A few years of these conversations and providing entertainment for countless weddings, and we think we’ve gotten pretty savvy in terms of when things need to be organised and booked, as well as the little bits and pieces that creep up on you, and often get overlooked. <\/P><\/p>\n
We don’t think that planning a wedding has to be stressful, and there’s lots of great inspiration and advice out there. So, we thought we\u2019d impart what we\u2019ve learned throughout our many years in the wedding industry, as well as point you in the direction of some of our favourite wedding resources, by providing a comprehensive wedding checklist! <\/P><\/p>\n
We’ve also included some pretty stunning photography from a handful of talented wedding photographers who you’ll see listed in the photo credits below.<\/P><\/p>\n
Looking To Hire A Wedding Band?<\/h3>\n
Browse Wedding Bands<\/span><\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n So what are you waiting for? Scroll down for our in-depth post on each stage of planning your wedding, or simply click on the image to download a handy PDF version of the checklist you can use for your big day! <\/P><\/p>\n And if you’d like to share this checklist on your website – you’ll find an easy embed code at the end of the post.<\/P><\/p>\n Enjoy! <\/p>\n Our advice is to get the awkward financial conversations out of the way with your loved ones now! It will be very helpful to know if anyone was planning on contributing financially and how much they are willing to part with \u2013 it might make all the difference to what you can include in your day! In some cases, parents who want to contribute might decide to cover the cost of a certain aspect of the day, rather than just contribute a certain amount. Whatever the case, it\u2019s better to know before you start planning so that you can work out a budget that takes this into consideration.<\/p>\n <\/br><\/p>\n Decide how much money you have got to spend on your day. Include any contributions from loved ones, as well as how much you are willing to put towards each different element of the wedding. Some couples are willing to prioritise areas of the day, compromising to save in some areas (such as choosing a midweek day to get married), yet don\u2019t want to compromise in others, be it a prestigious venue or live music throughout the day.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n These two points come hand in hand. You don\u2019t want to be setting a date and then finding that your dream venue is booked already and that you have to compromise. Perhaps have a few dates in mind or just a general season that you\u2019d be happy with, so you can ensure getting your dream venue booked. If you do have a set date that you really want to get married on, it might be that you need to be more flexible on venue.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n FAQ: Do I Need A Wedding Planner? \u2013<\/em><\/strong> <\/p>\n Many weddings at the moment are based around a theme, sometimes very general like \u2018summer\u2019, and some more specific such as \u2018festival\u2019 or \u2018vintage\u2019. This can impact many of the choices that you\u2019ll make surrounding your day, so deciding on your theme early can save you time and money later on; This goes for everything from invitations and decorations, to wedding favours and live music; We often get asked for \u2018Vintage Styled\u2019 bands or \u2018Mumford and Sons\u2019 type festival acts to help bring themes to life.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Prior to the actual booking process, you need to think about which parts of the day you would like live music\/entertainment.<\/p>\n Here are some suggestions:<\/p>\n We speak to no end of couples that are disappointed because they have left it until 6 months before their day to book their dream band, inevitably finding out they have already been snapped up. Please ignore publications that tell you otherwise, if you have something specific in mind, book your entertainment as soon as you\u2019ve booked your venue to avoid having to compromise. We have many options available and guarantee that we\u2019ll find you an alternative band that you love if push comes to shove \u2013 but your first choice can be yours if you book well in advance! You can browse through our range of wedding bands here<\/u><\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It\u2019s important to at least start thinking about the practical questions surrounding your guests. \u201cHow many people can we afford to invite for the wedding breakfast?\u201d \u201cCan the venue only hold so many?\u201d \u201cShould we allow children and plus 1\u2019s?\u201d The guest list can cause quite a headache during your planning; have an idea in place as soon as you\u2019re able\u2026and try not to fall out about it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It\u2019s an exciting time when you ask your closest friends and relatives to be an integral part of your special day \u2013 they will want to know as soon as possible, not just so they can help you with your plans, but they may like to make certain preparations i.e. dare I say it, starting a diet.