Countdown to your wedding day

From 12 months - 24 months

• Set the date! Decide on the date and place of your wedding. If you are getting married in church make an appointment with the Minister. If you are having a civil ceremony visit the registrar in your area
• Draw up a guest list and set a budget for your wedding
• Organise wedding insurance before you pay any deposits
• Book your reception / arrange the catering
• Choose and book your photographer
• Arrange for a video or DVD of the big day
• Choose your attendants: Bridesmaids, Best Man, Ushers, Witnesses
• Choose your wedding dress, decide on a colour scheme for the wedding, choose attendants outfits, shop for accessories
• Book your honeymoon
• Order your wedding cake and WEDDING FAVOURS!

From 6-9 Months

• Select your invitations & Stationery (wedding invites, order of service, place settings, etc)
• See the florist
• Buy the wedding rings

From 3 Months

• Compile wedding present list
• Send out invitations; include a map and a list of accommodations for out of town guests
• Schedule rehearsal time and date; have you selected hymns, booked organist?
• Consult your hair stylist, and organise your make up
• Have you got all the accessories for the big day? Underwear, Shoes, Jewellery, Head dress. Don't forget to start wearing in your shoes around the house
• Shop for Mum's outfit

From 2 Months

• Apply for name change on passport
• Shop for going away outfit
• Start writing speeches
• Plan stag & hen nights

From 1 month

• Have final dress fitting
• Have trial run with make up & hair

From 3 weeks

• Prepare seating plan
• Pick up wedding rings

From 2 weeks

• Confirm arrangements with all services, entertainers, photographer, florist, balloonist

1 week

• Have a facial
• Confirm guest numbers with caterer
• Give Best Man envelopes for paying any remaining fees

1 day

• Have a manicure
• Layout wedding dress & all accessories

The big day

• Allow at least two hours for dressing
• Take a deep breath, Relax & ENJOY your day

Seating Plan

The top table normally faces all the guests, enabling them to all see the wedding party and so that in turn, the wedding party can all see all their guests. It also makes it easier to see and hear when the speeches are taking place.

Although it is a question of personal preference as to where the bride and groom wish to seat their wedding party, if you want to be traditional here are two of most common ways to seat the top table: