Six to eight months (or earlier)
Choose the date
What time of year you would like to get married? Some seasons such as Autumn and Spring are busier than others. Where would you like to be married? This involves making appointments to see your minister, priest or marriage celebrant and of course, if you plan to be married 'out of town' considering accommodation options for guests..
Your Budget
Your budget will influence just about every decision and choice you make. Try to get a rough idea of your general budget range at the beginning of your plans. If there are special touches that are important to you, find out their costs so as to factor them in from the start and prioritise.
Your Guest List
Be Designed by Bayleaf has a reputation for the ability to produce amazing food from the intimate to the large scale. Start by writing a guest 'wish list' with everyone you would love to invite then scale it down until you reach the desired number. Remember, the scale of the wedding will influence your budget and choice of venues greatly.
Your Reception
Be Designed by Bayleaf has an extensive venue portfolio, with many venues ideal for indoor our outdoor weddings. Your Be Designed assistant will explain in more detail or visit venues you are interested in. Venues will offer wedding packages, which may include items such as flowers, decorations, entertainment and wedding night accommodation. Research is the key!
Choosing your caterer
When choosing a caterer, the food must reflect your personal style. Bayleaf Catering & Edible Solutions have catered for countless weddings and can provide you with various menus for your special day. Don't feel limited by the initial menu selection; we are more than willing to make further suggestions to suit your requirements and budget. Also, part of our service is to provide a tasting session for you and the other ‘decision makers'. Inquire about other services we offer, Be Designed by Bayleaf do more than just food and beverages.
Your Dress
Most brides already have an idea in mind, but it's worthwhile shopping around and looking through bridal magazines for inspiration. Also, take someone along who knows you well and who knows what suits you and will be honest in their opinion. Think about bridesmaids dresses and what will work for your bridal party.....hint...ask them what they would like to wear.
Your Honeymoon
Think about how well your chosen destination suits your chosen time of year. Nobody likes the tropics during the monsoon season! Decide where you would like to go and inquire about packages on offer. The honeymoon should be booked relatively soon as the price to a destination can vary depending on the time of year.
Four to six months
Your Invitations
Have invitations printed and sent out after scrutinizing the accuracy and spelling of the general layout and guest names. Set a reasonable RSVP date to allow you plenty of time to confirm final numbers.
Wedding night accommodation
Decide where you and your guests (particularly close family and bridal party)will be staying the night of your wedding and book accommodation accordingly.
Your Wedding cake
Find a suitable cake designer and decide on the cake you would like. Ask to view some of their previous work. Also, try some cake samples... flavour and quality are as important as the presentation. Think about who will be responsible for getting the cake to the venue.
Wedding rings
Order and arrange to purchase your wedding rings.
Transportation
Arrange wedding cars or any other transport required for your wedding day. Hint: remember that most vintage cars do not have air conditioning so if you're planning a summer or winter wedding you don't want to be driving for too long between locations.
Two to Three months
Your Flowers
Decide on the style of floral arrangements you would like. Either the venue will supply this in their package or you should find a florist that reflects your style. Again, time of year will influence types of flowers. Use the florists knowledge and invite their suggestions.
Your Photographer
Discuss with your photographer what style you would like, and what aspects of the wedding day will be most important to you. Inquire about the price and what it actually includes. Check that the person marrying you will allow photographs to be taken throughout the ceremony.
Hair and make up
Make the appropriate appointments for you and your bridal party. It is advisable that you have trials before the day to avoid disappointment.
Gifts
Decide whether you would like to go with a Bridal registry. If so, you need to compile a list of the gifts you suggest. Ensure that gifts are delivered to a relative if delivered while you are on your honeymoon for safety reasons.
One-month prior
Marriage license
Obtain a wedding license.
Travel and honeymoon arrangements
Confirm all these details, timings and ensure everything is organised and in place.
Your dress (and shoes)
Arrange for final fitting of the dress. Find appropriate shoes and ensure that all bridesmaids are organised.
The Seating plan
Arrange the seating plan for the reception.
The Speeches
Start preparing speeches and a run schedule of who will be speaking on the night, length of speeches and liaise with your Master of ceremonies.
The Caterer
Touch base with your Be Designed by Bayleaf wedding assistant to confirm final numbers.
One-week prior
Ensure that all details are set and organised. This is your time to relax and concentrate on yourself and your special day.
Prior planning will allow you to enjoy this time and will eliminate all the stress that comes with organising a wedding.
Remember one thing in the last week, pamper yourself! |
