Here is a checklist for all the arrangements that need to be made. This will help you plan the big day. Don’t forget to always confirm any bookings you make in writing.

You can read through it here or for your convenience you can download is as a PDF to print out and tick everything off as you go.

After you have some idea of the date
• Choose where you want to be married, a church, register office or why not consider one of the many excellent approved venues in Northants.
• What sort of wedding do you want? Formal, informal or why not consider a themed wedding!
• Visit the venue of your choice to see it meets your needs and also discuss whether your
chosen date is available. (Do this immediately, especially if you are planning a summer
wedding).
• If you are planning a register office wedding or a wedding in an approved venue, make an
appointment to see your local Registrar.
• Discuss with your parents and partneŕ the budget for the whole event.
• Book the caterer/reception venue.
• Book the hire cars that you need.
• Organise and book any entertainment you require for the reception, e.g. a disco for the
evening function.
• Select a photographer and/or make the arrangements for a video to be produced.
• Consider who you want to be best man, bridesmaids and ushers. Make sure they are
available on the chosen date!
• Consider your guest list.
• Order all the printed wedding stationery such as invitations, cake boxes, name cards and
serviettes.
• What about insurance against possible wedding disaster?

4/6 months before the wedding
• Finalise your choice of wedding dress and the dresses for your bridesmaids.
• Decide on where you are going for your honeymoon. Make all the necessary bookings
including taking out holiday insurance.
• Agree the wedding outfit/outfits for your fiancé, the best man and the ushers.
• Discuss the ceremony and order of service with the minister or the registrar.
• Compile your wedding present list.
• Discuss the menu with the caterers.
• Select a florist and order the bouquets.
• Book your hair appointments for the day including mothers and bridesmaids.
• Send out your wedding invitations and record the acceptances as you receive them.
• Send out any extra invitations for the evening reception.
• If you are honeymooning abroad, ensure you and your fiancé’s passports are current.
Remember you can get a passport in your new married name.

2/4 months before the wedding
• Visit the jewellers and select your wedding ring or rings.
• Ensure that all your dresses and outfits will be ready on time.
• If a religious ceremony, meet the vicar and agree the reading of banns. If a civil ceremony
have you given the Notice of Marriage to the registrar?
• Buy the gifts you intend to give to bridesmaids, best man, ushers or parents.
• Finalise all the catering arrangements.
• Buy your going away outfits (if required).
• Make an appointment at the doctors for any injections that you may require if you are
travelling abroad.
• Finalise the ‘order of service’ for the ceremony. If necessary discuss options/readings/
music with the registrar/minister.

1/2 months before the wedding
• Finalise reception details with the caterers/reception venue.
• Discuss with your hairdresser the style you require on the day. If you are wearing a veil or
head-dress then take this along and consider a trial run before the day.
• Check that your wedding dress fits perfectly.
• Ensure the bridesmaids are happy with their dresses and there are no problems.
• Make sure your fiancé has finalised the arrangements for his clothes (and best
man/ushers etc) and the honeymoon (is his passport valid?).
• Keep up to date with any correspondence such as thank you letters for wedding presents
or letters to people who send their best wishes but are unable to join you on the day.
• Agree the wording for a wedding announcement in the local paper. Do you want your
photograph in the local paper?
• Order foreign currency and travellers cheques for your honeymoon, if appropriate.
• Tell the bank/building society of bride’s change of name.

2/4 weeks before the wedding
• Finalise the numbers for the wedding reception and evening function. Finalise number with the appropriate people.
• Draw up the table plan for the reception and complete the name cards. If you are expecting a large number of people it may be helpful to have two table plans so that your guests can find their place quickly and easily.
• Confirm all the final arrangements with the florist, photographer, video company, hire car company, cake maker etc.
• Consider if and how the wedding presents will be displayed.

One week before the wedding
• Try on all the outfits and make sure everything still fits perfectly.
• Practice your wedding day make up.
• Vet the groom’s speech – check he thanks everyone who has helped in the preparation.
• Consider having a rehearsal with all the key people at the wedding venue. (Note - there
may be an extra charge levied by the venue/registrar).
• Notify any last minute changes to numbers to the caterers/reception venue.
• Check that you have everything for your going away outfit and the honeymoon.
• Make a start on packing for the honeymoon. Do not leave everything to the last minute.
Make sure your fiancé packs the tickets and his passport!