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It\u2019s a good idea to send these out as soon as your venue is booked and you\u2019ve decided on a provisional guest list, especially if you\u2019re getting married on a prime Summer date that might see your guests attending other weddings \u2013 get in there first! Remember that invitations with details about what part of the day people will be invited to can go out later, so don\u2019t get too hung up on these details.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Just like when it comes to top quality live bands \u2013 the best photographers and videographers get booked up quickly and are regularly snapped up over 12 months in advance. If you find someone that you\u2019d like to entrust with capturing the happiest day of your life to date \u2013 don\u2019t hang around, get them secured!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re getting married at your local church or having a civil ceremony at your venue \u2013 you need to ensure that somebody is free to perform the marriage rites. This is especially important if you would like someone specific to oversee your ceremony. Getting this out of the way early means you\u2019re not worrying about it later down the line.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If your venue is providing all the food for the event, then by all means ignore this point. If you\u2019re hosting more of a DIY day however, it\u2019s never too soon to start looking around for the perfect wedding catering company<\/a><\/u> who\u2019ll provide the style of food that you and your guests will adore – perhaps some mouth-watering street food. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n This is one of the really exciting parts. It\u2019s never too soon to start looking around and getting an idea of what suits you etc. It might take a while to find the perfect dress, so it\u2019s never too early to start looking. The earlier you start to look, the less stressful it\u2019s going to be and the more fun you can have playing dress-up!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The running theme of this article seems to be \u2018get in there quickly\u2019, and the same applies when it comes to your transport. If you are planning on booking something a little different such as a replica of \u2018The Batmobile\u2019 \u2013 chances are that the company will only have one or two of them and if they\u2019re already booked on your day, you\u2019ll have to rethink.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Flowers are a key part of any wedding. Here is where your pre-determined theme will make things a lot easier. Your florist will be able to talk you through complementary colours, what will be in season and an idea of cost etc. so that you can work out the best package for your special day.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n This is a highly recommended purchase, and usually very inexpensive. As much as you may not want to consider these possibilities, freak weather, illness, supplier problems and venue issues could really leave you out of pocket. Get covered!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Some venues include a Master Of Ceremonies within their package, but they are available to book directly if you\u2019d like one. They aren\u2019t for everyone, but they add a nice air of formality to the day and lead you through the proceedings without your ushers or best man taking the responsibility.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Now that you\u2019ve spent a bit of time looking around, you\u2019ll have a good idea of whether your dream style is available off the rail or if you\u2019ll need to have it made just for you. Bespoke dresses generally take up to 6 months to make, plus subsequent alterations. Making the decision and purchasing or ordering your dress nice and early will save a lot of headache closer to the date!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n You\u2019ll be able to see how your day will be shaping up around now and will be able to decide if you\u2019d like\/can afford any other entertainment elements to add to proceedings. These can include close-up magicians to wow your guests, fire artists to add a sparkle to summer evenings or caricaturists who\u2019ll poke light-hearted fun at your guests\u2019 facial features!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Now is a good time to secure your holiday, you\u2019ll have more of an idea surrounding your available budget and will still be able to get good \u2018early-bird\u2019 deals.