PLANNING
Try On Dresses Whether you already have an idea of the style you ’ d like , or have no clue what to choose , make some appointments at bridal boutiques and get a feel for what suits you for a dress around a year before your wedding date , as some boutiques have long lead times when it comes to ordering and altering dresses .
Dress The Bridal Party Once you ’ ve chosen your dress , it ’ s time to plan the looks for your bridal party . Whether you ’ re hiring or buying , going for the same for everyone or embracing a mismatched look , once you ’ ve got an idea of the aesthetic you ’ re looking for , get the group involved in helping to find key items .
Send Your Invites Around 4-6 months before the big day , you ’ ll want to send out your invites . It ’ s helpful to include information for guests such as accommodation and transport options - the more information the better , as you don ’ t want to be inundated with questions on the morning of the wedding !
Book Your Trials Before your big day , most hair and makeup artists will offer you the chance to have a trial . This is a good way to experiment with colours and styles and work out what ’ ll go best with your dress and accessories .
Final Payments Around a month before your wedding , you ’ ll need to make your final payments to your suppliers . This can be a good time to check in with them too , to see if there ’ s anything else they need from you ahead of the day , and to finalise timings and details with them .
Make Your Seating Plan Once you ’ ve had your RSVPs back , it ’ s time to tackle the seating plan ( if you ’ re having one ) and confirm dietary requirements with your venue .
Set Up If you ’ re having a DIY wedding you ’ ll likely have access to your venue a few days before your wedding , so use this time to set up and arrange for suppliers to drop off things like tables , decorations and glassware . If the venue is doing the setting up for you , then check with them to find out what they ’ d like you to give them ( for example , decorations and table settings ).
Get Some Rest Weddings are wonderful , but can be very long and tiring , so make sure you have some down time in the lead up to your big day , and try to get some early nights ! If you ’ re having beauty treatments such as your nails done , book these for a couple of days before the wedding .
Celebrate ! The big day is finally here and you ’ ve prepped like a pro . Congratulations !
28 | AKENTISHCEREMONY . COM | WINTER 2024