eye on the costs, there is a spreadsheet here
To get a rough guide to what it entails you could watch Father of the Bride, Tracey and Hepburn is more classy but Martin and Keaton more relevant, especially if you want a wedding planner. What you won't see though is all the boring phoning around and comparing prices which is what you are going to have to do. Anyway, here it is:- Ooops, we are assuming that you are out, if you are not, you better think about it now because you are going to have to get to get the guest list together.
To get a rough guide to what it entails you could watch Father of the Bride, Tracey and Hepburn is more classy but Martin and Keaton more relevant, especially if you want a wedding planner. What you won't see though is all the boring phoning around and comparing prices which is what you are going to have to do. Anyway, here it is:- Ooops, we are assuming that you are out, if you are not, you better think about it now because you are going to have to get to get the guest list together.
12 months before the big day.
____ Get your first guest list together, this will change but if you have a rough idea of numbers it will help you decide on the size of the venue and the costs.
____ Decide on the time and date of the ceremony, but be prepared to change it.
____ An engagement party is a good idea to get family and friends together.
____ See if there are any straight bridal shows happening, you may get some ideas.
____ Have a serious discussion about money and decide the budget, this will change!
____ While you are talking about money, decide who is going to pay what and will your parents chip in?
____ Decide if you want the official ceremony in the registry office or a wedding venue.
____ If a registry office, decide on reception venue.
____Do you want a celebrant to hold a service or a gay friendly vicar/priest/rabbi to hold a blessing
____ Start a wedding folder and an organiser so that you have everything to hand.
____ Consider what type of wedding to hold. Do you want a theme?
____ Do you want to plan it yourself or get in a wedding planner/co-ordinator?
____ Consider getting wedding insurance.
____ Think about the catering for the reception. If a themed wedding, how will this match.
____ What type of entertainment do you want, DJ, live band, magicians?
____ Think about transport. If it is something special book well in advance.
____ Think about your colour schemes and floral decorations for the reception venue.
____BOOK THE REGISTRY OFFICE/WEDDING VENUE
____BOOK THE RECEPTION SITE.
____ Get your first guest list together, this will change but if you have a rough idea of numbers it will help you decide on the size of the venue and the costs.
