Getting it all together.

The following is only a guide – some engagements last for a couple of years, others just a few weeks. They say the average engagement is 14 months.

SO AS SOON AS POSSIBLE:
Tell relatives and close friends of your plans to marry.
Place your engagement notice in the local paper.
Arrange the first meeting with your marriage celebrant.
Set the budget and decide whose paying for what.
Delegate some of the major tasks to your mums and best friends.
Decide on the bridal party and other attendants.
Decide on your ideal number of guests and draw up the list with both parents.
Make bookings for Venue, reception, caterer, entertainment.
Choose and book photographer and videographer.
Give some thought to wedding insurance.
Start looking for a dress and attendants’ outfits.
Start a beauty regime for your hair, skin and nails.

AT THREE MONTHS:
Select songs for the service and any other musical choices, book any musicians for the ceremony.
Order the wedding cake, the florist, the wedding stationery.
Arrange a schedule of wedding dress fittings.
Think about organising any entertainment and care of children at the reception.
Discuss hairstyles and arrange a series of appointments with your hairdresser.
Book honeymoon with travel agent [could have worded that a bit better]
Check passports if you are leaving New Zealand.
Select wedding ring
Book the wedding transport.
Post invitations.

AT TWO MONTHS:
Finalise the order of service and check to see that everything is acceptable.
Order service sheets if you will use them.
Reconfirm all prior bookings and double check the times and dates.
Buy bridal accessories – shoes, veil, jewellery etc.
Organise gifts for bridal party and others.
Groom needs to ensure he has organised his clothes.

AT TWO TO THREE WEEKS:
Confirm the number of guests with the caterer.
Draw up a seating plan if needed.
Reconfirm all bookings again!
Inform banks, employers, doctors in writing you are changing your name. Must do the same for the tax office too!
Practice makeup and hairstyle. Wear bridal shoes around the house to break them in.
Draw up a play list of your favourite music.
Practice the first dance!
Go easy with the hen and stag parties.

ONE WEEK:
Collect wedding dress and hang it in a large dress bag to prevent creasing.
Finalise all details of bookings and it is a good idea to type out a schedule of all timings and give to the main suppliers plus the best man and chief bridesmaid.
Ensure all those making speeches have them prepared. Give some subtle hints about the timing.
Write thank you notes to both sets of parents. Post them the day before the wedding and NZ Post may surprise you by delivering them just after you have left for your honeymoon.
Treat yourself to a professional facial and a massage so you are feeling refreshed and relaxed.

THE DAY BEFORE:
Have a manicure and pedicure.
Pack for the honeymoon.
Have an early night.

THE BIG DAY:
Give yourself plenty of time to get ready.
If they are not being delivered send someone to collect flowers and buttonholes.
Groom should arrive at the service at least 20 minutes before the bride.
Everything should run smoothly from now on!