Wedding Timeline 101 x
You’re engaged!! Congratulations, super exciting times ahead for you both! It may feel a little overwhelming on where to start, but with tonnes more time on your hands in the latest lockdown we’ve popped together a little wedding checklist to guide you through some of the main stops on your journey towards the big day…
Step One – Finding your dream venue
Try to imagine the day, how you’ll feel and what it looks like to you. This often can be the hardest decision however you will know deep down once you have found ‘The One’, and from there everything else will fall smoothly into place.
Have a think about these 4 key “S” factors when selecting your dream venue:
1. Setting – Location, location, location; this is the exciting part! Where will your big day be? Home or away, the possibilities are endless. Keep in mind how to accommodate your guests – does the accommodation have overnight rooms on-site or hotels nearby? How accessible is the venue for your guests – by car, train or to the airport for any guests traveling from abroad?
2. Size – How big will your big day really be? Make a list of who you’ll be inviting to share your special day with you, and this will give you a guide estimate for the size/ capacity of the venue you’ll need. Small intimate service or a big blow out? The choice is yours!
3. Season – What time of year to tie the knot! Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter can really change a wedding’s theme. Things like floral arrangements, outdoor space and even the type of dress you select can enhance the aesthetics of your wedding.
4. Spend – have a clear plan from the outset of how much you are willing to spend on your dream venue.
Step 2 – Setting the Date and inviting your guests
You’ve found your perfect venue and set the date – time to tell your loved ones!
The basic rule of thumb is to send your ‘Save the Dates’ no later than 6 months prior to your wedding – this allows your guests enough time to make any arrangements such as time off work, childcare or to organise travel to ensure they can celebrate your big day with you.
Wedding invites next – these should be sent around 10-12 weeks prior to your wedding date. Typically this should include your main invite, an RSVP card, and other helpful information to prepare your guests for the day (local accommodation, recommended attire, gift disclaimer etc).
Step 3 – Finding your dream dress!
This is the part we’ve all been waiting for… it’s time to start gown shopping… and our bridal girl gang at You Are Precious have got you covered!
Finding that dream gown can seem overwhelming at first, with such a wide array of silhouettes, colours and materials out there to choose from, however this is where our specialist Bridal Stylist team can help. With our extensive knowledge and passion for finding the “Precious One” for every bride, this sometimes stressful process will seem like a breeze!
‘’Our process’’
We love to start with a relaxed consultation about your special day – talking through all the ideas you may have, as well as trying on some gorgeous gowns; we recommend trying on 4-6 gowns to compare/ contrast styles – our appointments are all tailor made and centred around you.
Dresses can take up to 6 months to arrive at the studio so shopping early is definitely recommended, and also don’t forget to cater for an additional 1-2 months for any alterations.
Once you’ve found ‘Your Precious One’ we would love to invite you back in for an accessory appointment where we can talk through veils, hair bands and accessories to compliment your gorgeous gown; they can take around 4-6 weeks to arrive.
The legal bit
Ahead of your special day, you must sign a legal statement at your local registry office to acknowledge your intent to get married or form a civil partnership, this is known as ‘giving notice’ which is to be done at least 29 days before your ceremony. For this meeting you’ll need details of your venue, ceremony, a valid passport or birth certificate, proof of your home address and proof of any name changes. For further information go to www.gov.uk.
Other bits and pieces
With the important bits covered, here are some other final bits to think about to ensure you make this the most memorable day…
Photographer / Videographer:: ‘A picture is worth a thousand words’ so getting the right photographer is so important. Finding your style of photography helps when choosing the right person, you may also want to view their portfolio of past weddings to get an idea of their work. Booking these as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Entertainment:: whatever the theme you and your partner choose, entertaining your guests on such a special day will help make it even more memorable. Think about the music of your day – perhaps a string quartet to serenade you down the aisle, or a band in the evening to get the party started! Aside from music, think about activities… how about a fancy dress photo booth or a jaw-dropping magician – the possibilities are endless!
Wedding insurance:: Much like you would insure your home or valuable items, having wedding insurance ensures the money you spend on your wedding is safe.
Confetti:: Many venues have different rules when it comes to throwing confetti, so it’s best to contact each venue individually to see what their policy is. Many venues only allow it to be thrown inside, and if outside it may need to be biodegradable. Always check!
Finally, it’s important to remember that no matter what, this is your special day, for you and your loved one. Our stylists are here for all of our beautiful brides to be every step of the way, and for any for help and advice, get in touch via email/ Facebook/ Instagram or schedule your bridal appointment at our beautiful studio in Central Newcastle!
“A wedding is a party, not a performance. If at the end of the day you are married to the one you love, then everything went perfectly.”