____ Decide on the time and date of the ceremony, but be prepared to change it.
____ An engagement party is a good idea to get family and friends together.
____ See if there are any straight bridal shows happening, you may get some ideas.
____ Have a serious discussion about money and decide the budget, this will change!
____ While you are talking about money, decide who is going to pay what and will your parents chip in?
____ Decide if you want the official ceremony in the registry office or a wedding venue.
____ If a registry office, decide on reception venue.
____Do you want a celebrant to hold a service or a gay friendly vicar/priest/rabbi to hold a blessing
____ Start a wedding folder and an organiser so that you have everything to hand.
____ Consider what type of wedding to hold. Do you want a theme?
____ Do you want to plan it yourself or get in a wedding planner/co-ordinator?
____ Consider getting wedding insurance.
____ Think about the catering for the reception. If a themed wedding, how will this match.
____ What type of entertainment do you want, DJ, live band, magicians?
____ Think about transport. If it is something special book well in advance.
____ Think about your colour schemes and floral decorations for the reception venue.
____BOOK THE REGISTRY OFFICE/WEDDING VENUE
____BOOK THE RECEPTION SITE.
9 Months To Go.
____ Book your professional photographer and/or videographer.
____ Book your caterer unless your reception venue is supplying.
____ Book the entertainment but have a fall back plan.
____ Book your wedding limousines.
____ Buy your wedding rings.
____ Decide if you are going to buy or rent your wedding outfits.
____ Think about bridesmaids, maids of honour and best men.
____ Start looking at honeymoon destinations.
____Choose a wedding cake style.
____ If one of you is having a traditional brides dress order it now plus accessories.
6 Months To Go.
____Pick who you want to act as your attendants and ushers.
____Get an exercise regime going.
____Make a list of the guests who are coming from a long way and research hotels for discounts.
____Chose and order the wedding invitations and other stationery.
____Have you got insurance yet?
____Think about a wedding gift list and which store to place it with.
____If you are going for a traditional fruit style wedding cake order it now.
____Having a celebrant? Time to book them.
____Check back at gayweddingessentials.com for more ideas.
____If one of you is having a traditional wedding dress you need to order it.
____ Book your professional photographer and/or videographer.
____ Book your caterer unless your reception venue is supplying.
____ Book the entertainment but have a fall back plan.
____ Book your wedding limousines.
____ Buy your wedding rings.
____ Decide if you are going to buy or rent your wedding outfits.
____ Think about bridesmaids, maids of honour and best men.
____ Start looking at honeymoon destinations.
____Choose a wedding cake style.
____ If one of you is having a traditional brides dress order it now plus accessories.
6 Months To Go.
____Pick who you want to act as your attendants and ushers.
____Get an exercise regime going.
____Make a list of the guests who are coming from a long way and research hotels for discounts.
____Chose and order the wedding invitations and other stationery.
____Have you got insurance yet?
____Think about a wedding gift list and which store to place it with.
____If you are going for a traditional fruit style wedding cake order it now.
____Having a celebrant? Time to book them.
____Check back at gayweddingessentials.com for more ideas.
____If one of you is having a traditional wedding dress you need to order it.
4 Months To Go.
____ Make sure you know what you need for the civil ceremony.
____ Discuss the arrangements, colours and flowers with your florist.
____ Book any equipment you need to hire in. Remember the chocolate fountain.
____ Buy the male attire or if renting, go for a fitting and reserve it.
____ Send the wedding invitations.
____ Compose or look for any wedding vows you want for the ceremony.
____ Decide on the music for the wedding and reception.
____ Chose the type of wedding favours and order/buy them.
____ Get your mother-in-laws together for a dress co-ordination meeting.
____ Go over all the suppliers contracts, check with them that nothing has changed.
2 Months To Go.
____ Tell the world. Place your wedding announcement in the newspaper.
____ What about a nice engagement photograph?
____ Buy any accessories you will need for your wedding day.
____ What about a wedding shower?
____ Book any accommodation needed both for yourself and guests.
____ Will you need a hairdresser and/or make up artist on the day, book them now.
____ Book your honeymoon.
____ Think about a health plan. Supplements and diet and maybe a few sun bed sessions.
____ Check with your wedding/reception venue that all your decorating details are in hand.
____ Talk over your requirements with your photographer. Pre wedding, wedding and reception shots.
____ Make sure you know what you need for the civil ceremony.
____ Discuss the arrangements, colours and flowers with your florist.
____ Book any equipment you need to hire in. Remember the chocolate fountain.
____ Buy the male attire or if renting, go for a fitting and reserve it.
____ Send the wedding invitations.
____ Compose or look for any wedding vows you want for the ceremony.
____ Decide on the music for the wedding and reception.
____ Chose the type of wedding favours and order/buy them.
____ Get your mother-in-laws together for a dress co-ordination meeting.
____ Go over all the suppliers contracts, check with them that nothing has changed.
2 Months To Go.
____ Tell the world. Place your wedding announcement in the newspaper.
____ What about a nice engagement photograph?
____ Buy any accessories you will need for your wedding day.
____ What about a wedding shower?
____ Book any accommodation needed both for yourself and guests.
____ Will you need a hairdresser and/or make up artist on the day, book them now.
____ Book your honeymoon.
____ Think about a health plan. Supplements and diet and maybe a few sun bed sessions.
____ Check with your wedding/reception venue that all your decorating details are in hand.
____ Talk over your requirements with your photographer. Pre wedding, wedding and reception shots.
1 Month to go and counting.
