You always hear about these women who have been dreaming about their wedding since they were a little girl, but that wasn't me. I never dreamt of my wedding, because I never thought I would be the marrying type. How things change!
Within a year we were talking about marriage, but at seventeen years old; I was still so young. When he proposed in 2004, we still knew the wedding would be a long time off - we both wanted to get some kind of career under our belts, and I was moving back to the UK after spending a year in Hubby's Homeland, and we wanted to make a commitment to stay together despite the distance, and engagement seemed the way to go.
When we finally started thinking about the wedding in 2008, we realised we had very similar ideas of what we wanted. I mean, I wanted to get married in somewhere like Loseley Park or Cain Manor, but we just couldn't afford it. So we settled for getting married at the register office and having a really simple reception. I wasn't prepared to compromise on the dress (but I was happy to rent) or the photography (but it turns out we got a good deal, for free!), but other than that; we were up for anything.
Showing posts with label General Progress. Show all posts
Showing posts with label General Progress. Show all posts
18 May 2009
Checklist
I've added two checklists. The first is a month-by-month checklist, and the second (further down) is an itemised checklist:
9-12 MONTHS:
* Announce engagement – Done
* Select wedding date – Done
* Determine budget – Done
* Hire wedding planner – N/A
* Determine wedding type (formal/casual) – Done
* Select best man, bridesmaids and ushers – Done
* Consider possible venues – Done
* Determine number of guests – Done
* Buy a diary to track planning – Done
* Keep a record of payments made and outstanding – Done
* Give notice of intention to marry at local register office – Done
* Book register office – Done
* Shop for wedding rings – Done
* Collect wedding rings – Done
* Design stationery – Done
* Determine colour scheme – Done
* Have engagement photos taken – Done
* Buy guestbook – Done
* Check the legalities of getting married – Done
* Consider wedding insurance – N/A
6-9 MONTHS:
* Shop for wedding dress – Done
* Create first guest list – Done
* Book evening entertainment – Done
* Purchase bridal accessories – Done
* Buy lingerie – Done
* Create second guest list – Done
* Send invitations – Done
* Select and order wedding cake – Done
* Consider favours – N/A
3-6 MONTHS:
* First dress fitting – Done
* Consider flowers – Done
* Apply for a new passport – Done
* Consider ceremony music – Done
* RSVP cut-off. Chase late replies – Done
* Collect wedding dress – Done
* Book wedding day transportation – Done
* Consider catering options – Done
* Have a hair trial run – Done
* Book hair stylist for wedding day – Done
* Buy bridesmaids’ favours – Done
* Discuss photography – Done
* Obtain honeymoon quotes – Done
* Book honeymoon – Done
* Compile gift list – Done
* Prepare children’s packs – Done
* Pay honeymoon before June – Done
* Shop for old/new/borrowed/blue – Done
* Send out Hen & Stag details – Done
* Shop for honeymoon attire
* Visit ceremony venue – Done
1 MONTH:
* Discuss flowers – Partial
* Shop for bridesmaids’ dresses – Partial
* Receive new passport – Done
* Confirm ceremony venue – Done
* Return music choices to register office – Done
* Confirm catering
* Look into honeymoon immunisation
* Tally guest numbers and return to venues
* Hen & Stag night – Done
* Plan activities between ceremony and reception
* Consider photography venues – Done
* Write a wedding day itinerary – Done
2 WEEKS:
* Second dress fitting – Done
* Select someone to be in charge of ceremony music
* Makeup trial run
* Confirm photography
* Confirm payment details for all suppliers and venues
* Prepare information booklet for guests
* Research taxi numbers
* Buy groom’s shoes
* Buy groom’s waistcoat
1 WEEK:
* Ensure all attire fits
* Decorations ready and delivered to venue
* Confirm receipt of ale at reception venue
* Pack for wedding week, including ID for wedding
* Pull a song list together for afternoon reception
* Burn ceremony music CDs
* Confirm flowers
* Oversee marquee
* Final tally of guests
1 DAY:
* Collect food & drink and leave at reception venue
* Groom goes for a shave
* Nominate a table for gifts and cards
* Nominate a table for the guestbook and photo frame
* Prepare final payments for vendors
ON THE DAY:
* Breakfast
* Give phone to someone that can deal with problems
* Ensure my afternoon items are in Hubby’s car
* Give rings to best man
* Give wedding party a copy of the itinerary
* Have bridesmaid collect flowers
* Hair appointment, with pearls
DAY AFTER:
* Pay outstanding vendors
* Leave for mini honeymoon
6 WEEKS AFTER:
* Send thank yous
* Chase photography
* Name change paperwork
* Pick up honeymoon tickets
* Apply for honeymoon visas
8 WEEKS AFTER:
* Leave for Honeymoon
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
BRIDAL OUTFIT & ACCESSORIES
Dress – brand “Sincerity”, style name “Nepal”, style no 3331
Veil & Tiara – I won’t be having a veil, as I don’t like the idea of them (it’s hard to explain). Instead of a tiara, I will be wearing a pearl & diamante headband
Shoes – Flat red patent ballerina style shoes
Something old/new/borrowed/blue – I’m still working on that one!
