• Announce engagement;
• Meet with minister or registrar and book date and time;
• Decide costs and budget in consultation with bride and both sets of parents if applicable;
• Process any necessary paperwork and observe any necessary procedures as advised by vicar or registrar - reading of banns or applying for marriage licence;
• Purchase engagement rings with bride if necessary;
• Draw up guest list in consultation with bride and both sets of parents;
• Select best man and ushers in consultation with bride;
• Select reception venue and caterer, photographer, entertainer, florist, cake maker and transport in consultation with bride.

4 - 6 months

• Organise honeymoon;
• Compile gift list in consultation with bride;
• Mail Invitations and gift list details;
• Arrange passport/visa if required.

3 - 4 months

• Organise own attire and inform male wedding party to co-ordinate;


• Buy gifts for attendants;


• Purchase wedding rings with bride;
• Place firm orders with all suppliers.

1 - 2 months

• Obtain marriage licence or certificate of banns;
• Discuss rehearsal preparations with bride;
• Finalise any honeymoon arrangements i.e. accommodation; currency, inoculations


• Pay for bride's and bridesmaids' bouquets;


• Pay for day's transport;
• Pay for registry office or church fees as required;
• Write reception speech;
• Visit GP for honeymoon inoculations if necessary;
• Check the best man has performed duties he may be entrusted with e.g. write speech; order buttonholes; book transport, book first night destination; safeguard documents.
• Select and Reserve the Men's Formal Wear
• Arrange for the first fitting of Wedding Gown
• Create a song list
• Arrange Formal Portraits
• Purchase gifts for:
  • Maid of Honour
  • Your Attendants
  • The Groom
  • Your Mother
  • Any special person who is making major contributions

  1 - 2 weeks
  

  • Attend rehearsal as arranged with minister;
  • Finalise arrangements with attendants;
  • Finalise Flowers and make arrangements for delivery
  • Have haircut;
  • Pack for honeymoon;
  • Break-in new shoes;
  • Confirm arrangements with all suppliers;
  • Attend stag night;

  Day before or week before

  • Make arrangements with best man to return wedding attire whilst away on honeymoon;
  • Get to bed early.

  On the day
  

  • Make time to have something nutritious to eat. You'll need the energy
  • Stop, sit back and take a deep breathe and absorb what's going on around you.
  • Let unavoidable last-minute changes be handled by someone else and don't fret.
  • Check luggage is taken to reception venue; If you plan to leave the same evening.
  • Give best man money to cover the day's expenses;
  • Check best man has ring, marriage licence/banns certificate, tickets, passports
  • Arrive at church half an hour early;
  • Check details with minister if necessary and hand over certificate of banns;
  • After ceremony, be first to leave for reception with bride.
  • Drink, taste, dance, Look into her eyes, Give her a private toast.
  • Hug your family.
  • Thank all who helped.
  • Include your new in-laws into your happiness and the limelight.
  • Laugh

  Reception duties

  • Participate in the receiving line;
  
  
  • Give speech and toast the bridesmaids;
  • Have first dance;
  
  
  • Circulate amongst guests;
  
  
  • At the end of the evening, depart for first night destination, remembering passports and tickets.

  After the honeymoon
  

  • Confirm with best man that attire has been returned;
  
  
  • Help write thank-you letters;
  
  
  • Choose and order photographs;
  
  
  • Ensure attendants are reimbursed for any expenses;
  
  
  • Visit family and friends.