____ Collect your wedding rings and check the wording on any engraving done. Do they fit?
____ If you are having one, go for your final dress fitting and any other dresses.
____ Time to go and give formal notice of your civil partnership.
____ Do you need to buy your going away outfits?
____ Contact any guests that have not RSVP'd.
____ Write down the order of events for the wedding day.
____ What about throwing a little party for your helpers.
____ Book you stag/hen night arrangements.
____ Buy the presents for your best man/maid of honour and any other helpers.
2 Weeks only but don't panic.
____ Check the final details with your entertainer.
____ If you are using live musicians, get a list of music that you want played.
____ If using a DJ make sure he has a list of your favourite songs and when they are to be used.
____ Write your speech if you are making one.
____ Finalise the last minute details, like numbers and dietary needs, with your caterer.
____ Check that your wedding cars are ready. Particularly if using classic ones.
____ Check that the cake is ready or if having a sponge cake, order it now.
____ Book any taxis that may be needed. Don't forget you may need to get to the airport.
1 Week to the day.
____ Enjoy your stag/hen night, you have a week to get rid of the hangover.
____ Try to get some extra time off work.
____ Do a final ring around of all of your suppliers and venues.
____ Get your seating plan in order.
____ Brief everybody involved on their duties for the big day.
____ If needed, have your wedding rehearsal followed by the dinner.
____ Try on the wedding outfits again, just in case.
____ Check the hotel reservations for the long distance guests and make sure they have transport to and from the hotel.
____ Get any foreign currency or travellers checks.
____ Confirm your honeymoon booking.
____ Arrange for trustworthy person to return hired dress/costumes.
1 Day to go and your heart is a flutter.
____ Do a final check with your florist to see that they will deliver everything on time and to the right place.
____ Pack your bags for your honeymoon with a small bag for going away outfits.
____ Collect the wedding cake.
____ Have a facial,manicure,sauna, anything to relax yourself.
____ Check the time with your hair stylist/make up artist.
____ Do a timed list of everything you need to do tomorrow prior to leaving the house. Make sure you allow enough time for everything.
____ Prepare envelopes with the names on, for all the cash for tips and expenses that need to be handed out
Your Wedding Day at last.
_____ It's your wedding day, what are you doing ticking this list!
____ Go for a wet shave and trim.
____ Have a relaxing bath.
____ Give your hair dresser and make up artist plenty of time to work their magic.
____ If you are doing it yourself, give yourself plenty of time.
____ Check that you have the rings, paperwork, passports and money.
____ Give the money envelopes and wedding rings to your best man/maid of honour.
____ Check that your honeymoon luggage is going with you.
____ Don't panic, relax and enjoy the day when you are the star of the show. Are you ready for your close up?
____ Collect your wedding rings and check the wording on any engraving done. Do they fit?
____ If you are having one, go for your final dress fitting and any other dresses.
____ Time to go and give formal notice of your civil partnership.
____ Do you need to buy your going away outfits?
____ Contact any guests that have not RSVP'd.
____ Write down the order of events for the wedding day.
____ What about throwing a little party for your helpers.
____ Book you stag/hen night arrangements.
____ Buy the presents for your best man/maid of honour and any other helpers.
2 Weeks only but don't panic.
____ Check the final details with your entertainer.
____ If you are using live musicians, get a list of music that you want played.
____ If using a DJ make sure he has a list of your favourite songs and when they are to be used.
____ Write your speech if you are making one.
____ Finalise the last minute details, like numbers and dietary needs, with your caterer.
____ Check that your wedding cars are ready. Particularly if using classic ones.
____ Check that the cake is ready or if having a sponge cake, order it now.
____ Book any taxis that may be needed. Don't forget you may need to get to the airport.
1 Week to the day.
____ Enjoy your stag/hen night, you have a week to get rid of the hangover.
____ Try to get some extra time off work.
____ Do a final ring around of all of your suppliers and venues.
____ Get your seating plan in order.
____ Brief everybody involved on their duties for the big day.
____ If needed, have your wedding rehearsal followed by the dinner.
____ Try on the wedding outfits again, just in case.
____ Check the hotel reservations for the long distance guests and make sure they have transport to and from the hotel.
____ Get any foreign currency or travellers checks.
____ Confirm your honeymoon booking.
____ Arrange for trustworthy person to return hired dress/costumes.
1 Day to go and your heart is a flutter.
____ Do a final check with your florist to see that they will deliver everything on time and to the right place.
____ Pack your bags for your honeymoon with a small bag for going away outfits.
____ Collect the wedding cake.
____ Have a facial,manicure,sauna, anything to relax yourself.
____ Check the time with your hair stylist/make up artist.
____ Do a timed list of everything you need to do tomorrow prior to leaving the house. Make sure you allow enough time for everything.
____ Prepare envelopes with the names on, for all the cash for tips and expenses that need to be handed out
Your Wedding Day at last.
_____ It's your wedding day, what are you doing ticking this list!
____ Go for a wet shave and trim.
____ Have a relaxing bath.
____ Give your hair dresser and make up artist plenty of time to work their magic.
____ If you are doing it yourself, give yourself plenty of time.
____ Check that you have the rings, paperwork, passports and money.
____ Give the money envelopes and wedding rings to your best man/maid of honour.
____ Check that your honeymoon luggage is going with you.
____ Don't panic, relax and enjoy the day when you are the star of the show. Are you ready for your close up?
gayweddingessentials©2008
For Topplanner
Tip We found Topplanner a fantastic table-planning website that lets you do all your seating arrangements online. You can access your table plan anywhere and make changes at the click of a button.