Lucky Sixpence – given to me by the band that will be playing at our wedding. I will be sewing it into the hem of my dress.
Hair – I am scouting around for stylists at the moment
Makeup – I am doing my own makeup
GROOM’S OUTFIT & ACCESSORIES
Grooms suit –black and grey morning suit
Waistcoat – Still waiting on this one
Cravat – red silk, from Debenhams
Grooms shoes –I have no idea what he’s planning for this one
ATTENDANTS' ATTIRE
Best Man’s suit – his own suit
Bridesmaids’ dresses – still shopping for these, but they will be simple black cocktail dresses, possibly accented with a red rose or sash
Ushers – their own suits
CEREMONIAL ITEMS
Rings – matching 2-tone gold rings from H Samuel
Guestbook – 8 x 8 inch red book with blank white pages.
Pen – Trying to find my Parker pen, but if that fails, I will buy a simple silver plated pen
Flowers – my colleague used to be a florist, and has offered to help make the bouquets, buttonholes and centrepieces.
ATTENDANTS & ASSISTANTS
Best Man – Hubby’s best friend. My fiancé was his best man last year, so he’s returning the favour this year
Bridesmaid – a mutual friend
Bridesmaid – Hubby’s cousin
Ushers – my brothers
Caterer – we’re buying in the food ourselves
Photographers – one of my friends from college, one of our old workmates and my uncle will all be taking photos on the day
Wedding car driver – hopefully this will come with the car!
Musician/Soloist/DJ – our friends are playing in their band
Cake maker – my father-in-law
GIFTS
To one another – we’re not giving gifts. Perhaps just a card.
Mothers – Flowers
Fathers – Uhhh….
Best man – Hubby’s in charge of this one
Bridesmaids – cubic zirconia necklace
STATIONERY
Invitations – done and sent out
Save The Dates – done, but not used
RSVP Cards – done and sent out
Location map – on our website and available to download
Thank you cards – bought blank cards and envelopes. We will stick a wedding photo to the front and send them out after the wedding.
Envelope seals – wax seals
FLORALS
Bride’s bouquet – red roses, no greenery
Bridesmaids’ bouquet – roses, either red or cream
Buttonholes – single red rose, little greenery
Centrepieces – red rose mix
FOR THE RECEPTION
Champagne flutes – hire from Sainsbury’s
Cake tops – no!
Cake server set – fiancé is a chef, so he has plenty of knives…
Garters – bought it years ago…
Table covers – part and parcel with the rental of the marquee
Balloons
HOSPITALITY
Engagement party – n/a
Rehearsal dinner - n/a
Pre reception snacks – cake and Pimms
Non bar beverages – drinks bought from Sainsbury’s
Wedding cake
Ceremony site – register office
Reception hall - my dad’s house!
Guest accommodation –information provided on the website
MUSIC
Pre ceremony – CD compilation playing
Bridal entry – Pachelbel’s Canon in D
Signing of register – CD compilation playing
Exit ceremony music – CD compilation playing
Couples entry to reception – iPod playing
Cutting of cake – iPod playing
First Dance – A song written by the band playing at our wedding
9-12 MONTHS:
* Announce engagement – Done
* Select wedding date – Done
* Determine budget – Done
* Hire wedding planner – N/A
* Determine wedding type (formal/casual) – Done
* Select best man, bridesmaids and ushers – Done
* Consider possible venues – Done
* Determine number of guests – Done
* Buy a diary to track planning – Done
* Keep a record of payments made and outstanding – Done
* Give notice of intention to marry at local register office – Done
* Book register office – Done
* Shop for wedding rings – Done
* Collect wedding rings – Done
* Design stationery – Done
* Determine colour scheme – Done
* Have engagement photos taken – Done
* Buy guestbook – Done
* Check the legalities of getting married – Done
* Consider wedding insurance – N/A
6-9 MONTHS:
* Shop for wedding dress – Done
* Create first guest list – Done
* Book evening entertainment – Done
* Purchase bridal accessories – Done
* Buy lingerie – Done
* Create second guest list – Done
* Send invitations – Done
* Select and order wedding cake – Done
* Consider favours – N/A
3-6 MONTHS:
* First dress fitting – Done
* Consider flowers – Done
* Apply for a new passport – Done
* Consider ceremony music – Done
* RSVP cut-off. Chase late replies – Done
* Collect wedding dress – Done
* Book wedding day transportation – Done
* Consider catering options – Done
* Have a hair trial run – Done
* Book hair stylist for wedding day – Done
* Buy bridesmaids’ favours – Done
* Discuss photography – Done
* Obtain honeymoon quotes – Done
* Book honeymoon – Done
* Compile gift list – Done
* Prepare children’s packs – Done
* Pay honeymoon before June – Done
* Shop for old/new/borrowed/blue – Done
* Send out Hen & Stag details – Done
* Shop for honeymoon attire
* Visit ceremony venue – Done
1 MONTH:
* Discuss flowers – Partial
* Shop for bridesmaids’ dresses – Partial
* Receive new passport – Done
* Confirm ceremony venue – Done
* Return music choices to register office – Done
* Confirm catering
* Look into honeymoon immunisation
