I know that it's been a while...time seems to just slip away when trying to balance a full-time job, wedding planning and blogging, along with sleep and the other stresses of daily life. But I couldn't not write a post today, especially as I have the day off work.
It is one year until my big day...this time next year I'll be a married woman - I really can't believe how quickly time is moving, and how quick time has passed since I got engaged 9 whole months ago.
Now, as I was pretty keen on the wedding planning I have much sorted out most of the key elements already - the venue, the ceremony, my lovely talented florist, performer/DJ, photographer & prop hire to be exact. But, maybe you've been a little more slack! However, it's completely possible to plan a wedding in a year, as long as you're completely on the ball and fully focused - so I've put together a little checklist for the 12-6 months before the big day.
12 months to go
This is really the last point to make the all important decisions - what is it that you want from the wedding? Something small, or something big? Where are you going to get married - when? Do you want a theme - if so is this theme going to be integrated in all parts of the day, including the time of year, and the venue? You really need to try to agree on as many things as possible at this point.
11 months to go
At this stage you really need to find your venue, and set the date. Typically venues can get booked up much more than a year in advance, so it's really important to finalise. And what's more, you can get a feel for the venue at the time of year that you'll be getting married - is it breezy? Too warm, or too cold? Don't settle with your venue either - go with your gut and you're bound to enjoy your day a million times more than if you settled for somewhere you weren't completely happy with.
10 months to go
So to the scary part - it's time to get shopping and find your dream dress. This may take a little longer than expected, so allow plenty of time, set aside weekends, and be prepared to travel if you live in a quiet, and more remote area. Made-to-measure dresses tend to need to be ordered 6 months in advance to avoid any unnecessary additional costs.
9 months to go
Now is the time for something that no one really enjoys tackling - the wedding list. Who is coming to the day, who is coming in the evening - who isn't coming?? Unfortunately at this stage you have to be selfish. If you don't see someone from one year to the next, can you really justify inviting them to your £40 per head three-course sit down meal? And your cousins, boyfriend's aunt and children? cut!
8 months to go
Now is the time to gather your thoughts on photographers, caterers (if they're not included within the wedding), think about florists, musicians or a DJ. Now's the perfect time to also order your wedding stationary - including invites, menus, place cards, order of service and even thank you cards.
7 months to go
Plan & book your honeymoon at this stage. I'm sure you've got a pretty good idea what it is that you're looking for from a honeymoon by now - whether its near, afar, luxury or something a little less, now is the time to book. Typically travel agents release the hotels approximately 9-10 months before travel - believe me I've tried to get ahead of myself and had no luck. Don't be afraid to try and go for extras, discounts, or specials for newlyweds! Consider whether you need to update the name on your passport if you're planning a trip abroad.
You can also gather your bridesmaids and choose their dresses at this stage, as well as the groom, ushers and best man (yes we can't forget about them).
6 months to go
If you're planning to get fit for the wedding, I would recommend the whole year to get yourself prepared. For me it's more about adopting a lifestyle change, and have been integrating healthy food choices, as well as exercise into my daily routine for the last couple of months now. But six months before the wedding is the perfect time to up the antics.
Make sure you're completely happy with the bridesmaids dresses - even if you have to make them try them on several times. Send out your save the dates (this can be done earlier if you desire), make sure you've chosen your florist, sampled the catering & chosen a menu, ordered the cake, groom's suit & finally sorted your gift list for the guests.
If you're planning to begin to use the make-up or lotions that your make up artist has recommended, or is planning to use on the big day, now it the time to start these, and any other beauty regimes you have planned.
I hope this offers a little insight to someone who may need it, or anyone who is just curious, and i'll be back with a 6 months to go post soon!
Love Kelly x
One year to go
I know that it's been a while...time seems to just slip away when trying to balance a full-time job, wedding planning and blogging, along with sleep and the other stresses of daily life. But I couldn't not write a post today, especially as I have the day off work.
It is one year until my big day...this time next year I'll be a married woman - I really can't believe how quickly time is moving, and how quick time has passed since I got engaged 9 whole months ago.
Now, as I was pretty keen on the wedding planning I have much sorted out most of the key elements already - the venue, the ceremony, my lovely talented florist, performer/DJ, photographer & prop hire to be exact. But, maybe you've been a little more slack! However, it's completely possible to plan a wedding in a year, as long as you're completely on the ball and fully focused - so I've put together a little checklist for the 12-6 months before the big day.
12 months to go
This is really the last point to make the all important decisions - what is it that you want from the wedding? Something small, or something big? Where are you going to get married - when? Do you want a theme - if so is this theme going to be integrated in all parts of the day, including the time of year, and the venue? You really need to try to agree on as many things as possible at this point.
11 months to go
At this stage you really need to find your venue, and set the date. Typically venues can get booked up much more than a year in advance, so it's really important to finalise. And what's more, you can get a feel for the venue at the time of year that you'll be getting married - is it breezy? Too warm, or too cold? Don't settle with your venue either - go with your gut and you're bound to enjoy your day a million times more than if you settled for somewhere you weren't completely happy with.
10 months to go
So to the scary part - it's time to get shopping and find your dream dress. This may take a little longer than expected, so allow plenty of time, set aside weekends, and be prepared to travel if you live in a quiet, and more remote area. Made-to-measure dresses tend to need to be ordered 6 months in advance to avoid any unnecessary additional costs.
9 months to go
Now is the time for something that no one really enjoys tackling - the wedding list. Who is coming to the day, who is coming in the evening - who isn't coming?? Unfortunately at this stage you have to be selfish. If you don't see someone from one year to the next, can you really justify inviting them to your £40 per head three-course sit down meal? And your cousins, boyfriend's aunt and children? cut!
8 months to go
Now is the time to gather your thoughts on photographers, caterers (if they're not included within the wedding), think about florists, musicians or a DJ. Now's the perfect time to also order your wedding stationary - including invites, menus, place cards, order of service and even thank you cards.
7 months to go
Plan & book your honeymoon at this stage. I'm sure you've got a pretty good idea what it is that you're looking for from a honeymoon by now - whether its near, afar, luxury or something a little less, now is the time to book. Typically travel agents release the hotels approximately 9-10 months before travel - believe me I've tried to get ahead of myself and had no luck. Don't be afraid to try and go for extras, discounts, or specials for newlyweds! Consider whether you need to update the name on your passport if you're planning a trip abroad.
You can also gather your bridesmaids and choose their dresses at this stage, as well as the groom, ushers and best man (yes we can't forget about them).
6 months to go
If you're planning to get fit for the wedding, I would recommend the whole year to get yourself prepared. For me it's more about adopting a lifestyle change, and have been integrating healthy food choices, as well as exercise into my daily routine for the last couple of months now. But six months before the wedding is the perfect time to up the antics.
Make sure you're completely happy with the bridesmaids dresses - even if you have to make them try them on several times. Send out your save the dates (this can be done earlier if you desire), make sure you've chosen your florist, sampled the catering & chosen a menu, ordered the cake, groom's suit & finally sorted your gift list for the guests.
If you're planning to begin to use the make-up or lotions that your make up artist has recommended, or is planning to use on the big day, now it the time to start these, and any other beauty regimes you have planned.
I hope this offers a little insight to someone who may need it, or anyone who is just curious, and i'll be back with a 6 months to go post soon!
Love Kelly x
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