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You may or may not have a good idea of what you\u2019d like your cake to look and taste like, but either way, now is the time to partake in a few (or more) tastings and decide on the layers, colours and flavours of this integral part of the day.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It\u2019s time to buy all the fun fripperies associated with your role as Bride. Now you know what dress you\u2019ve ordered, you can decide what underwear you\u2019ll need, what to wear in your hair, what jewellery to wear and also choose the all-important shoes. Don\u2019t forget to the superstitious necessary additions of \u2018something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue\u2019!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Your theme and colour choices will have started to impact the decisions you\u2019ve made up to this point, and they\u2019ll also influence what dresses you\u2019d like your bridesmaids in and what kind of suit the groom and his poss\u00e9 will be wearing. It\u2019s still early enough to get all of this organised as they\u2019ll require less fittings etc than the bride, so it\u2019s more of a case of try them on, order them and perhaps alter once for the girls and organise a simple collection for the boys.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It\u2019s certainly a good time to start organising your wedding stationery and favours for the table. If you\u2019re hiring an external supplier for these details, you want to give them plenty of notice, or if you\u2019re making things yourself (with the recruitment of a bridesmaid or two) then get going \u2013 it\u2019s always a part of the day that you underestimate in terms of how long it will take – Table plans can take a while to perfect!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n This is obviously an important part of making you feel your best and most beautiful self on the big day. Unless you know whom you\u2019d like to do your hair and makeup, it can take a couple of trials from perhaps a couple of different companies to really get the look you want. You\u2019ll also need to book them well in advance if you require them coming to your venue or working from very early in the morning.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n This element may already be covered as you may be getting married in a hotel that provides discount for wedding parties. If you\u2019re holding your wedding at a barn or somewhere else a little different though, you\u2019ll need to find out what accommodation is close by and get it booked\/send out the details to friends and family so they can arrange their stay. It will also be helpful to ask the venue for a list of taxi services close by to avoid your guests being stranded at the end of the night.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Your loved ones already possess a \u2018Save The Date\u2019 card, but now is the time to follow it up with a firm invitation so they know if they\u2019re invited for the whole day, or just the evening, and if they can bring children etc. A lot of couples now create their own wedding website where guests can RSVP to the invite and view any gift lists.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n This is traditionally the job of the best man and maid of honour, but they might need a bit of a nudge to get things organised. It\u2019s not uncommon for stag and hens to take their parties abroad nowadays, so make sure that they firm up the plans and let everyone involved know, especially if they\u2019ll need them to book time off work. If you\u2019re staying in the UK and looking to book an activity or weekend break, it\u2019s still a good idea to book this now as you don\u2019t want to be left searching for available hotel rooms at a peak time of the year.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you haven\u2019t thought of this already, it\u2019s not a bad idea to book a few days off prior to your date, rather than get there and realise you have far too much to do to make it in! Also don\u2019t forget to get the honeymoon dates in there too as you\u2019ll need a job when you get back to pay for all these luxuries!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Now is a good time to think about finding your perfect rings. You don\u2019t want to be holding on to these for too long at home, but still need time to find the perfect ones for you, especially if you need to get them resized or engraved.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If your venue is supplying your food, you\u2019ll be invited to attend a menu tasting so you can decide what you\u2019d like to enjoy on your day. It\u2019s not uncommon for choices to vary in price either a little or dramatically, (sometimes by up to \u00a35 a head – which quickly adds up!) so bear that in mind when making your decision.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You\u2019ll be able to decide how you\u2019d like your ceremony to shape up around now. Are you having readings or songs? Who would you like to speak? You can also think about whether you\u2019d like to write your own vows or be traditional.