* Tally guest numbers and return to venues
* Hen & Stag night – Done
* Plan activities between ceremony and reception
* Consider photography venues – Done
* Write a wedding day itinerary – Done
2 WEEKS:
* Second dress fitting – Done
* Select someone to be in charge of ceremony music
* Makeup trial run
* Confirm photography
* Confirm payment details for all suppliers and venues
* Prepare information booklet for guests
* Research taxi numbers
* Buy groom’s shoes
* Buy groom’s waistcoat
1 WEEK:
* Ensure all attire fits
* Decorations ready and delivered to venue
* Confirm receipt of ale at reception venue
* Pack for wedding week, including ID for wedding
* Pull a song list together for afternoon reception
* Burn ceremony music CDs
* Confirm flowers
* Oversee marquee
* Final tally of guests
1 DAY:
* Collect food & drink and leave at reception venue
* Groom goes for a shave
* Nominate a table for gifts and cards
* Nominate a table for the guestbook and photo frame
* Prepare final payments for vendors
ON THE DAY:
* Breakfast
* Give phone to someone that can deal with problems
* Ensure my afternoon items are in Hubby’s car
* Give rings to best man
* Give wedding party a copy of the itinerary
* Have bridesmaid collect flowers
* Hair appointment, with pearls
DAY AFTER:
* Pay outstanding vendors
* Leave for mini honeymoon
6 WEEKS AFTER:
* Send thank yous
* Chase photography
* Name change paperwork
* Pick up honeymoon tickets
* Apply for honeymoon visas
8 WEEKS AFTER:
* Leave for Honeymoon
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
BRIDAL OUTFIT & ACCESSORIES
Dress – brand “Sincerity”, style name “Nepal”, style no 3331
Veil & Tiara – I won’t be having a veil, as I don’t like the idea of them (it’s hard to explain). Instead of a tiara, I will be wearing a pearl & diamante headband
Shoes – Flat red patent ballerina style shoes
Something old/new/borrowed/blue – I’m still working on that one!
Lucky Sixpence – given to me by the band that will be playing at our wedding. I will be sewing it into the hem of my dress.
Hair – I am scouting around for stylists at the moment
Makeup – I am doing my own makeup
GROOM’S OUTFIT & ACCESSORIES
Grooms suit –black and grey morning suit
Waistcoat – Still waiting on this one
Cravat – red silk, from Debenhams
Grooms shoes –I have no idea what he’s planning for this one
ATTENDANTS' ATTIRE
Best Man’s suit – his own suit
Bridesmaids’ dresses – still shopping for these, but they will be simple black cocktail dresses, possibly accented with a red rose or sash
Ushers – their own suits
CEREMONIAL ITEMS
Rings – matching 2-tone gold rings from H Samuel
Guestbook – 8 x 8 inch red book with blank white pages.
Pen – Trying to find my Parker pen, but if that fails, I will buy a simple silver plated pen
Flowers – my colleague used to be a florist, and has offered to help make the bouquets, buttonholes and centrepieces.
ATTENDANTS & ASSISTANTS
Best Man – Hubby’s best friend. My fiancé was his best man last year, so he’s returning the favour this year
Bridesmaid – a mutual friend
Bridesmaid – Hubby’s cousin
Ushers – my brothers
Caterer – we’re buying in the food ourselves
Photographers – one of my friends from college, one of our old workmates and my uncle will all be taking photos on the day
Wedding car driver – hopefully this will come with the car!
Musician/Soloist/DJ – our friends are playing in their band
Cake maker – my father-in-law
GIFTS
To one another – we’re not giving gifts. Perhaps just a card.
Mothers – Flowers
Fathers – Uhhh….
Best man – Hubby’s in charge of this one
Bridesmaids – cubic zirconia necklace
STATIONERY
Invitations – done and sent out
Save The Dates – done, but not used
RSVP Cards – done and sent out
Location map – on our website and available to download
Thank you cards – bought blank cards and envelopes. We will stick a wedding photo to the front and send them out after the wedding.
Envelope seals – wax seals
FLORALS
Bride’s bouquet – red roses, no greenery
Bridesmaids’ bouquet – roses, either red or cream
Buttonholes – single red rose, little greenery
Centrepieces – red rose mix
FOR THE RECEPTION
Champagne flutes – hire from Sainsbury’s
Cake tops – no!
Cake server set – fiancé is a chef, so he has plenty of knives…
Garters – bought it years ago…
Table covers – part and parcel with the rental of the marquee
Balloons
HOSPITALITY
Engagement party – n/a
Rehearsal dinner - n/a
Pre reception snacks – cake and Pimms
Non bar beverages – drinks bought from Sainsbury’s
Wedding cake
Ceremony site – register office
Reception hall - my dad’s house!
Guest accommodation –information provided on the website
MUSIC
Pre ceremony – CD compilation playing
Bridal entry – Pachelbel’s Canon in D
Signing of register – CD compilation playing
Exit ceremony music – CD compilation playing
Couples entry to reception – iPod playing
Cutting of cake – iPod playing
First Dance – A song written by the band playing at our wedding
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)