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|  05 January 2010 Big Day CountdownGet yourself to the church on time and in style with Ulster Bride’s ultimate wedding planning guide!Now...Decide on your budget and agree on who is paying for what. Civil or church ceremony? Choose the type of service you would like and make an appointment with your minister or registrar to discuss plans. Draw up a provisional guest list. Choose a reception venue that suits both the size and style of your wedding. Discuss caterers and drinks suppliers. Select your chief bridesmaid and bridesmaids and ask the groom to select his best man and ushers. Begin visiting your short-listed florists, wedding transport, photographers and videographers. Take out wedding insurance. 12 months before... Confirm your florist, transport, photographer, videographer and toastmaster (optional). Musician, band or DJ? Choose the entertainment act for your reception. Book your honeymoon. If you wish to travel under your married name, do not forget to apply for a new passport and be sure to check whether you require immunisation injections or visas for your destination. Add a bespoke finish to your reception and get in touch with a chair cover company. Book time off work. Finalise your invitation list and make appointments to see your favourite stationers. Shop for your dream gown. Take someone with you who will give you her honest opinion. 6 months before... Attend your first gown fitting. Buy your shoes and accessories (veil, tiara/headpiece, lingerie, jewellery). Select wedding attire for your bridal party. Choose the wedding rings. Order your cake. Place your wedding stationery order. Register a wedding list with your favourite store(s). Order your wedding favours. Make an appointment with your hairstylist and take along a picture of your dress and tiara/headpiece to help him/her create the most complementary look for you. Attend your first appointment with your make-up artist. Consider your going away outfit. 3 months before... Post your wedding invitations. Obtain your marriage licence from the registrar. Select the music or hymns to be played at your ceremony. If you are having a church ceremony, arrange a meeting to discuss the order of service. Once confirmed, you can arrange for the sheets to be printed. Discuss the seating plan with your reception venue representative. Hen and stag parties. Are they to be a night out in town or a weekend away? Confirm your hairstylist and make-up appointments for the morning of your wedding. Ensure that you have made all the necessary deposits. Purchase gifts for the best man, ushers, bridesmaids and mothers-of-the-bride and groom. Notify your bank/ building society, dentist and doctor about your change of name (and change of address, if applicable) and from what date this will take effect. 1 month before... Arrange for a final fitting of your wedding dress. Reconfirm all arrangements with your reception venue, caterer, florist, cake maker, photographer, videographer, car specialist, chair cover company and entertainment act. Finalise the seating plan with the caterer. Get in touch with any guests who have not yet sent an RSVP. Wedding speeches for the groom, best man and father-of-the-bride must be tackled. Ensure that every member of the wedding party knows what they must do and when. Confirm when you may pick up the wedding party attire. Book your manicure/ pedicure/ facial appointment. Celebrate in style at your hen and stag nights. 7 days before... Have a wedding rehearsal, if required. Get packing for your honeymoon. Be sure to break in your wedding shoes in good time. Get together an emergency kit containing make-up and repair items for your gown in case of any mishaps on the day. If you are having a church ceremony, ensure that your minister receives the order of service sheets. Give the rings to the best man as well as a contact list of all the wedding services involved on your day, in case of emergency. Have a relaxing night out with the girls or a pampering night in to take your mind off everything. The groom should make an appointment with his hairdresser. The day before... Make sure you have the day off work and go out for lunch. Try to relax as much as you can. Enjoy a manicure and pedicure appointment. Have everything laid out the night before. Take a long soak in the tub and get an early night. On the day... Get up early so as to not put yourself under any undue pressure. Eat breakfast and have a camomile tea – it will settle your nerves. Grooms, for a close and relaxing shave, take a trip to the barbers. Make sure that you are prepared for your hairstylist and make-up artist. Sit back and experience the biggest day of your life! Send To A Friend » | ||||||||||||||
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