Island Life Magazine Ltd April/May 2008 | Page 31

WEDDINGS Checklist: six months before Order bride’s gown/accessories and her attendants’ clothing Book honeymoon Order cake Arrange transport Plan bride’s look with hairstylist/make-up artist Order invitations/other stationery Book florist. Sue of Doris Pink says: The ideal time to think about your flowers is a year to six months in advance. But never ever before you’ve chosen your dress. “It would be a tragedy to have the detail in dress hidden by the bouquet, however lovely it is.” Plan music choices/performers Plan stag/hen celebrations if planning to make it a weekend. Contact those you intend to invite. Three months before Set up wedding gift list Send out invitations Order wedding rings Order clothing for groom and male attendants Plan hen/stag celebrations: - Never for the night before the wedding! Finalise menus, make wine/ drink selections One month before Choose and wrap thank you gifts for family and attendants Create a seating plan Run-through bride’s dress, hair and make-up in full The final fortnight Double-check legal/travel documents Prepare speeches Re-confirm all arrangements with celebrant and suppliers Ensure all outfits fit. Brides and bridesmaids can lose weight through worry or gain it if they are expecting babies Arrange your ceremony rehearsal with clergyman or registrar Check any traffic delays on the day Organise your luggage to be sent to your first-night hotel Enjoy your day Island Life - www.isleofwight.net life Tips & Tricks - Put together a checklist. - If there is a choice of menu, send it out to guests who have accepted, with travel details and map – even if you sent maps out with initial invitation. - Have lots of ferry timetables to hand, to send off to internet-free aunts and uncles - Consider friends with children. If you’re going to make it a child-free wedding, give plenty of warning to enable baby-sitters and sleepovers to be arranged. - Plan a post-wedding get-together to look at photos, find out what’s been happening while you’ve been on honeymoon, and drink up the leftover champagne. 31