Decide whether you want or can in fact have a church wedding or whether you want a civil ceremony.

Make sure that you meet the legal requirements and in any case ensure you have all the documents that will be required.

Now be certain who is to pay for the wedding.

Now put together a provisional guest list so that you can estimate the budget required and the size of ceremony venue.

Consider if you are going to do everything yourself or if you are going to use the service of a wedding planner as can be found in this guide.

If getting married in church make a provisional booking with the minister. This will usually entail a meeting with him.

If you wish to marry in register office then provisionally book it now.

If you wish to marry by civil ceremony at a licensed venue then provisionally book the superintendent registrar to attend the premises.

Decide which venue you wish to wedding to take place at and provisionally book it.

When the venue conforms your date is available then book it now.

If you are taking out wedding insurance do so now before paying any deposits.

Decide on type of catering you require.

Choose your photographer and videographer – there is likely to be a good selection within this guide.

Decide on the type of music you want at both the ceremony or the reception. A good gospel choir goes down well during the ceremony.

An all round band will do well at reception but remember if they are playing for a long time you will probably need a disc jockey to fill in the gaps when the band is having a break.

Order your cake after deciding on the style and colours.

Book the transport to and from the ceremony for the bridal party. Make sure that you see the vehicle before you confirm and have a guarantee that these will be the vehicles on the day.

This is also the time to start considering the wedding dress. Look up magazines or visit wedding shows to get an idea.

With 20 weeks until Wedding Day

Choose the wedding outfits for the chief bridesmaid the other bridesmaid and flower girls.

Choose clothes for Groom, Best Man, ushers, pages and ring bearer.

Have a meeting with both mothers for them to decide on their choices of outfits, colours and styles to complement each other.

Decide of style of flowers and the arrangement. A meeting with florist should be made as soon as possible. Maybe see more than one and get quotes then book.

If you have young children attending then book their own entertainment for reception and/or creche facilities.

With 16 weeks until Wedding Day

Choose Your Wedding Rings.

Make sure you have a gift list prepared.

Work out the hairstyle you require on the day.

If you are going overseas on Honeymoon check both passports are valid beyond the dates of the honeymoon. If you wish to travel in your married name you will need to change passport details.

You can change your name by deed poll at this time. Cost little and will enable you to apply to apply for new passport in new name and also apply for any visa if needed. You do not need to provide reason to passport office for change of name. Full details are available at Name Change page.

With 12 weeks until Wedding Day

If marrying in Scotland by civil ceremony then book registrar now as it is only valid for three months so no point in booking sooner.

Send out your invitations now. Do not, repeat do not add a wedding list to invitation envelope. it may save you postage but can also cause some hard feelings. Have wedding list available to post or send by email to any that request it.

When a guest/s accepts your invitation you can include it with a wedding pack that also details the locations of the ceremony venue and that of the reception. Some may be travelling a long distance it is good to include information on hotels or guest houses if you know they may need it.

If any one does not reply within 3 weeks then telephone or email them to find out if they are coming or not. If not allocate their places to the next people on your supplimentary waiting list. Do this as soon as possible so those invited 2nd do not feel like they are a second choice.

It is nice to have a ‘guest book’ for people to sign who attend the wedding.

With 8 weeks until Wedding Day

Both bride and groom to book hen and stag parties.

Make sure your guests have booked their accommodation if required.

Telephone invited guests who have not replied.

With 4 weeks until Wedding Day

Book final hair appointment and arrange for makeup person to attend house. Confirm whether stylist will be able to come to your home on day of wedding.

Send final number of guests to caterer and also to reception venue.

Prepare speeches and practice them!!!!

Check that all clothes for wedding party have arrived and they fit.

Check the time it takes from bride’s home to wedding ceremony location.

Select and buy presents for the bridal party, attendants, family and friends.

Finalise the reception arrangements.

Ensure that your outfit is complete and also that of your groom.

With 7 days until Wedding Day

Have a final rehearsal at the wedding ceremony.

Wear in your new wedding shoes!!!!!

Make sure your order of service sheets have arrived, also the place, menu and thank you cards have also been delivered.

Order foreign currency if travelling overseas.

Celebrate at your stag and hen parties.

Have list of emergency numbers for the day. And make sure that there is no problem with any supplier not delivering on the day.

The Big Day

Get up very early.

Stick to timetable you have worked out previously.

Only have people around that you are really comfortable with.

Take your time and do not be rushed so give yourself plenty of time.

If going to salon for hair then make sure you take veil, headdress or flowers with you.

Relax and have fun.