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n This little detail can cause a huge headache, so just check to make sure that your passport is valid until at least 6 months after the date you come home from your honeymoon.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n If all goes to plan, you\u2019ll have your last fitting a couple of months before the big day. There is still enough time to fix any issues at this point so don\u2019t leave your \u2018final fitting\u2019 too late in case it turns out not to be the last one!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n This point is not just for the ladies. There\u2019s nothing worse than going through the torture of uncomfortable shoes when you\u2019re trying to have a good time. Wear them lots at home and you\u2019ll get the blisters and tightness out of the way well before you\u2019re doing the conga. For the ladies, if you decide to go down the practical route and opt for some alternative, comfortable shoes for the evening – now\u2019s a good time to get them sorted!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sorting this detail now means another point is checked off the last minute list. If you\u2019re planning something personalised i.e. engraved cufflinks or necklaces, you obviously need time for these to arrive without having to pay for expensive fast delivery.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you\u2019ve booked a live band for the evening and they offer to learn special requests, it can only be a good thing to let them know your choices well in advance so they can learn and, if necessary, rehearse together before your date.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n We\u2019ve included this detail here as it\u2019s very popular at the moment for couples to choose an alternative to the standard \u2018guest book\u2019. There are all sorts of unique options available such as providing tags and pens so your guests can write a note and hang it off a tree, writing on little wooden hearts and posting them into a glass fronted frame, or writing directly onto a canvas that has a photo of the bride and groom in the middle. If you\u2019re choosing something like this, it may take time to order or make yourself.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The positive thing about waiting until now to write the speeches is that you don\u2019t have to worry about it for too long! You also still have time to write and practice a good speech if you start at the beginning of month leading up to the wedding.<\/p>\n Here at Entertainment Nation, our acts all provide a \u20184 week call\u2019 to clients in order to finalise details of your day. This includes timings, venue discussions (where they can bring their equipment in etc), and any live music requests if you\u2019d like to choose specific songs from their repertoire. If your band also provides a DJ service (either a playlist or fully-manned), you can let them know any songs you want included.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You\u2019re well and truly on the countdown now and most couples choose this time to kick off the festivities and go on their respective stag and hen parties! (Having them a couple of weeks before the wedding gives everyone enough time to recover if things get a little crazy).<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you haven\u2019t already, choose who you\u2019d like to sign the register and witness your marriage in the eyes of the law.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You may find that a few people have been a little non-committal about whether or not they\u2019ll be attending. It\u2019s now no longer rude to get in touch and ask them if they\u2019ll be present, as you \u201cneed to finalise numbers with the venue and caterers\u201d.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Once you know a definitive list, you can firm up your seating plan. Some tables may seem a little disjointed, but everyone will make the best of it so don\u2019t let it worry you.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n You\u2019ll now hopefully know if anyone has dropped out or if you\u2019ve forgotten anyone that needs to be slotted in. They\u2019ll appreciate knowing this information ASAP.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You don\u2019t want to be worrying about anything on your day. You can avoid this by making your bridesmaids and groomsmen aware of timings, suppliers etc. and giving out any emergency contact numbers so they can deal with any last minute niggles while you\u2019re busy being pampered.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It\u2019s never a bad thing to call your suppliers and just check in with them to make sure that everything is still fine with your booking. You may need to pay final balances at this point anyway.