Let's Start At The Very Beginning (a very good place to start!)
Decide the season when you want to marry, Summer, Autumn, Winter or Spring. Also consider to eleviate some of the stress on yourself, by hiring a wedding planner to help you. (You can hire one just for specific things). Set the Wedding Date
Find a marriage celebrant Don't leave this too late - the best celebrants are booked well ahead. Select the person you feel most comfortable with to celebrate this most important event!
Meet with your Marriage Celebrant to begin the process. Complete and lodge the Notice of Intended Marriage form (remember to take your documents with you). The Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) must be lodged with your "celebrant" no more than 18 months and no less than 1 month and 1 day prior to your intended date of marriage.
Consider your attendants (Maid of Honour, Best Man, Bridesmaids, Groomsmen etc.) Decide the style of wedding you want - formal, semi-formal, casual, theme, fancy dress. Book the Venue, Reception and catering. Decide on the Wedding Gown, Suits and Bridesmaids Outfits. Discuss your honeymoon and start reservations. Consider your guest list. Consider your photographer and/or video operator, cars. Consider the floral arrangements for the Bride, Bridesmaids, Groom, Groomsmen and families.
6 Months before the Wedding Finalise the invitation list. Select the stationery and have it printed. Decide the style of wedding rings you want and order them. Consider a Gift List or Bridal Registry. Check with your Celebrant about required documents for marriage. Consider the structure and words for your ceremony. Confirm honeymoon reservations, send deposits and check if travel documents are required (eg Passports, visa, etc). Finalise your menu with your caterer. Discuss gifts for your Bridal Party and purchase them. Decide on the style of your cake.
3 Months to 2 Months before the Wedding Send the invitations. (Give your guests plenty of time to organise babysitters etc) Arrange for fittings of gowns and suits and set dates for final fittings. Select a hairdresser and makeup artist. Book for hair and makeup trials. Compile a confirmed guest list. Confirm your choice of ceremony with your "celebrant" and arrange for a final visit or rehearsal. Confirm floral arrangements with your florist. Confirm bookings for your photographer, video operator, musicians, cars. Give preliminary numbers to your caterer. Look at seating plans. Finalise payment with your Celebrant. Month to Week before the Wedding Pick up the Bridal Gown and Bridesmaids Gowns. Confirm the hairdresser. Arrange for a suitable time for the makeup artist. Pick up the wedding ring/s. Finalise numbers with your caterer. Write your seating plans and place cards.
From 1 -2 Weeks until the Wedding Day Arrange for a “get together” [rehearsal] for the ceremony. This is important so you all feel comfortable and know what your doing. Pick up the suits. Double check honeymoon arrangements. Arrive early to the hairdressers. Pick up the cake. (or arrangements for the cake to be delivered) Confirm final times with makeup artist, photographer, car hire and video operator. R E L A X - and let others help you both. Give yourself sufficient time to ensure you arrive at the ceremony on time Trust your Celebrant to make your day very, very, special.
On the Day
RELAX! It is your wedding day, you have done all the planning already, now it’s time to trust the people around you. They all know what they are doing and are there for you. Accept that minor things may not be EXACTLY how you pictured but your day will still be perfect so don’t let them upset you, it’s not worth it. Cherish every moment, enjoy the day, enjoy your people and have fun. Enjoy your day, you’re getting married to your best friend!
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