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Don\u2019t forget to encourage the groomsmen to try on their suits at home before the day, as any last minute size errors can be embarrassing (yet comical!).<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The flowers are usually delivered in boxes, which will hopefully save anything being squashed. Your florist will provide any special instructions on the care of them during their car ride to the venue.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Your supplier may deliver this to your venue and if they are then you have no worries! If you\u2019re picking it up – 4 words\u2026drive slowly, air-con on!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You\u2019re at the enjoyable bit now, sit back with your glass of bubbly and let someone transform you into a swan for the 17,000 photographs you\u2019ll be in that day.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
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<\/br><\/p>\nAt Least 12 Months Before the Big Day:<\/h2>\n
Decide Who Is Going To Pay For What \u2013<\/h3>\n
Budget and Allocation \u2013<\/h3>\n
Set The Date & Book A Venue \u2013<\/h3>\n
\nDoes your venue include this service? If not, it\u2019s very much down to personal preference. Would you rather be hands on, dealing with suppliers and organising all the finer details – or would you rather \u2018oversee\u2019 the process, sit back and enjoy choosing elements without the stress of needing to provide the creative ideas? Another option is to consider using a wedding planning website.<\/p><\/blockquote>\nSet A Theme \u2013<\/h3>\n
Plan Your Wedding Entertainment –<\/h3>\n
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\n <\/p>\nBook Your Wedding Entertainment \u2013<\/h3>\n
Start Compiling the Guest List \u2013<\/h3>\n
Appoint Bridesmaids\/Best Man\/Ushers \u2013<\/h3>\n
![\"bridesmaids\"](\"https:\/\/www.entertainment-nation.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/bridesmaids-500x357.jpg\")
Save The Date Cards \u2013<\/h3>\n
Booking your Photographer and\/or Videographer \u2013<\/h3>\n
Book Your Church Registrar \/ Minister \u2013<\/h3>\n
Book the Caterers \u2013<\/h3>\n
Start thinking about Wedding Dresses –<\/h3>\n
![\"wedding](\"https:\/\/www.entertainment-nation.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/wedding-dress-500x357.jpg\")
9-12 Months in Advance:<\/h2>\n
Book Wedding Cars\/Transport \u2013<\/h3>\n
![\"wedding](\"https:\/\/www.entertainment-nation.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/wedding-transport-500x271.jpg\")
Book your Florist \u2013<\/h3>\n
Wedding Insurance \u2013<\/h3>\n
Toastmaster (if required) \u2013<\/h3>\n
Decide What Kind Of Dress You Want and Order \u2013<\/h3>\n
6-9 Months Before The Big Day!<\/h2>\n
Book any Additional Entertainment \u2013<\/h3>\n
Book your Honeymoon \u2013<\/h3>\n
Wedding Cake \u2013<\/h3>\n
![\"wedding](\"https:\/\/www.entertainment-nation.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/wedding-cake-500x357.jpg\")
Shoes, Underwear and Accessories \u2013<\/h3>\n
Dresses and Suits \u2013<\/h3>\n
Wedding Favours and Stationery \u2013<\/h3>\n
![\"wedding](\"https:\/\/www.entertainment-nation.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/wedding-favours-500x357.jpg\")
Book Hair and Makeup \u2013<\/h3>\n
Wedding Night Accommodation \u2013<\/h3>\n
Invitations and Gift List \u2013<\/h3>\n
Plan Stag and Hen Do\u2019s \u2013<\/h3>\n
Book Time Off Work \u2013<\/h3>\n
3-6 Months Before The Big Day!<\/h2>\n
Buy Wedding Rings \u2013<\/h3>\n
![\"wedding](\"https:\/\/www.entertainment-nation.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/wedding-rings-500x357.jpg\")
Food Tastings and Finalising your Menu \u2013<\/h3>\n
Agree Order of Service with Registrar\/Vicar \u2013<\/h3>\n
Valid Passports –<\/h3>\n
2-3 months Before The Big Day!<\/h2>\n
Final Dress Fittings \u2013<\/h3>\n
Wear Your Shoes In At Home \u2013<\/h3>\n
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Buy Gifts for Bridal Party \u2013<\/h3>\n
Choose Special Songs and Requests Including First Dance \u2013<\/h3>\n
Buy Guestbook \u2013<\/h3>\n
4 Weeks Before The Big Day!<\/h2>\n
Write Speeches \u2013<\/h3>\n
Make Contact with Entertainment to Finalise Details-<\/h3>\n
Stag and Hen Do\u2019s \u2013<\/h3>\n
Decide on your Witnesses \u2013<\/h3>\n
Chase Up Wayward Guests \u2013<\/h3>\n
Finalise Seating Plan \u2013<\/h3>\n
1 Week Before The Big Day!<\/h2>\n
Confirm Final Numbers with Venue and Caterers \u2013<\/h3>\n
Brief the Bridal Party \u2013<\/h3>\n
Confirm Final Details with Suppliers \u2013<\/h3>\n
Collect Suits and Dresses \u2013<\/h3>\n
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The Big Day!<\/h2>\n
Pick Up The Flowers \u2013<\/h3>\n
Pick Up The Cake \u2013<\/h3>\n
Get Hair and Makeup Done \u2013<\/h3>\n
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Get Dressed \u2013<\/h3>\n
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